First Steps in Israel for New Citizens

You landed. Rest first. Then handle the bureaucracy in a fixed order.

Before visiting any office, check the exact address and reception hours. They change often. Bring every document you may need. Make copies of all of them. If your Hebrew is weak, bring a Hebrew-speaking friend.

1. Get your Teudat Zeut

If you did not receive your ID card at the airport, each family member aged 16 and older must go in person to the local office of the Ministry of Interior.

Bring:

  • Passport
  • 2 passport photos
  • Original documents shown at the consular interview
  • The stamped form received at the airport

2. Open a bank account

Open or activate a shekel account as soon as possible.

Bring:

  • Teudat Oleh
  • Bank account opening certificate received at the airport

Do this in any bank that suits you. Deposit the amount required to activate the account. Ask the clerk which benefits and conditions apply to new immigrants.

Make sure the bank orders:

  • Bank checks
  • A bank card
  • Access to internet banking

Make sure the form from the airport is filled in and stamped by the bank.

For married couples, a joint account is required. Both spouses must be present.

Banks with Russian-language information:

3. Register with a health fund

If you did not do this at the airport, register with a health fund through the post office.

Bring:

  • Teudat Oleh

At the post office, pay the joining fee, about 15 shekels per family member. You will receive proof of registration. Then go to the nearest branch of the health fund to receive your membership card.

Children under 18 are registered together with one parent. Children over 18 register on their own.

Health funds with Russian-language information:

4. Register at the Ministry of Absorption

Bring:

  • Teudat Oleh
  • Bank confirmation of account opening

Go to the Ministry of Absorption branch in your city. There you arrange your monthly absorption basket payments and sign up for ulpan.

5. Enroll in ulpan

As a new immigrant, you are entitled to 500 free hours of Hebrew study in ulpan. The standard course lasts 5 months. Some programs last 10 months. The free ulpan benefit remains available for 10 years from aliyah.

The most common format is intensive daytime ulpan:

  • 5 days a week
  • 5 hours a day
  • 5 months

After the first ulpan, you may qualify for a second ulpan on preferential terms. There are also professional ulpanim for certain professions, including medical and legal tracks. The Ministry of Absorption provides the details.

6. Register children for school or kindergarten

If you have children of preschool or school age, go to the education department of your municipality and register them.

Rules:

  • Preschool child: any nursery or kindergarten of your choice
  • School-age child: school in your place of residence
  • High school student: any school of your choice

7. Apply for Arnona reduction if you rent

New immigrants who rent housing are entitled to a major reduction in Arnona, up to 90% for the first 100 square meters of living space. The benefit applies for 12 months during the first 2 years after aliyah.

Apply at the municipal office.

Bring:

  • Teudat Oleh + copy
  • Teudat Zeut + copy
  • Arnona bill
  • Proof that the benefit was not used at your previous place of residence

Keep your checklist ready

Print a new immigrant checklist and mark each item as you complete it. It prevents missed steps and repeat visits.