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English olim pilot

English olim pilot

A small English pilot for olim (new immigrants), English-speaking residents, and Israelis abroad. These pages summarize official first steps after aliyah. They are not a substitute for the official page, and they have not been reviewed by a professional.

Updated

Based on official sources, not reviewed by a professional.

In brief: what to do

  1. Complete airport registration and keep the documents you are given.
  2. Activate or apply for a Teudat Zehut if you still need an identity card.
  3. Register with a health fund through Bituach Leumi.
  4. Ask the Ministry of Transport about converting a foreign driving license.
  5. Apply to your municipality for an arnona discount and open a bank account.

English checklists

First steps after aliyah

If you enter Israel on an Oleh visa, Ministry of Aliyah and Integration staff meet you at the airport, complete initial registration, and give you the first documents you will need. After that, keep those documents with you, register with a health fund, open a bank account, and give the account details to the Ministry so later assistance can be transferred.

Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card)

Many new olim receive an Israeli identity card (Teudat Zehut) during airport registration. If you still need a first card, a replacement, or a change of personal details, the Population and Immigration Authority says you must make an appointment, apply in person, and activate the biometric card.

Registering with Bituach Leumi (National Insurance)

The National Insurance Institute (Bituach Leumi) publishes English pages for new olim. The first practical step is to register with a health maintenance organization (HMO). You can do that at the airport, at a post office, or later on the NII website. After 90 days from aliyah, registration is only at a local NII branch.

Converting a foreign driving license

The Ministry of Transport and Road Safety publishes an official English service for converting a foreign driver's license into an Israeli license. New immigrants are one of the groups who can request conversion. Use that service page and the Licensing Division for the current documents, tests, fees, and appointment rules. This page does not list amounts or test rules that were not verified on the conversion page.

Arnona (municipal tax) discount for new olim

Arnona discounts for new olim are set by each local authority. There is no single national rate on this page. Jerusalem publishes an official English page with eligibility, documents, and current terms. Other cities publish their own rules. Apply only through your municipality, and check that official page for current amounts.

Opening a bank account in Israel

The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration tells new olim to open a bank account so later state assistance can be transferred. The Bank of Israel requires banks to explain services to new immigrants, to publish the documents needed to examine a request, and to give a written decision. Ask the bank for its current document list rather than relying on an unofficial checklist.