This sheet is a guide to the essential 1st steps, which you will take in Israel. It should be used with the appropriate “useful addresses” sheet.If you encounter inaccurate information on this sheet, please inform us so that we can correct it for the next Oleh!

Section 1 - Paperwork which should be completed as soon as possible after arriving in Israel

Step 1 - Applying for a Teudat Zehut (ID card)

1. Arrive at Misrad Hapnim (The Interior Ministry) bright and early. Inform a staff member that you need to apply for your first Teudat ZehutTTake with you:a. Documents prepared with your Shaliachb. 2 identical passport photosc. Your passportsd. All family members aged over 16

2. You should receive your Teudat Zehut at the office

Step 2 – Applying for a Teudat Zeka’ut (Eligibility booklet)

1. Ma1. Make an appointment with Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Immigrant Absorption). Inform them that you are a Katin Hozer and need a Teudat ZekautTake with you:a. Teudat Zehutb. All documents gathered with your Shaliachc. Ishur from the army (Men – if aged under 40, Women - if single and aged under 25)d. Passportsee. Letter confirming status (where relevant – ask your Shaliach)

2. You should receive your Teudat Zekaut at the office

Once you have received your Teudat Zehut and Teudat Zekaut, have them with you until you have finished the remainder of the bureaucracy!

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First steps in Israel - Katin Chozer

Step 3 – Signing up for Health Insurance

1. Go to your nearest Bituach Leumi branch to fill out a questionnaire to prove that you answer the definition of “Resident”. They need to process this and issue you with a registration form. The process is not immediate and it’s important to have a private insurance until you are covered.2. Go to your nearest Postal Bank branch (largest post offices)Take with you:a.a. Teudat Zehutb. Teudat Zekautc. Form received from Bituach Leumid. NIS 14.50 per person

3. You will need to know which of the health funds you wish to join

4. Go to the main branch of the health fund branch to receive a membership card and list of services

5. If you wish to sign up for additional insurance plans you can do this at your local health fund branch

SStep 4 – Opening a Bank Account

1. Open an account in the Bank of your choice – it is recommended to choose a branch that is easily accessible from all parts of the city Take with you:a. Teudat Zehutb. Teudat Zekaut

2. Ask for a cash point card and check books.

3. Check what the bank’s requirements are for issuing a credit card

SStep 5 – Sal Klita, Ulpan

1. Make an appointment with your local branch of Misrad HaklitaTake with you:a. Teudat Zehutb. Teudat Zekautc. Bank details

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2. The person who you see will arrange for further Sal Klita payments to be made to your bank account

3. If you wish to sign up for an Ulpan, this can be arranged at this stage or later

Section 2 – less immediate but no less important

Step 6 – Converting a driver’s license

1. You can use your foreign license for 1 year after Aliyah. You have 2 opportunities within 3 years to convert your foreign license. It is strongly recommended to convert the license within a year of arrival.

2. 2. Go to the local branch of “Taldor” or “Marmanet” to receive a form and be photographedTake with you:a. Teudat Zehut

3. Have an eye test and medical. If you suffer from a medical condition, further tests may be required, which will delay the process.

4. Go to the appropriate Misrad Harishui (Licensing Authority) OfficeTake with you:a. Teudat Zehutbb. Teudat Zekautc. Passportd. Driver’s license issued 3 months prior to date of Aliyah in country of origine. Completed form

5. The form will be stamped and you will be given a list of driving instructors

6. Arrange as many lessons as you need. The driving instructor will arrange the test

7. Upon passing, get a temporary license from Misrad Harishui – pay for the full license at the Postal Bank

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Step 7 – Opening a Customs (Meches) file

1. A Katin Chozer must officially be confirmed with the Customs Authority for shipping and vehicle benefits. TEligibility for meches must be approved by the Meches Office independently of your klita benefits.

2. Go to the nearest Customs officeTake with you:a) Teudat Zehutb)b) Teudat Zekautc) All forms previously submitted to your Shaliach for proving your statusd) Spouses passport / Teudat Zehut (if applicable)

3. The customs authority should confirm your status and eligibility for benefits

Step 8 – Getting an academic degree recognized

1. An important step if you are working in a public sector office or registering for unemployment

2. Done through the Misrad Hachinuch (Ministry of Education)TTake with you:a. Teudat Zehutb. Teudat Zekautc. Original degree certificated. Academic Transcripte. If you started your studies after August 2000 – Matriculation Certificatef. Photocopies of all documents

3.3. The process usually takes 6 – 10 weeks

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