Welcome to Israel!

Whether you are coming for just a few months or for a few years, moving to Israel is a big step! As a foreigner, there is a lot to take care of — both before you arrive and once you are here.
We’ve compiled a general checklist to assist you as you settle into this wonderful country.

Please note: This is not a guide to the Aliyah process.

Prepare in Advance! 

Before you travel, be sure to gather all the necessary legal documents for each family member:

• Passport
  
• Original birth certificate
  
• Foreign driver’s license and driving abstract
  
• Social Security number or tax ID number from other countries
  
• Medical records
  
• Marriage license
  
• Background check (if you plan to apply for a work visa, Aliyah, or an A/1 visa)
  
• Apostilles on birth and marriage certificates (for Israeli citizens and those applying for Aliyah, an A/1 or an A/5 visa)

• Find an apartment – Begin your search early. Ask friends, family, and real estate agents for leads.

Just Arrived? Here’s Where to Start:

1. Apply for a Visa

If you are not an Israeli citizen, you will automatically receive a tourist visa upon arrival, valid for three months.
Important: Apply for a long-term visa soon after arrival.
A valid visa will allow you to live — and possibly work — in Israel legally. It may also make you eligible to apply for Bituach Leumi (National Insurance) after 183 days (approximately six months).

Note:
If you or one of your parents is a first-generation Israeli citizen, you may not qualify for a long-term visa. See more information here.

2. Enroll in a Kupat Cholim (Health Fund)

The four health funds are: Meuhedet, Clalit, Leumit, and Maccabi.
As a tourist, you can join Meuchedet or Maccabi, but your coverage will be limited until you are registered with Bituach Leumi.

Note:
If you have a pre-existing condition (including advanced pregnancy), you may be denied Kupat Cholim coverage — be sure to arrange private health insurance. See here for details.

3. Pick Up a Newcomers’ Guide

You can find local resources and guides geared toward new arrivals in the Newcomers Guide.

4. Get a Rav Kav (Public Transportation Card)

If you plan to use buses or trains, you’ll need a Rav Kav, the rechargeable card used to pay fares. Blank Rav Kav cards are available at local stores with charging stations.

5. Open an Israeli Bank Account

If you intend to work or apply for Bituach Leumi, you will need an Israeli bank account.

6. Register for Bituach Leumi (National Insurance)

After six months in Israel, certain visa holders are eligible to register for Bituach Leumi, which:

• Pays for basic health insurance (kupat cholim)
  
• Covers hospitalizations
  
• Provides maternity leave benefits, birth grants, child stipends, and more (if you qualify)
  

Tip:
Once registered with Bituach Leumi, you may apply for reimbursement for kupat cholim payments made during your six-month waiting period, see here.

Note for Israeli Citizens:
You must first re-establish Israeli residency to qualify for Bituach Leumi. See details here.

7. Driver’s License Conversion

If you plan to drive in Israel, you must convert your foreign driver’s license to an Israeli one.  After one year of residing in Israel, you are no longer allowed to legally drive on a foreign license.

Moving Into Your Apartment?

It will take time to get settled.  Here are some things you will certainly want to take care of.

• Sign a rental contract (this will also be required for Bituach Leumi registration)

• Change the water bill and electric bill to your name. See here for more information on bills. 
• Change the arnona bill to your name. At the start of every calendar year, an annual bill is issued for that year’s property taxes. Be sure the bill is paid on time!  Discounts are available for low-income residents and other qualified individuals. 
• Set up phone lines and internet service.
• Choose and contact a Rav.
• Locate the mikveh and keilim mikveh nearest you.

Yishuv Tov!

Wishing you much success as you acclimate to life in this incredible country!