Israel (IL)
Start-Up Nation with world-class tech ecosystem, rich ancient history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant expat and immigrant community.
Capital: Jerusalem
Region: Middle East
Language: Hebrew
Currency: ILS (₪)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 72)
Emergency: 100
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Time: 2–4 hours for public school enrollment; international schools: application process 1–3 months · Cost: Public school: free (NIS 1,500–4,000/year for extras). International: USD 15,000–28,000/year.
Deadline: As soon as possible; school year starts September
Risk if missed: Children out of school; international school places fill months in advance
Where to go: Municipal education department (Machleket HaChinukh) at your city hall. International schools: contact directly.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Birth certificate (Teudat Leida)
- ✓ Vaccination records
- ✓ Teudat Zehut of parents
- ✓ Previous school reports/transcripts
- ✓ Teudat Oleh (for immigrant support services)
Tip: Apply to international schools 6–12 months in advance — places are extremely limited. Public school Olim integration programmes (Ulpan b'Mamlachtit) include Hebrew language instruction within the school day — very effective for children who adapt quickly.
Local institution: Misrad HaChinukh / Municipal Education Department (Ministry of Education / Municipal Schools)
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: Free
Deadline: Before first salary payment and at the start of each January
Risk if missed: Paying too much income tax (especially Olim missing additional credit points)
Where to go: Your employer's payroll/HR department
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Teudat Oleh (if applicable)
- ✓ Details of any other income sources
Tip: Olim should declare their Olim status and additional credit points on the Tofes 101 — this reduces monthly tax deduction significantly. An accountant can ensure you claim all entitled credit points.
Local institution: Rashut HaMisim / Employer (Tax Authority / Employer Payroll)
Time: 1–2 hours · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 10 days of birth
Risk if missed: Child has no legal identity; cannot access benefits or healthcare
Where to go: Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) office or hospital birth registration desk
Documents needed:
- ✓ Hospital delivery summary
- ✓ Both parents' Teudat Zehut or passports
- ✓ Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- ✓ Teudat Oleh (if parents are Olim)
Tip: Many hospitals have a Misrad HaPnim representative on-site who can process birth registration immediately. Ask the ward nurse. If both parents are from different countries, also register the birth at your home country's embassy/consulate.
Local institution: Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 30–60 minutes per visit · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within first 2 weeks of birth for initial registration
Risk if missed: Child not up to date on vaccinations; may be refused school enrollment
Where to go: Nearest Tipat Chalav clinic — find via your HMO or municipality
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Leida (birth certificate)
- ✓ Teudat Zehut of parent
- ✓ HMO membership card
Tip: Tipat Chalav nurses (Achayot Tipat Chalav) are excellent at tracking developmental milestones and answering new parent questions. Many English-speaking nurses available in Tel Aviv and major cities.
Local institution: Tipat Chalav (Mother and Child Health Clinic)
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: Free
Where to go: Any clinic of your chosen HMO. Find nearest clinic on HMO website or app.
Documents needed:
- ✓ HMO membership card or confirmation
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
Tip: Request a "GP who speaks English" (Rofeh doveR Anglit) at registration. Download your HMO's app immediately — book appointments, view results, order prescription renewals all through the app.
Local institution: Kupat Cholim (HMO Clinic)
Time: 3–12 months for Aliyah; 4–12 weeks for work visa · Cost: Free (Aliyah); USD 100–300 (B1 work visa, often employer-paid)
Deadline: Before travelling to Israel
Risk if missed: Cannot legally live or work in Israel without valid status
Where to go: Jewish Agency (jewishagency.org) or Nefesh B'Nefesh (nbn.org.il) for Aliyah. Israeli embassy/consulate for work or student visas.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Proof of Jewish ancestry (for Aliyah)
- ✓ Employment contract (for B1 visa)
- ✓ Acceptance letter (for student visa)
Tip: Nefesh B'Nefesh (nbn.org.il) is the best resource for North American and UK applicants — free, expert guidance throughout the Aliyah process.
Local institution: Sochnut / Jewish Agency or Misrad HaPnim (Jewish Agency / Ministry of Interior)
Time: 2–4 hours at airport (immigration + reception desk for Olim) · Cost: Free
Deadline: Day of arrival
Risk if missed: Entering on wrong status can invalidate benefits and create legal complications
Where to go: Ben Gurion Airport immigration desk
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Aliyah approval certificate (for Olim)
- ✓ Work visa documentation (for B1 holders)
Tip: Nefesh B'Nefesh representatives greet arrivals at Ben Gurion for North American/UK Olim. Carry copies of all documents in hand luggage.
Local institution: Misrad HaPnim / Population and Immigration Authority (Ministry of Interior / Population Authority)
Time: 1–3 hours at the office; processing 1–2 weeks · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 90 days of Aliyah
Risk if missed: Cannot open bank account, register with HMO, or access most government services without Teudat Zehut
Where to go: Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior) — nearest office at misrad-hapnim.gov.il
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Oleh
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Passport photo (2)
- ✓ Proof of address (rental contract or absorption centre confirmation)
Tip: Book an appointment online in advance — walk-in wait times can be several hours. Bring all original documents plus copies.
Local institution: Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior)
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: NIS 1,000–2,500/year
Deadline: Before first driving the vehicle in Israel
Risk if missed: Criminal offence; vehicle impoundment; personal liability for accidents with no coverage
Where to go: Any licensed insurer (Harel, Menorah, AIG, Clal, Migdal) or through a broker
Documents needed:
- ✓ Vehicle registration (Rishyon Rekev)
- ✓ Driving licence
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
Tip: Compare quotes annually — prices vary significantly between providers. Pricez.co.il allows comparison. Don't forget to get the Bituah Makif (comprehensive insurance) too if you have a valuable vehicle.
Local institution: Licensed Insurer (Mandatory Vehicle Insurance)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours to set up; 15 minutes monthly to verify · Cost: Free to set up
Deadline: Within 3 months of starting employment
Risk if missed: Losing employer pension contributions; inadequate retirement savings
Where to go: Your employer's HR department. Verify via pension fund online portal (gemelnet.co.il).
Documents needed:
- ✓ Employment contract
- ✓ Payslip (Tslil Shkhir)
Tip: Check your payslip every month to verify pension deductions are appearing. Compare pension fund performance at gemelnet.co.il — management fees (Dmei Nihul) vary and compound significantly over decades.
Local institution: Keren Pensiya (Pension Fund)
Time: 1–2 hours at branch · Cost: Free to register
Deadline: Within 90 days of arrival or start of employment
Risk if missed: No health insurance coverage, no pension contributions, ineligible for all National Insurance benefits
Where to go: Any Bituah Leumi branch (btl.gov.il) or online at btl.gov.il
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut or passport + visa
- ✓ Bank account details
- ✓ Employment contract (if employed)
- ✓ Teudat Oleh (if applicable)
Tip: Bring all documents in original and copy. Self-employed must register separately as Atzmai — different registration form than employees.
Local institution: Bituah Leumi (National Insurance Institute)
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: Free — bundled into Bituah Leumi contributions
Deadline: Within 3 months of arrival or employment start
Risk if missed: Uninsured — any medical emergency at full private rates (NIS 1,000–10,000+ per event)
Where to go: Any branch of your chosen HMO. Clalit: clalit.co.il; Maccabi: maccabi4u.co.il; Meuhedet: meuhedet.co.il; Leumit: leumit.co.il
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut or Bituah Leumi registration confirmation
- ✓ Passport (for new arrivals)
- ✓ Previous vaccination records (optional but helpful)
Tip: Maccabi is recommended for English speakers — English website and app, more English-speaking doctors. Clalit has the largest network and most clinics. Meuhedet is popular for families. You can switch HMO only in January each year.
Local institution: Kupat Cholim (Health Maintenance Organisation)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours · Cost: Arnona itself varies: NIS 150–400/month in Tel Aviv
Deadline: Within first 30 days of moving into new address
Risk if missed: Retroactive Arnona bills for unpaid period; miss Oleh discount window
Where to go: Your local municipality (Iriyah) office or online portal. Tel Aviv: tel-aviv.gov.il; Jerusalem: jerusalem.muni.il
Documents needed:
- ✓ Rental contract or property ownership document
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Teudat Oleh (for Arnona discount)
- ✓ Bank account details for direct debit
Tip: Olim discounts on Arnona can save NIS 2,000–8,000 per year — apply immediately and bring Teudat Oleh. Discounts are not automatic — you must request them.
Local institution: Iriyah / Municipal Authority (Municipal City Hall)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1 day (eye test + exchange appointment). Practical test: schedule 1–4 weeks ahead. · Cost: NIS 300–1,200 depending on which category of exchange
Deadline: Within 1 year of arrival (tourist licence grace period)
Risk if missed: Driving without valid Israeli licence after 1 year is illegal
Where to go: Ministry of Transport (Misrad HaTachbura) licence exchange office
Documents needed:
- ✓ Foreign driving licence (original + certified translation if not in English/Hebrew)
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Optometrist (eye test) certificate
- ✓ Passport photo
Tip: Get your eye test done at an approved optometrist (Optometrist Musmach) before booking the Ministry of Transport appointment. EU licence holders need only the eye test — the whole process can be done in one day.
Local institution: Misrad HaTachbura (Ministry of Transport)
Time: 2–3 hours total across all institutions · Cost: Free
Where to go: Online portals where available; in person at each institution's branch
Documents needed:
- ✓ New rental contract or ownership document
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
Tip: Change your address at Misrad HaPnim first — this updates the central population registry and some other institutions pull from it. The gov.il portal allows centralized address change for several government departments.
Local institution: Bituah Leumi / Bank / HMO / Misrad HaPnim (Multiple Institutions)
Time: 2–8 weeks for apostille; 3–7 days for translation · Cost: Apostille: USD 20–100 per document (varies by country). Translation: NIS 100–300 per page.
Where to go: Apostille: your home country's designated authority (often the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or state courts). Hebrew translation: certified translator in Israel.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Original documents (degree certificates, birth/marriage certificates, criminal records)
Tip: Many document-heavy processes (professional recognition, property purchase) require apostilled AND translated documents. Start early — apostilles from some countries take 4–8 weeks. Find certified translators at translators associations in Israel.
Local institution: Foreign Ministry of your Home Country (Apostille Authority)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–18 months depending on profession · Cost: VATAT evaluation: NIS 600–1,500. Professional licensing: additional NIS 500–3,000+.
Deadline: Start immediately upon arrival if you plan to work in a regulated profession
Risk if missed: Cannot legally practice regulated profession; significant career and income loss
Where to go: VATAT online application at vatat.org.il. Professional bodies for specific licensing.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Original degree certificate (apostilled)
- ✓ Official transcripts (apostilled)
- ✓ Hebrew-certified translation of all documents
- ✓ Passport copy
- ✓ VATAT application form
Tip: The Ministry of Aliyah offers retraining grants and language assistance to professionals undergoing recognition. Contact Misrad HaAliyah (moia.gov.il) to access these resources. For doctors and nurses, the process is long — start before Aliyah if possible.
Local institution: VATAT (Committee for Evaluation of Foreign Academic Degrees)
Time: Pepper: 15 minutes (online). Traditional bank: 2–4 weeks from application · Cost: Free (Pepper, One Zero) or NIS 0–40/month (traditional banks)
Deadline: Within first 2 weeks of arrival (needed for salary and rental deposit)
Risk if missed: Cannot receive salary, pay rent deposit, or set up utilities
Where to go: Pepper app (fastest digital option); Bank Hapoalim or Bank Leumi branch for traditional account
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID)
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Proof of address (rental contract)
- ✓ Work contract or proof of income
Tip: Open Pepper first for immediate transactions while waiting for your traditional bank account. Download the Bit app once your bank account is active — essential for P2P payments in Israel.
Local institution: Bank Hapoalim / Bank Leumi / Pepper (Israeli Bank)
Time: 15 minutes · Cost: Free
Where to go: App Store or Google Play (search "Bit ביט")
Documents needed:
- ✓ Israeli phone number
- ✓ Israeli bank account
Tip: You need an Israeli phone number and bank account to register. Bit is also used to pay many small businesses and service providers who do not accept cards.
Local institution: Bit (ביט) (Bit P2P Payment App)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours to set up with HR · Cost: Free to set up; employee contribution is optional
Deadline: As soon as possible after starting employment
Risk if missed: Forfeiting extraordinary tax-free employer contributions every month — can total NIS 100,000+ over a career
Where to go: Your employer's HR department. Fund providers: Harel, Migdal, Menorah, Phoenix, Altshuler Shaham
Documents needed:
- ✓ Employment contract
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Bank account details
Tip: The 7.5% employer contribution to Keren Hishtalmut is the best financial benefit in the Israeli compensation package. Never accept a job offer without confirming whether Keren Hishtalmut is included. Compare fund performance and management fees (Dmei Nihul) at gemelnet.co.il.
Local institution: Pension/Study Fund Provider (Study Fund (Tax-Free Savings))
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: NIS 29–80/month for unlimited data SIM. eSIM available from some providers.
Deadline: Day 1 of arrival — essential for everything else
Risk if missed: Cannot complete bank account, HMO registration, or government portal setups without Israeli phone number
Where to go: Any mobile operator store or website. Golan Telecom (golantelecom.co.il) for cheapest plans. Cellcom, Partner for mainstream networks.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or Teudat Zehut
Tip: Golan Telecom (NIS 29–49/month) offers unbeatable value. Major networks (Cellcom, Partner) are better for roaming needs. Purchase at Ben Gurion Airport or immediately upon arrival in a city centre.
Local institution: Golan Telecom / Cellcom / Partner (Mobile Operator)
Time: 30 minutes to order; 5–10 days for installation · Cost: NIS 60–120/month for 100Mbps–1Gbps fiber
Where to go: Hot (hot.net.il), Bezeq (bezeq.co.il), Partner (partner.co.il), Yes (yes.co.il)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Rental contract
- ✓ Teudat Zehut or passport
- ✓ Israeli phone number
Tip: Compare prices on Pricez.co.il. Bezeq is the incumbent with widest coverage. Hot has cable in many urban areas. New ISP contracts often include a free router and installation. Get contract terms in writing before signing.
Local institution: Hot / Bezeq / Partner (Internet Service Provider)
Time: 30 minutes to learn the basics · Cost: Free
Where to go: Jewish calendar apps (Hebcal, Kvitelach); Chabad.org for Shabbat candle lighting times
Tip: Do your major shopping on Thursday or before Shabbat starts on Friday. Keep cash and food at home for Shabbat. In Tel Aviv's Florentine, Kerem HaTeimanim, and Jaffa areas, many Arab-owned and non-religious businesses stay open Saturday. AM:PM convenience stores are open 24/7 including Shabbat.
Local institution: N/A (Israeli Cultural Knowledge)
Time: 2–3 hours per visit · Cost: NIS 50–200 for weekly produce
Where to go: Shuk HaCarmel (Tel Aviv), Machane Yehuda (Jerusalem), Shuk Talpiot (Be'er Sheva), Shuk Masarwa (Haifa)
Tip: Best prices at the end of Friday morning before Shabbat — vendors reduce prices to clear stock. Bring a shopping bag (Sakit). Practice bargaining (Meqach) — it is expected and enjoyable. Friday morning is the most vibrant and social time at any Israeli shuk.
Local institution: Local Shuk / Market (Local Market)
Time: Ongoing · Cost: Free
Where to go: Facebook: "Anglo-Israel"; Nefesh B'Nefesh social events (nbn.org.il); Meetup.com; Janglo.net
Tip: Join the Anglo-Israel Facebook group on your first day — 50,000+ members answer questions, share resources, and organize events. Attend a Nefesh B'Nefesh social event in your first month. Your Ulpan class is also an immediate built-in community of people in exactly the same situation.
Local institution: Anglo-Israel Community / NBN (Expat Community)
Time: 30–60 minutes for full registration and verification · Cost: Free
Where to go: gov.il (online registration)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Israeli phone number for verification
Tip: Use Chrome with automatic translation for Hebrew government pages. Many services can be completed without visiting offices once you are registered on gov.il. The Bituah Leumi app (btl.gov.il) can also be accessed via the portal.
Local institution: Gov.il (Israeli Government Digital Portal)
Time: 30 minutes for all apps · Cost: Free apps; delivery fees per order
Where to go: App Store or Google Play
Documents needed:
- ✓ Israeli phone number
- ✓ Payment card
Tip: Ask your employer if they provide 10bis meal vouchers (Tenot Ochel) — a very common employee benefit in Israeli tech. Worth NIS 400–600/month in tax-free meal value.
Local institution: Wolt / 10bis (Food Delivery Apps)
Time: 30–60 minutes to register; 5 months full-time course · Cost: Free for Olim. Non-Olim: NIS 3,000–8,000.
Deadline: Register within first month of arrival — Ulpan rights may have a time limit
Risk if missed: Forfeiting free language course worth NIS 5,000–8,000; significantly slower Hebrew acquisition
Where to go: Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (moia.gov.il) or nearest absorption centre. Nefesh B'Nefesh also assists with Ulpan registration.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Oleh
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
Tip: Full-time Ulpan (5 months, 500 hours) is dramatically more effective than part-time evening Ulpan. If at all possible, take full-time Ulpan in your first months — invest in language before worrying about finding a job.
Local institution: Misrad HaAliyah V'HaKlita / Ulpan (Ministry of Aliyah / Hebrew Language School)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours for application · Cost: Free to apply; subsidy reduces daycare cost by NIS 500–3,000/month depending on income
Deadline: Apply as soon as child is placed in daycare — subsidy is not retroactive
Risk if missed: Paying full private daycare cost (NIS 3,000–7,000/month) when entitled to significant subsidy
Where to go: Ministry of Economy and Industry (gov.il/he/departments/economy) — childcare application portal or local office
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut of both parents
- ✓ Birth certificate of child
- ✓ Employment contracts of both parents
- ✓ Income documentation (salary slips or tax assessment)
- ✓ Proof of daycare enrollment
Tip: Single parents receive priority and higher subsidy amounts. Apply for multiple daycare options simultaneously — subsidised places are limited. Check with your municipality for additional local subsidies.
Local institution: Misrad HaKalcala (Ministry of Economy) (Ministry of Economy — Childcare Division)
Time: 2–4 hours to review thoroughly · Cost: Free
Deadline: Before starting work
Risk if missed: Agreeing to below-minimum terms; no legal record of promised benefits
Where to go: Employer's HR department
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Employment contract
Tip: Get a qualified labour lawyer to review your contract if it is complex or if you are in a senior role. Key check: confirm pension (6.5% employer), Keren Hishtalmut (7.5% employer), and annual leave days are clearly stated.
Local institution: Employer / Histadrut (Employer / Labour Federation)
Time: 1–2 hours for initial registration · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 14 days of becoming unemployed (for unemployment benefit eligibility)
Risk if missed: Missing unemployment benefit entitlement and vocational training grants
Where to go: Sherut HaTa'asuka office (taasuka.gov.il) — nearest branch
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Work history documentation
- ✓ Teudat Oleh (for Olim special programmes)
Tip: Nefesh B'Nefesh and Ministry of Aliyah also have dedicated employment counsellors for Olim in hi-tech and professional sectors — use these in parallel with Sherut HaTa'asuka.
Local institution: Sherut HaTa'asuka (Employment Service)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours with adviser · Cost: NIS 1,500–4,000 for initial consultation and tax plan
Deadline: Within first 6 months of Aliyah — before any major financial decisions
Risk if missed: Losing thousands or tens of thousands in tax exemptions through incorrect structuring
Where to go: Israeli CPA specializing in Olim tax matters — find via Anglo-Israel Facebook groups or ICPAS (icpas.org.il)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Oleh
- ✓ Foreign income documentation
- ✓ Employment contract
- ✓ Prior year tax returns from home country
Tip: Look for a CPA who explicitly advertises expertise in "Olim taxation" and "foreign income exemptions." The cost of good advice is tiny compared to the exemption value.
Local institution: Israeli CPA / Ro'eh Heshbon (Certified Public Accountant)
Time: 1–2 hours for application · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 60 days of birth date
Risk if missed: Losing 15 weeks of fully paid maternity benefit
Where to go: Bituah Leumi (btl.gov.il) — apply online or at any branch
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Leida (birth certificate)
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Bank account details
- ✓ Employer confirmation of maternity leave start date
- ✓ Salary slips (last 3 months)
Tip: Dmei Leida can be split between parents if father takes the last 7 weeks while mother returns to work. Apply early — Bituah Leumi processing takes 2–4 weeks. Payment comes directly from Bituah Leumi, not your employer.
Local institution: Bituah Leumi (National Insurance Institute)
Time: 30–60 minutes to verify account · Cost: Free account; ~0.5% per transfer (vs 3–5% at banks)
Where to go: wise.com (online setup)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Proof of address
- ✓ Bank account details
Tip: Set up Wise before you need it — verification takes 1–3 days. For large amounts (USD 50,000+), bank transfer may be more practical due to Bank of Israel reporting requirements.
Local institution: Wise / Bank (International Transfer Service)
Time: 30–60 minutes to apply for credit card · Cost: Free credit report annually; credit card: NIS 0–50/year depending on type
Where to go: Your Israeli bank for a basic credit card. Check credit at bdi.co.il
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Israeli bank account
Tip: Start with a secured or basic bank credit card even if limits are small. Pay in full every month. Israeli credit scoring is less sophisticated than US/UK systems — consistent banking history matters most.
Local institution: BDI Coface / Israeli Bank (Credit Bureau / Bank)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours for initial adviser meeting · Cost: NIS 200–600/hour for consultation; portfolio management: 0.5–1.5% of assets/year
Where to go: ISA licence verification at isa.gov.il. Find advisers via ICPAS or Anglo-Israel community referrals.
Documents needed:
- ✓ ID documents
Tip: NEVER invest with anyone who cannot show you their ISA licence number. Verify the number at isa.gov.il. Unsolicited investment offers (phone, WhatsApp, social media) are almost always scams.
Local institution: Reshut Nirot Ereh (ISA) (Israel Securities Authority)
Time: 5 minutes · Cost: Free
Deadline: Day of arrival — before anything else
Risk if missed: Being caught without warning during a missile or rocket attack; life-safety risk
Where to go: App Store (search "Red Alert Israel") or Google Play (search "Tzeva Adom")
Tip: Enable all location permissions and notifications. Configure the app for your area and any areas you regularly visit (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, etc.). Know where the nearest shelter (Miklat) is in your building and workplace.
Local institution: Pikud HaOref (Home Front Command) (IDF Home Front Command)
Time: 30 minutes · Cost: NIS 100–300/month depending on plan and age
Deadline: Sign up as soon as you join HMO — waiting periods may apply if you join later
Risk if missed: Long specialist waiting times (4–12 weeks) for any non-urgent issue; paying full private rates for private access
Where to go: Your HMO branch or online through HMO portal
Documents needed:
- ✓ HMO membership card
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
Tip: Sign up on the same day you register with your HMO to avoid any waiting period. If you miss this window, waiting periods of up to 6 months may apply for some benefits.
Local institution: Kupat Cholim (HMO Supplementary Insurance)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours to research and purchase · Cost: NIS 200–800/month depending on coverage level
Where to go: International insurers: Cigna, AXA, Allianz. Israeli private insurers: Harel, Menorah
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport
- ✓ Health declaration
Tip: Confirm your HMO registration date carefully — there should be no gap in coverage. Also consider international travel insurance for frequent international trips since Israeli HMO provides no overseas coverage.
Local institution: Private Health Insurer (Bituach Briut Prati)
Time: 1–3 weeks to find and sign · Cost: Agent fee: 1 month's rent. Deposit: 1–2 months' rent.
Deadline: Before arriving or in first 2 weeks (short-term accommodation while searching)
Risk if missed: Homeless or stuck in expensive short-term accommodation
Where to go: Yad2 (yad2.co.il), Facebook groups (Dira L'Shituph), Madlan (madlan.co.il)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Passport or Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Bank statements
- ✓ Employment contract or salary slips
- ✓ References
Tip: Use Airbnb or short-term rentals for first 2–4 weeks while searching properly. Never pay deposit without viewing in person and checking Tabu ownership. Always negotiate.
Local institution: Yad2 / Real Estate Agent (Property Platform / Agent)
Time: 30 min per utility by phone or online; internet installation: 5–10 business days · Cost: Connection fees vary; electricity NIS 250–600/month; internet NIS 60–120/month
Where to go: IEC (iec.co.il) for electricity. Municipality or Mekorot for water. Hot (hot.net.il) or Bezeq (bezeq.co.il) for internet.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Rental contract
- ✓ Teudat Zehut or passport
- ✓ Previous tenant's meter readings
Tip: Take meter readings (electricity, water, gas) on the day you get the keys, with landlord present. Photograph them. This protects you from being charged for previous tenant's consumption.
Local institution: IEC / Municipality / Internet Provider (Electricity / Water / Internet)
Time: 1–2 hours to set up both · Cost: Va'ad Bayit: NIS 100–500/month. Arnona: NIS 150–400/month in Tel Aviv.
Where to go: Va'ad Bayit: contact building representative. Arnona: municipality (iriyah) in person or online.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Rental contract
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
Tip: Always ask the landlord explicitly "Does the listed rent INCLUDE Va'ad Bayit and Arnona?" before signing. Budget an extra NIS 300–800/month for these if not included.
Local institution: Iriyah / Va'ad Bayit (Municipality / Building Committee)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 15 minutes online · Cost: NIS 10–20 per extract
Deadline: Before paying any deposit
Risk if missed: Losing deposit to a fraudster who is not the actual property owner — very common scam
Where to go: justice.gov.il — Tabu online search; or any Land Registry office
Documents needed:
- ✓ Property address or block/parcel number
Tip: This step takes 15 minutes and costs NIS 10–20. A legitimate landlord will not object to you checking Tabu. If they refuse or seem evasive, walk away immediately.
Local institution: Lishkat Rishhum HaMakarka'ot (Tabu) (Land Registry)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–3 hours for initial registration; ongoing benefit claims throughout first year · Cost: Free to claim benefits
Deadline: Some benefits expire within 1 year of Aliyah — act immediately
Risk if missed: Permanently lost benefits that can be worth tens of thousands of dollars in tax savings and grants
Where to go: Ministry of Aliyah and Integration — moia.gov.il. Local absorption office. Nefesh B'Nefesh benefits navigator.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Oleh
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Bank account details for stipend payments
Tip: Use the Nefesh B'Nefesh benefits wizard (nbn.org.il/benefits) to map all your entitlements and their deadlines. The 10-year tax exemption on foreign income is potentially worth hundreds of thousands of dollars — get professional tax advice immediately.
Local institution: Misrad HaAliyah V'HaKlita (Ministry of Aliyah and Integration)
Time: 30–60 minutes · Cost: NIS 500–2,000/year
Where to go: Any licensed insurer or broker. Compare via Pricez.co.il.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Rental contract
- ✓ Estimate of belongings value
Tip: Bundle with vehicle insurance (Bituah Chova) for a multi-policy discount. Include high-value items (laptop, camera, bicycle) specifically in the policy. Check that security requirements (door locks) are met for coverage to apply.
Local institution: Licensed Insurer (Home Contents Insurance)
Time: 15–30 minutes/day for 4–8 weeks pre-arrival · Cost: Free (Duolingo) or USD 10–30/month (premium resources)
Where to go: Duolingo app, HebrewPod101.com, or Pimsleur Hebrew audio course
Tip: Priority order: (1) Learn the Aleph-Bet (takes 2–3 hours); (2) Learn 20 survival phrases; (3) Practice numbers 1–100; (4) Market phrases (Kama ze ole? — How much is this?). Israelis will be delighted by any Hebrew attempt.
Local institution: Ulpan / Online Resources (Hebrew Language Learning)
Time: 1–2 hours per week · Cost: Free or NIS 20–50/session
Where to go: meetup.com (search "Hebrew conversation Tel Aviv"), municipality cultural department (Machlek Tarbut)
Tip: Tandem app (tandem.net) is excellent for finding language exchange partners worldwide including Israel. Having a regular Israeli language partner is often more effective than classes for developing real conversational Hebrew.
Local institution: Meetup / Municipality Cultural Dept (Language Exchange Community)
Time: 2–3 hours of self-study · Cost: Free
Where to go: Histadrut (histadrut.org.il) for workers' rights advice. Ministry of Economy hotline: *3739.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Employment contract
Tip: Keep a written record of any employment issues (emails, WhatsApp messages). Labour courts in Israel are relatively quick and fair — don't be afraid to assert your rights. The Histadrut has free legal advice for members.
Local institution: Beit HaDin L'Avoda / Histadrut (Labour Court / Labour Federation)
Time: 1–2 hours per consultation · Cost: NIS 400–1,200/hour for initial consultation
Where to go: Israel Bar Association (israelbar.org.il); expat Facebook group recommendations for English-speaking lawyers
Documents needed:
- ✓ Relevant documents for the transaction
Tip: Many lawyers offer a free initial 30-minute consultation. Always verify the lawyer is a member of the Israel Bar Association. English-speaking lawyers are readily available in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Local institution: Lishkat Orekhei HaDin (Israel Bar Association)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours for drafting; 30 min for registration · Cost: Lawyer fee: NIS 500–3,000. Registration: NIS 130.
Where to go: Israeli lawyer (for drafting). Registrar of Inheritances (Rasham HaYerushot) at justice.gov.il
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Asset details (property, bank accounts)
- ✓ Details of intended beneficiaries
Tip: Cross-border estates (Israeli + foreign assets) are complex — use an Israeli lawyer and your home-country lawyer in coordination. The Israeli will should cover only Israeli assets; your home-country will covers foreign assets.
Local institution: Rasham HaYerushot (Registrar of Inheritances)
Time: 3+ months preparation time · Cost: Varies: health certificate NIS 300–800; titer test USD 200–400; airline fees USD 200–800; import inspection NIS 200–500
Deadline: Start 3+ months before travel
Risk if missed: Pet refused entry to Israel; mandatory kennel quarantine at owner's expense
Where to go: SHAHAM (Ministry of Agriculture Veterinary Services) for import permit. Veterinarian for certificates.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Pet microchip documentation
- ✓ Rabies vaccination certificate
- ✓ Veterinary health certificate
- ✓ Blood titer test result (if required for your country of origin)
Tip: Contact SHAHAM at the Ministry of Agriculture before starting any preparation — requirements change and your country of origin affects the exact process. From EU/USA/UK/AU/NZ with current vaccinations: no blood titer test needed.
Local institution: SHAHAM (Sherutei HaVeterinaria) (Israeli Veterinary Services)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 1–2 hours · Cost: Annual registration fee: NIS 200–400. Higher for restricted breeds.
Deadline: Within 30 days of arrival with the dog in Israel
Risk if missed: Fine; legal complications if dog is involved in any incident without licence
Where to go: Your local municipality (Iriyah) veterinary services department
Documents needed:
- ✓ Microchip documentation
- ✓ Rabies vaccination certificate
- ✓ Owner's Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Photo of dog
Tip: Restricted breeds (Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Dogo Argentino, etc.) must be muzzled in public at all times and require additional liability insurance. Verify your breed's status before import.
Local institution: Iriyah (Municipal Authority) (Municipality)
Time: 2–3 hours of self-study · Cost: Free
Where to go: Israel Tax Authority (taxes.gov.il)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Income documentation
Tip: Most employees in Israel do NOT file a tax return — their employer handles withholding via Tofes 101 and remits tax at source. You only need to file if you have multiple income sources, self-employment income, or foreign income.
Local institution: Rashut HaMisim (Israel Tax Authority)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–8 hours for self-filing; 2–4 hours with CPA · Cost: Free to file self-service; CPA: NIS 1,500–4,000
Deadline: April 30 each year for the previous calendar year
Risk if missed: Fines and interest on unpaid tax; legal complications
Where to go: Online at taxes.gov.il or through a licensed CPA (Ro'eh Heshbon)
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ All income documentation (salary slips, invoices, foreign income)
- ✓ Expense receipts
- ✓ Pension and Keren Hishtalmut statements
Tip: Self-employed must file regardless of income level. Employed workers with only one employer and no other income generally do not need to file. Olim with foreign income should ALWAYS file even during the exempt period to protect their exemption status.
Local institution: Rashut HaMisim (Israel Tax Authority)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 3–5 hours with professional adviser initially · Cost: CPA: NIS 3,000–8,000/year for full foreign income management
Deadline: Annually by April 30
Risk if missed: Retroactive voiding of the exemption; substantial penalties and tax bills
Where to go: Israeli CPA specializing in Olim — find via Nefesh B'Nefesh forums or Anglo-Israel Facebook groups
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Oleh
- ✓ Foreign income statements
- ✓ Foreign tax returns
Tip: Never assume the exemption applies automatically without proper documentation and declaration. The exemption is not self-executing — it requires active declaration each year. Some types of Israeli income do not benefit from the exemption even for Olim.
Local institution: Rashut HaMisim / Israeli CPA (Tax Authority / Israeli Accountant)
Time: 15–30 minutes · Cost: NIS 5 for the card; load with credit or monthly passes as needed
Where to go: Any train station (Rakevet Yisrael), post office, or authorized vendor
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut or passport
- ✓ NIS 5 for the card
Tip: You can load money via the Rav-Kav online app or at train stations. Monthly pass for Tel Aviv metro area is NIS 250–350 — excellent value for regular commuters. Register your card online so it can be replaced if lost.
Local institution: Rav-Kav (רב-קו) (National Transit Smart Card)
Time: 15 minutes · Cost: Free
Where to go: App Store or Google Play
Tip: Waze is superior to Google Maps for Israeli driving — it knows all local shortcuts and police locations. Moovit integrates real-time bus and train schedules. Gett (not Uber — Uber doesn't operate in Israel) for taxis including Shabbat.
Local institution: App Store / Google Play (Essential Transport Apps)
Time: 10 minutes · Cost: Free app; parking costs NIS 4–15/hour depending on location
Where to go: App Store or Google Play (search "Pango")
Documents needed:
- ✓ Israeli phone number
- ✓ Payment card
Tip: Pango also integrates with parking meters in some cities. Download and register before you need it — registration requires an Israeli phone number and payment card.
Local institution: Pango (פנגו) (Parking Payment App)
Time: 1 hour · Cost: Free
Deadline: Within 30 days of child's birth registration
Risk if missed: Missing retroactive monthly payments
Where to go: Bituah Leumi (btl.gov.il) or any Bituah Leumi branch. Often automatic after birth registration.
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Leida (birth certificate) of child
- ✓ Teudat Zehut of parent
- ✓ Bank account details
Tip: The child allowance is paid to the mother's bank account. Ensure the bank account is registered with Bituah Leumi in the mother's name. The allowance is universal — all children of Israeli residents qualify regardless of nationality.
Local institution: Bituah Leumi (National Insurance Institute)
Full task details are available in the Premium plan
Become a Supporter Time: 2–4 hours for application · Cost: Free to apply
Where to go: Bituah Leumi branch or Misrad HaRavakha (Ministry of Welfare) local office
Documents needed:
- ✓ Teudat Zehut
- ✓ Bank statements (3 months)
- ✓ Income documentation
- ✓ Rental contract
Tip: Many families who qualify for welfare benefits do not apply due to stigma or lack of awareness. Bituah Leumi website has a benefits calculator (Mochshevon Zkhuyot) to check entitlements. Social workers (Ovdim Sotzialim) at the municipality can help navigate the system.
Local institution: Bituah Leumi / Misrad HaRavakha (National Insurance / Social Welfare Ministry)