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

Step 1 - Applying for a Teudat Zehut (ID card) – Misrad Hapnim (Interior Ministry)

1. Arrive bright and early – morning hours only! Inform a staff member that you are an Oleh Chadash and ask where to go to get a Teudat Zehut.

Take with you:a. Documents prepared with your Shaliachbb. 2 identical passport photosc. Your passportd. Documents received at the airporte. All family members aged over 16

2. You should receive your Teudat Zehut at the office.Note: If you are joining an NBN group or charter flight, your application will be process during the course of the flight. You will receive appropriate instructions from NBN.

SStep 2 – Signing up for Health Insurance – Postal Bank and the Health funds

1. Go to your nearest Postal Bank branch (most large Post Offices)Take with you:a. Teudat Zehutb. Teudat Oleh c. Form received at the airport on arrivald. NIS 14.50 per person

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

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

4. If you wish to sign up for additional insurance plans you can do this at the health fund branch

This sheet is a guide to the essential first steps, which you will take in Israel. If your status is not “Oleh Chadash” or if you have previously been a temporary resident or served in the IDF in the Machal framework, the process will differ – please consult your Shaliach.

First steps in Israel- Olim

Olim 1

Olim 2

Step 3 – Opening a Bank Account

1. Open an account in the Bank of your choice.

TIP! choose a branch that is easily accessible from your home address. If staying with friends of family for a few days before moving on to another part of the country, consider waiting to open your account.

Take with you:a. Teudat Zehutbb. Teudat Oleh

2. Ask for an ATM card and check books.

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

Step 4 – Sal Klita, Ulpan – Misrad Haklita (Ministry of Absorption)

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

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

3. Sign up for Ulpan (this can also be done later)

Section 2 – less immediate but no less important

Step 5 – Applying for a Teudat Ma’avar / Passport – Misrad Hapnim (Ministry of Interior)

1. After 90 days as an Oleh, you must have a Teudat Ma’avar (Temporary Passport – given in the 1st year as an Oleh) or full passport ((once a full year is up) in order to leave Israel

2. Apply at your local Misrad HapnimTake with you:a. Teudat Zehutb. 2 identical passport photosc. Fee of NIS 75 for a Teudat Ma’avar, NIS 225 for a full passport (prices may vary, see Misrad Hapnim)

3. The Teudat Ma’avar / Passport will usually be sent to your home address within a few days but can take up to a month

SStep 6 – Converting a driver’s license – Misrad Harishui (Licensing Authority)

1. You can use your foreign license for 1 year after Aliyah. You have 2 opportunities within 3 years to convert your foreign license

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) OfficeTTake with you:a. Teudat Zehutb. Teudat Olehc. 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. 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

Olim 3

Olim 4

Step 7 – Arranging a reduction in your Arnona (municipal tax)

1. Go to your Iriya (municipality) or Moatza Mekomit (local council) offices

2. Take with you:a. Up-to-date Teudat Zehutb. Teudat Olehc. Contractdd. Arnona Bille. Photocopies of documents

3. The municipality should arrange the reduction on the spot

Step 8 – Getting an academic degree recognised

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)Take with you:a.a. Teudat Zehutb. Teudat Olehc. Original degree certificated. Academic Transcripte. If you started your studies after August 2000 – Matriculation Certificatef. Photocopies of all documents

3. The process usually takes 6 – 10 weeks