Ministry of Aliyah and Integration — First Steps: Free Transport, Bank Account Opening, and Personal Absorption Counselor

Source: Israeli Government Guide for New Immigrants · 2026-05

14 Free Transport Every new immigrant is entitled to transportation (on a one time basis) to their destination - an Absorption Center, a Kibbutz Ulpan, relatives, an apartment or any other destination. An immigrant citizen and a returning minor are entitled to this transportation as well. If you want to travel to Eilat and its environs by plane, please notify an aliyah emissary (shaliach) at least two weeks in advance of your aliyah. Opening a Bank Account In order to receive the financial assistance you are entitled to, you have to open an Israeli bank account in any bank of your choice. Note that when opening an account for a family unit consisting of two spouses, both spouses must be present at the bank, and the account has to be under both their names. In order for the account to become active immediately, and to prevent any problems receiving Ministry of Aliyah and Integration assistance, it is necessary to immediately deposit at least one shekel. It is then necessary to go to a branch of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and provide the bank-account number and verification of a deposit. The details of your account will also be transferred to the National Insurance Institute, to enable the transferring of pensions, if you are eligible for them. Please Note! It is highly recommended not to change the account number during the first years of aliyah. If for any reason you must change the details of your bank account, it is crucial to inform the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration immediately. The documents that are necessary for opening a bank account • A New Immigrant certificate (Te’udat Oleh) of both spouses. • If one spouse is unable to be at the bank, the other must bring their notarized power-of attorney. • An identity card (Te’udat Zehut) if you have already have had one issued (in accordance with the law banks are required to recieve a New Immigrant certificate (Te’udat Oleh) instead of an identity card (Te’udat Zehut) during the first 30 days from the day of aliyah).

15 • The form from the airport for opening a bank account. Please Note! Many banks require the income-tax file number from overseas: in the US- SSN, in Russia-INN, in the rest of the world- TIN (tax identification number). Please Note! Do not forget to take the bank confirmation for opening the account, (it is advised to ask for a verification deposit to the account). Bring these items with you to the first meeting with the personal absorption counselor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. Meeting with a Personal Absorption Counselor The first and main source to offer you assistance at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is the personal absorption counselor. Remember to arrange an appointment in advance with your personal absorption counselor so you can get to know the counselor personally, verify personal details, receive information about financial assistance, and guidance about your future plans. Please bring with you to the meeting the details of your bank account, and your New Immigrant certificate (Te’udat Oleh). At the end of this booklet is a check list for your convenience, and telephone numbers, public reception hours, and even names of clerks who can assist you at various offices. More information about initial first steps is also available from the various English-speaking immigrant associations. In most cases, it is necessary to make an appointment in advance. See Useful Addresses at the end of this booklet for details. Online contact with Personal Absorption Counselor The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has expanded the services offered to olim, and enables online contact with the absorption counselor via the personal area (ezor - ishi) on the site. This service enables fast communication with the absorption counselor without having to arrive and arrange a physical appointment. The service is offered in various languages. You can thus perform many actions: • Send on online inquiry to the absorption counselor • Ask a question or find out information