Eligibility quiz
Did you have a Jewish parent who arrived in Israel before 19 March 1970 and received permission to live there permanently?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Israeli passport and ID
Israeli citizens can hold an Israeli identity card and passport or, in some cases, another travel document.
A travel document instead of a passport may be issued if a new citizen did not settle in Israel for 36 of the first 60 months after gaining citizenship.
Live in Israel for life
Israeli citizens can live in Israel indefinitely without a residence visa, and can enter and leave the country.
Study in Israel
Israeli citizens can study in Israel without a residence visa.
Work in Israel
Israeli citizens can work in Israel without a work permit.
Get help abroad
Israeli citizens can get practical help abroad from Israeli embassies and consulates, including help with passports and other citizen services.
Vote in elections
Israeli citizens can vote in Knesset elections, subject to election rules.
Use public healthcare
Israeli citizens who also live in Israel are covered by public health insurance and can register with one of four health funds.
Living abroad for a long time can affect coverage.
Get social support
Israeli citizens who live in Israel can be insured by National Insurance and may qualify for income support and unemployment, disability, maternity, child and old-age benefits.
Each payment has its own conditions, which can include contributions, income, age, disability and family circumstances.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your local office
Find the Population and Immigration Authority office responsible for the place where you live in Israel.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Israel Population and Immigration Authority office serves your city for citizenship applications?”
Download the application form
Download and print the Notification of Interest in Receiving Citizenship form.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete the printed citizenship application form.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the form to apply for Israeli citizenship for family members under the Law of Return?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your local office.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Send an appointment request through the visa and status appointment service, choosing your local office. A representative will then schedule your appointment.
Book an appointmentGo to your appointment
Go in person to your local Population and Immigration Authority office. Bring your completed form, your identity card or passport, and your supporting documents.
See application instructionsWait for the decision
Wait for the office to decide on your application, and provide any further documents it asks for.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply for Israeli citizenship for family members under the Law of Return?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your original birth certificate. If your claim goes through your Jewish grandparent, bring your parent's birth certificate too; if you were adopted, bring the adoption decision.
Family residence record
Bring evidence that your Jewish parent or grandparent received permanent residence in Israel. Check with your office which evidence it accepts.
Family entry record
Bring evidence that your Jewish parent or grandparent entered Israel before 19 March 1970. Check with your office which evidence it accepts.
Proof of Jewish status
Bring evidence that your parent or grandparent through whom you are applying is recognised as Jewish. Check with your office which evidence it accepts.
Marriage certificates *
Bring the original marriage certificates that show your family connection. Include divorce or name-change records if they are needed to explain the connection.
* Only if marriage records are needed to show your family connection.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationDeath certificates *
Bring the original death certificate for your parent or grandparent. Check with your office which record it needs.
* Only if your parent or grandparent has died and a death record is needed to show your family connection.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military service
Fit men aged 18–29 and fit women aged 18–26 may have to serve, even if they live abroad; ignoring orders can be a crime.
Service depends on fitness, age, family history and residence abroad; some people, including physicians, have different rules.
Citizens abroad may need to register for service from age 16 years and four months and obtain an approved delay.
Citizenship can be lost
Citizenship can be taken away in certain cases, including fraud in acquiring it or serious conduct covered by law.
An adult living abroad may ask to give it up if they live in another country and have or are assured another citizenship; the minister must approve.
A child can be included in a parent's request only under certain parental and consent conditions.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Secret Tel Aviv
Facebook group for people interested in Israeli local life (Hebrew & English)
Join on Facebookr/Israel
English Reddit group for people interested in Israeli local life
Join on Redditr/israel_bm
Hebrew Reddit group for people interested in Israeli local life
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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