A Guide to Aliyah Benefits for Olim

International version

January 2015 update

Please note!

This information is only relevant to you if you are a straightforward Oleh If you have previously held an Israeli ID number as an A1 visa holder (Temporary Resident), a permanent resident, a Machal volunteer, you are (or were) an Israeli citizen, or if you are married to a person who has previously held an Aliyah status, please refer to the Aliyah office for clarification Eligibility for benefits can be affected by previous status in Israel and by the length of time spent in Israel prior to attaining Oleh status In all cases, it is recommended to consult with a Shaliach or the Global Center regarding your individual case The Government Ministries which give benefits to Olim reserve the right to change those benefits at any time

Assistance from Jewish Agency for Israel staff

Our staff, both in our state-of-the-art call centre in Jerusalem and our offices in major cities around the world are here to assist and advise you in making the decision to make Aliyah, gathering appropriate information, opening your Aliyah file and arranging all necessary documents. When the file is completed and you’ve had your personal Aliyah interview, we will send the file for approval and coordinate the issuance of your Aliyah visa.

Aliyah Flight and baggage

Your one-way airline ticket with additional baggage allowance is paid for by the Jewish Agency

Direct Financial Assistance

You’ll receive the Sal Klita financial assistance in monthly payments for the 6 months following your arrival. First payment is made at the airport in cash. Subsequent payments to your bank account Amounts depend on family size and structure (see separate table for details) Once 6 months have passed, if you are unemployed you may be able to claim income support payments until the end of the first year from the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption (restrictions apply)

Medical Insurance

Free for up to 12 months following Aliyah if you are not employed Immediate access. Registration takes place at Ben Gurion Airport upon arrival Choose between 4 funds (research before arrival) Additional top-up coverage packages available from each of the funds

Upon arrival

In addition to the Sal Klita payment and medical registration, the airport branch of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption will issue you with your Teudat Zehut (National Identity card) and Teudat Oleh (Aliyah benefits booklet) and will also give you a sim card with 200 local minutes for your cell phone – you should make sure to have an unlocked phone You are entitled to bring up to NIS 1,125,000 in cash or cash equivalents (such as travelers cheques) undeclared Having retrieved your bags and completed all processes at the airport you will have a free taxi to your first destination

Ulpan – Hebrew Studies

500 hours of free Hebrew studies – generally 5 hours per day, 5 days per week for 5 months – morning hours at locations around the country In locations with large numbers of Olim part time and / or evening options may be available Jewish Agency for Israel residential Ulpans are available for young Olim who meet acceptance criteria Begin studies within 10 years of Aliyah

University Studies

Olim Students are entitled to have their tuition paid, provided that they meet all criteria including that:

they hold a high-school diploma

they begin studies within 3 years of Aliyah

they study standard Hebrew language courses at recognised institutions (private institutions may qualify for partial reimbursement) they fit defined age criteria

Employment

The Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption assists in the field of employment in a number of ways including: Preparatory courses for professional licensing exams Participation in the costs of professional retraining courses Counselling, training and guidance in finding employment Assistance in setting up a business

Tax breaks

Olim receive income tax breaks for 3 ½ years following their Aliyah Benefits raise the threshold at which Olim begin paying taxes The 2008 Tax Reform allows a 10 year exemption on reporting income and assets from abroad It is highly recommended to discuss your finances with a finance professional in order to fully understand and maximise this benefit

Housing Assistance

Assistance paid from the 13th month after Aliyah to non-home owners Single Olim: NIS 223 per month in 2nd, 3rd and 4th and NIS 89 in the 5th years Couples / Families: NIS 402 per month in the 2nd, NIS 322 in the 3rd, NIS 223 in the 4th and NIS 99 in the 5th years

Olim receive a reduction of up to 90% on 100m of their Arnona (local tax) bill for 12 out of the first 24 months in the country Olim sharing an apartment will get a proportionate reduction

Property purchase

First time homebuyers are eligible for assistance in the form of a mortgage for a limited sum with a subsidised interest rate within 15 years of Aliyah date Olim are entitled to a tax break on the purchase tax upon purchasing one property within 7 years of Aliyah date. This also applies if the property was purchased in the year prior to Aliyah.

Shipping and customs benefits

Olim are entitled to tax free import of:

up to 3 shipments… household goods… in reasonable quantities… within 3 years of date of Aliyah

Olim pay the cost of shipping In addition, Olim can purchase a very limited number of Israeli made appliances in Israel, tax free

Car benefits

Olim can obtain an Israeli drivers license by converting their existing license within 3 years of their Aliyah. Olim may use a foreign license for 1 year following Aliyah other than when they have spent an extended period of time in Israel prior to Aliyah. See website for details Olim may purchase / import a car with a tax reduction with the conditions that:

within 3 years of Aliyah date hold a drivers’ license valid in their country of origin prior to Aliyah and an Israeli license Car cannot be sold at all for 1 year and not for 4 years without repaying taxes (except to another Oleh) Only Oleh and spouse may drive the car

TV Tax

Olim may claim TV tax (“Agrat Televizia”) free for 1 year within the first two years of Aliyah

Useful contact information

Global Center – The Jewish Agency for Israel 1-800-228-055 Misrad Hapnim www.moin.gov.il *3450 Misrad Haklita www.moia.gov.il 03-973-3333 Bituach Leumi www.btl.gov.il *6050 Customs / Income Tax http://www.financeisrael.mof.gov.il/ Driving Licenses www.mot.gov.il *5678 Army www.aka.idf.il/main/giyus

www.jewishagency.org/aliyah Global Aliyah Center – Toll free Gci-en@jafi.org UK – 0-800-404-8984 Australia – 1-800-445-781 South Africa – 0-800-996-886 New Zealand – 0-800-448-591 Holland – 0-800-022-1498 India – 0-00127 code 2096 Sweden, Denmark, Norway – 00-800-5394-7424 Finland – 990-800-5394-7424 Israel – 1-800-228-055