Moving to Israel is not an easy feat unless you’re Jewish, but it’s not impossible. To move there, you must understand what visa options are available and how to go through the application process.
In this guide, we’ll go through each step of how to move to Israel.
Step 1. Understanding Your Immigration Options
The easiest way to move to Israel is to complete “Aliyah,” which is the process of immigration to Israel for Jews. But, you can also move there for the following reasons:
- To join family members.
- To work.
- To study.
Moving to Israel as a Jewish Descendant
You can move to Israel as a Jewish person under the “Law of Return,” which is valid for all Jews. As mentioned, this process is known as making Aliyah. To do this, you need to submit an application via a Jewish Agency for Israel office in your area or a credible collaborator.
You can’t apply on your own. Moreover, you need to submit several documents as requested by the Agency. You will be notified of everything you need to do and how the process goes.
If it’s approved, you will become an Israeli citizen immediately, and you will also receive a one-way ticket to the country along with a sum of money (Sal Klitah) to help you settle down in the country.
Moving to Israel to Join Family
You can also move to Israel to join your spouse or partner. The application is initiated by your partner who is already in Israel (citizen or permanent resident), and if the request is approved, you will be granted a temporary residence permit.
For the next four years, your permit will be renewed, and each year, you and your spouse are required to sit down for an interview with an immigration officer to verify the sincerity of your relationship. This is known as a “graduated procedure,” and it can last up to 5.3 years (27 months).
You and your spouse must prepare several required documents for the application, including proof of your relationship.
Moving to Israel for Work
To move to Israel for work, an employer must sponsor your move to the country. They must send a request to the Ministry of Interior, and afterward, the approval is sent to an Israeli consulate in your area. In this case, you will receive a work visa B/1.
This visa is granted to foreign workers in the industry, welfare, construction, and agriculture sectors.
Where to Find Jobs?
Some helpful sites that help foreigners find employment in Israel include the following:
If you’re moving to the country to do “Aliyah”, finding a job becomes easier as you will be matched with different employers, employment agencies, and different job opportunities by your immigration agency.
Moving to Israel to Study
If you want to study in Israel, you need to apply for a student visa A/2. However, you have to meet the following requirements:
- You have been accepted to any institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education.
- You are attending a study program in the VOLCANY Center (agricultural research).
- You are attending a BA program in business administration at the China-Israel Institute.
Step 2. Applying for a Visa
If you’re moving to Israel as a Jewish descendant, the application process for your visa and citizenship is all facilitated by the immigration agency, so you will have clear instructions on how to go about it and what documentation you need.
For another applicant, the process may vary.
Process
Here’s how you can apply for an Israeli visa:
- Fill out the application form. You can find the form online for each of the visa types on the website of the Israel Population and Immigration Authority here or on the website of an Israeli consulate/embassy near you.
- Prepare the required documents. Prepare all the required documents, which differ depending on the reason why you’re moving and which visa you’re applying for.
- Visit an embassy/consulate. Schedule an appointment with a local embassy or Israeli consulate in your country (here) to submit your application. Please remember that for a work visa, your employer must have gotten approval from the Ministry of Interior, and the same with a family visa; your family member must apply on your behalf.
- Submit your application. Submit your application and wait while your visa is processed. If it is approved, you will be notified, and then you can enter Israel. You will be a temporary resident, and you can renew your visa depending on whether the conditions to stay in the country are still valid.
Documents
The visa-required documents include the following:
- Visa application form.
- Passport.
- Proof of booked flight tickets.
- Proof of paid visa fees.
- Civil status documents, e.g., birth certificate, marriage license, etc.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Work contract (if applicable).
- Work permit (if applicable).
- Proof of family ties (if applicable).
- Proof of admission to a higher education institution.
You will be required to submit additional documents depending on the visa type.
Fees
The visa application fee is ILS 200 (approx. $54). You have to keep in mind that this fee does not include any additional service, or documentation costs. Also, it does not account for any official documents you have to pay after arrival.
Step 3. Settling in Israel
Getting a visa is just the first step, afterwards, the real work begins after entering the country.
Getting Your Residence Permit
If you’re entering Israel to complete “Aliyah”, then once you enter you receive an “Oleh Visa” and an Immigration Certificate “Teudat” at the airport. Afterwards, you must apply for an Israeli ID card at the Ministry of Interior, you will automatically receive a residence permit and citizenship.
Other applicants, have to visit the Ministry of Interior to receive their residence permit. Please note that you have to renew your permit each year to continue staying in the country.
Finding Accommodation
Finding accommodation as a Jewish descendant is much easier as the Jewish Agency will provide short-term housing in “Merkaz Klita” (Absorption Centers) for new immigrants. However, most new immigrants prefer to rent.
To help you find a place use the following sites:
- Yad2
- Madlan
- Homeless.co.i
Please be prepared to pay the first and last months’ rate along with a security deposit.
Opening a Bank Account
You will need a bank account in Israel to access benefits, work, and receive your “Sal Klita”. You can do this at any bank you wish in the country, but some of the most popular ones include the following:
- Bank Leumi
- Bank Hapoalim
- Discount Bank
- Mizrahi Tefahot
Obtaining Health Insurance
Israel offers universal public health insurance to its citizens and residents. However, if you’re not moving to the country permanently, you are not eligible for public healthcare. In this case, you have to purchase private international health insurance.
That being said, as a Jewish descent you’re eligible for the public health insurance system, where during the first year you benefit from free healthcare.
Moving to Israel as a US citizen
US (non-Jewish) citizens can easily move to Israel under an investor (B5) visa. This allows US business owners to work and live in Israel temporarily for the sole purpose of managing a business in Israel. To qualify for the visa, you must either purchase an existing business or establish a new one.
Other than this, US Jewish citizens, can move to Israel under “Aliyah” as any other Jewish person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Prove My Jewish Ancestry?
To prove you’re Jewish for “Aliyah” you need the following documents:
- Birth certificate.
- Letter from a recognized Rabbi.
- Parents’ or grandparents’ Jewish marriage or birth certificate.
- Conversion certificate (if applicable).
- Synagogue membership records.
- Bat mitzvah certificate (if applicable).
- Ketubah (Jewish marriage certificate).
- Other documents showing you’re Jewish.
Please note that DNA testing is considered only in special circumstances.
What Is the Moving Cost to Israel?
Moving costs depend on where you’re moving from, and how many of your items you’re taking with you. Be prepared to budget up to $5,000 or more for the moving process.
How Much Is the Average Salary?
The average salary in Israel is around ISL 12,000-13,000 (approx. $3,200-3,400) per month. However, you have to keep in mind that wages differ greatly between regions and of course your chosen profession.
What Are the Living Costs in Israel?
The monthly living costs for a single person without rent are around ISL 4,590 (approx. $1,230).
With rent, you have to consider the following monthly expenses:
- Rent— ILS 5,500 – 8,500 (approx.$1,504 – 2,325) per month for a 2-bedroom in Tel Aviv (cheaper in other cities).
- Utilities— ILS 500 – 1,000 (approx. $137 – 274) per month
- Groceries— ILS 2,000 – 3,500 (approx. $547 – 957) per month for a family
- Public transport— ILS 250 –350 per month (approx. $68 – 96)
Do I Need to Know Hebrew?
You don’t need to know Hebrew to move to the country, but knowing the language will help you acclimate faster and integrate with the community.