Who is an Israeli Citizen?

It is possible to obtain Israeli citizenship by making Aliyah. It is also possible to automatically inherit mandatory Israeli citizenship at birth.

• One who makes Aliyah, is naturalized or is born in Israel to at least one Israeli parenthere is the tooltip content, automatically becomes a first-generation Israeli . Additionally, anyone who was born in Israel prior to 18/11/1980  or was living in Israel on 14/07/1952 is a first-generationother content Israeli citizen, unless their citizenship was actively renounced. 
• One who is born outside of Israel to a first-generation Israeli automatically inherits mandatory citizenship as a second-generation Israeli.
• Those born outside of Israel to a second-generation Israeli do not inherit citizenship. This is referred to in Hebrew as Dor Shlishi, lit. third generation. Tip:  It is advisable to have proof of your status as a dor shlishi ie: birth certificates that show your place of birth and your parents’ place of birth abroad. 

Visa Expiration & Bituach Leumi

When a visa expires, Bituach Leumi benefits (including health insurance and monetary grants) are lost. As visa expiration approaches, one may receive a warning letter that Bituach Leumi membership will soon be canceled. Bituach Leumi generally gives a 45 day grace period after visa expiration before stopping benefits. 

Most children’s passports last for a maximum of five years. Their passports must be renewed early enough to allow for time to get a new visa before – or soon after – the first one expires. Without a new visa, they will be without health insurance.

How to Update Bituach Leumi with a New Visa

After renewing a visa, the visa holder must inform Bituach Leumi. They will not be notified automatically by The Population Authority (Misrad Hapnim) and if one’s previous visa has expired they risk losing Bituach Leumi. 

Submit a copy of the visa, and if relevant a copy of the new passport, on the same page. The copy should be labeled with the individual’s 77 number and the words  לצורך חידוש קופת חולים. Submit the document using one of two methods:

1. Fax it to 026755416
2. Online: From the העלאת מסמכים section of one’s Bituach Leumi online account.
   To submit online, choose:
   נושא: ביטוח וגבייה
   קטגורייה: פרטים אישיים
   מסמך: מסמכים מזהים

In either case, follow up with a query (פנייה) from your online account to confirm receipt and processing.

To create a Bituach Leumi online account, follow the instructions here.