Aliyah & Bureaucracy Cheat Sheet

Core Hebrew for the aliyah and absorption process: immigrant status, eligibility, the agencies, and the documents that unlock your benefits.

עלייה

Aliyah

Immigration to Israel under the Law of Return. The act of making aliyah is what starts the clock on most of your benefit and tax windows.

Literal: "Ascent"

עולה חדש

Oleh Chadash

A new immigrant under the Law of Return, entitled to the basket of absorption benefits: Sal Klita, tax breaks, customs relief, and more, for set windows from your aliyah date.

Literal: "New immigrant"

תושב חוזר

Toshav Chozer

A former Israeli returning after years abroad. Gets a smaller set of benefits than an oleh chadash, with the size depending on how long you were away.

Literal: "Returning resident"

קליטה

Klita

The integration process for new immigrants. The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration (Misrad HaKlita) runs the financial side of it.

Literal: "Absorption"

אולפן

Ulpan

A subsidized intensive Hebrew course for new immigrants. Your first ulpan is part of the absorption package.

Literal: "Studio"

מרכז קליטה

Merkaz Klita

Subsidized initial housing with on-site ulpan and absorption services, used by some olim for the first months before renting privately.

Literal: "Absorption center"

זכאות

Zakaut

Your entitlement to a benefit. Much of the olim system is zakaut-based: you qualify automatically but often have to claim it before a deadline.

Literal: "Eligibility"

הסוכנות היהודית

HaSochnut HaYehudit

The Jewish Agency, which processes aliyah and works alongside partners like Nefesh BeNefesh and the Ministry to deliver absorption support.

Literal: "The Jewish Agency"

אזרחות

Ezrachut

Israeli citizenship, granted to olim on arrival under the Law of Return. It does not by itself end your home-country citizenship or its tax rules.

Literal: "Citizenship"

דרכון

Darkon

The Israeli passport. New olim usually receive a temporary travel document first, then the full darkon after an initial residency period.

Literal: "Passport"

משרד הקליטה

Misrad HaKlita

The ministry responsible for olim benefits including Sal Klita payments, Hebrew courses (Ulpan), and integration support.

Literal: "Ministry of Absorption"

משרד הפנים

Misrad HaPnim

The government ministry where you register for your Teudat Zehut (ID card), handle civil status changes, and manage residency matters.

Literal: "Ministry of Interior"

תעודת עולה

Teudat Oleh

Your official proof of immigration status. Required to access olim benefits, tax credits, and discounts on Arnona and Mas Rechisha.

Literal: "Oleh Certificate"

תעודת זהות

Teudat Zehut

The Israeli national identity card issued by Misrad HaPnim. Required for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and most official processes.

Literal: "Identity Card"

מספר זהות

Mispar Zehut

Your 9-digit Israeli ID number, assigned at immigration. Used for all official, banking, tax, and medical interactions.

Literal: "Identity Number"

סל קליטה

Sal Klita

A financial package given to new olim over 6-12 months to assist with settling in Israel.

Literal: "Absorption Basket"

נקודות זיכוי

Nekudot Zikui

Tax credit points that reduce your income tax. Each point is worth a fixed NIS amount per month.

Literal: "Credit Points"