How to Make Aliyah in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide

Aliyah process at a glance

For most people applying from abroad, the process follows nine broad stages:

1Understand whether you may be eligible

Aliyah is based on Israel's Law of Return. Eligibility is determined by the relevant Israeli authorities, not by this site and not solely by how someone personally identifies.

The Jewish Agency explains that the Law of Return covers Jews and, in defined circumstances, certain children, grandchildren and spouses of Jews. The law also contains exclusions and special rules. Family history, conversion, previous religion, criminal record, Israeli citizenship through a parent, marital situation or prior residence in Israel can all change how a case is handled.

Applicants from or connected to the former Soviet Union can also encounter a different eligibility-verification process involving Nativ.

2Open your Aliyah file

For most applicants living abroad, the practical starting point is the Jewish Agency for Israel. Its current process begins with an online questionnaire, followed by contact with an Aliyah account manager and creation of an online Aliyah file.

The route is not identical everywhere. In the United States and Canada, the process is commonly handled through the joint Nefesh B'Nefesh/Jewish Agency application. Applicants from the United Kingdom are currently directed to begin the formal process with the Jewish Agency rather than the North American NBN application.

3Gather and authenticate your documents

This is where many files slow down. Israel is checking legal eligibility, identity, family status and background.

Commonly requested documents include:

Originals may need to be presented at the interview. Depending on where a document was issued, it may require an apostille or other official authentication. Some documents may also require translation.

4Attend the Aliyah interview

The Jewish Agency currently describes a personal Aliyah interview as part of the process. You should expect to present original documentation and answer questions relating to your application and eligibility.

This is not simply ceremonial. The purpose is to verify the file, and additional documents can be requested.

5Wait for formal eligibility approval

After your file and interview are complete, the eligibility department reviews the case. The Jewish Agency states that additional documentation or information may still be requested. Once confirmed, you receive formal approval.

Do not make irreversible financial decisions solely because you submitted an application. If your move depends on receiving Oleh status, waiting for formal approval before resigning, shipping all possessions or giving up long-term accommodation is safer.

6Obtain the Aliyah visa and finalize your move

Once approved, the next stage normally includes issuance of the appropriate immigrant visa and coordination of the move. The exact consular procedure depends on your country and passport.

If you are eligible under the Law of Return but are not ready to become an Israeli citizen immediately, Israel also has an A/1 temporary residence route. Government guidance says it can allow an eligible person to live and work in Israel for up to five years while deciding whether to take citizenship.

7Plan the actual move — not just the flight

Once Aliyah is approved, coordinate the flight and arrival instructions with the organization handling your file.

Before booking the move, work through our moving to Israel checklist, review the cost of living in Israel, and compare our guide to the best places to live in Israel.

8Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport

For eligible Olim arriving through the standard process, the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration operates initial absorption services at Ben Gurion Airport.

Current government information says the airport process can include your identity number/identity documentation, Teudat Oleh, health-fund registration, bank-account paperwork, an initial Absorption Basket payment and first-step guidance. The airport branch also provides transport to the immigrant's first address under the applicable program.

9Your first days and weeks in Israel

Aliyah does not end when you leave the airport. Early tasks commonly include:

The Ministry's My Aliyah app is designed to guide Olim through many of these tasks, and the Easy-Zechut calculator provides personalized information about benefits and rights. You can also read our practical overview of Aliyah benefits before building those payments into your budget.

Official: My Aliyah app
Official: Easy-Zechut eligibility calculator

The honest part: what can make Aliyah harder?

For straightforward cases with complete documents, the process can be relatively smooth. But not every file is straightforward.

Documentation can be the biggest obstacle

Old civil records, inconsistent spellings, missing apostilles, name changes, adoption, conversion records or incomplete proof of Jewish ancestry can all create delays.

Your legal status may not be what you expect

People born abroad to Israeli parents, returning minors, former Israeli residents and some spouses may follow different rules from a standard first-time Oleh.

Making Aliyah from inside Israel is possible, but different

The Jewish Agency states that people applying from abroad generally process through the Jewish Agency, while applicants already in Israel may need to work directly with the Population and Immigration Authority. Nefesh B'Nefesh has a Guided Aliyah route for some eligible applicants in Israel.

Approval does not solve the financial transition

Sal Klita and other benefits can help, but they do not replace a realistic employment, housing and cash-flow plan.

What should you do next?

If you are seriously considering Aliyah, start by confirming the route that applies to your own citizenship and family circumstances with the relevant official body. Then begin collecting the documents requested for your case rather than relying on another applicant's checklist.

At the same time, start planning the life that comes after approval. The following Return to Israel guides can help:

Official and primary sources

Return to Israel is an independent information and assistance resource and is not an Israeli government authority, the Jewish Agency or Nefesh B'Nefesh. Eligibility and legal status are determined by the competent authorities. If official rules conflict with this page, the official rules prevail.