Rental Assistance (Sar Dirah)
Separate from סל קליטה (Sal Klita), the Israeli government offers a monthly rental assistance grant — known informally as "sar dirah" or housing assistance — to olim who do not live in an absorption center. This payment is designed to help cover rent during your first years, when earning an Israeli salary is often not yet possible.
Monthly rental assistance amounts (as of 2025–2026) depend on your location and family status:
- Single adult, central Israel (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem area): approximately 1,200–1,500 NIS/month
- Single adult, peripheral areas (Beer Sheva, Haifa, north/south): approximately 800–1,000 NIS/month
- Couple: add approximately 200–400 NIS/month above the single rate
- Per child: a small additional amount per dependent child
Rental assistance is paid for up to 24 months from your aliyah date and is administered through the Absorption Ministry (Misrad HaKlita). You apply at your local Misrad HaKlita office with your rental contract, Teudat Oleh, and bank account details. Payments go directly to your bank account monthly.
Customs-Free Import of Personal Belongings
As a new oleh, you are entitled to bring your personal belongings to Israel duty-free. The customs exemption allows you to import household goods, furniture, and personal effects without paying customs duties or מע"מ (Ma'am (VAT)) (VAT).
The rules are:
- Three separate shipments are allowed within your first 3 years from aliyah
- Each shipment must be imported in your name and consist of used personal goods (not new merchandise for resale)
- You must apply for a customs exemption certificate (teudat patur) from the Absorption Ministry before each shipment clears customs
- Air shipments, sea containers, and personal luggage all qualify, within limits
The exemption covers furniture, electronics, clothing, books, appliances, and other household items. Commercial goods, new items bought abroad for resale, and vehicles (which have their own scheme) are excluded from this exemption.
Vehicle Import: The Oleh Car Discount
Importing a vehicle to Israel is normally extremely expensive — Israel levies heavy customs duties and VAT on all vehicles, which is why cars cost roughly double their European prices here. But olim receive a significant discount on one vehicle imported within their first 3 years.
The oleh vehicle benefit typically includes:
- 50% reduction on import customs duty — customs are normally 80–100% of the vehicle's value, so a 50% discount is substantial
- Exemption from purchase tax (mas rechisha on vehicles) or a significantly reduced rate, depending on the vehicle type and year
- The מע"מ (Ma'am (VAT)) component (currently 18%) still applies
For a mid-range car worth €25,000 in Europe, the taxes without the oleh discount might add €20,000–25,000 to the cost. With the discount, you may save €8,000–12,000. The vehicle must be in your name and cannot be sold for 3 years after import without repaying the waived duties.
This discount applies to a vehicle you already own abroad or purchase abroad specifically to import. It does not apply to buying a car already in Israel. Work with a licensed customs agent (mekhes) who specializes in oleh imports — the paperwork is detailed and the savings are real.
How to Claim Each Benefit
- Rental assistance: Apply at your local Misrad HaKlita office within the first few months of arrival. Bring rental contract, Teudat Oleh, and bank details.
- Customs exemption: Before shipping, contact the Absorption Ministry to receive your customs exemption certificate. Present this to Israeli customs when the shipment arrives.
- Vehicle discount: Contact the Absorption Ministry and arrange with a licensed customs agent before purchasing or shipping your vehicle. The paperwork must be completed before the car arrives in Israel.
All three of these benefits are time-limited and require proactive application. The Absorption Ministry website (in Hebrew and English) lists current rates and forms. If in doubt, the English-speaking staff at Nefesh B'Nefesh can walk you through each application.