If you are eligible to make Aliyah but you are not sure whether it is the right choice for you, a temporary residency (A1 visa) might be a good alternative. A list of the required documents and instructions on how to apply for the A1 visa can be found here. If you are considering making Aliyah at a later date, please carefully read the notes at the end of this guide.

What You Will Need

Foreign Passport

The passport must be valid for at least 1 year.

Birth Certificate with Apostille

More details on the apostille can be found here.

Marriage/Divorce/Death Certificate with Apostille

If you were married more than once, you need to send all the relevant civil certificates and licenses (not replaceable by a Ketubah – a Jewish Marriage contract or by a Get – a Jewish Divorce document or the Judicial Sentence of Divorce), with an Apostille for each one.

Background Check with Apostille

You need an official criminal background check or a Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the government:

• of the country where you were born
• every country where you resided for more than one year above the age of 14
• and any country whose citizenship you currently hold even if you never lived there.

Each country has its own procedure regarding the issue of such a certificate. You can find more information here.

Proof of Judaism

As part of the administrative process to receive a visa, you must submit a letter explaining your eligibility status for Aliyah and your Jewish background. This letter must meet strict conditions that are explained here.

Additional Documents

Additional documents might be requested.

How to Apply for the Visa

Application for Visa

• If you are abroad, contact the Jewish Agency Global Center. You can find the phone number of your country here.
• If you are in Israel, make an appointment with the Ministry of Interior in your city.

Important Note

Validity

The A1 visa is valid for 1 year and can be renewed annually.

Military Service

For an A1 visa holder, there is no obligation to serve in the army.

No Aliyah Benefits

You won’t be granted any Aliyah benefits, such as Sal Klita, tax breaks, free Ulpan, health insurance, etc.

No Israeli Passport

You won’t receive an Israeli passport. The A1 Teudat Zehut cannot be used for traveling. You will have to travel on your foreign passport.

Health Insurance

You must arrange for private health insurance for your entire stay in Israel.

Loss of Future Benefits

If you decide to make Aliyah at a later date, you might lose benefits. Specifically, if you stayed in Israel for more than:

• 2 cumulative years in the last 3 years, or
• 3 cumulative years in the last 5 years

Bituach Leumi

After 6 months in Israel, you must pay Bituach Leumi (national social security).