Whether you're making Aliyah or relocating for work, moving to Israel from the USA involves shipping household goods by ocean container to Haifa or Ashdod and settling into Tel Aviv, Jerusalem or Haifa. Many American olim relocate with help from organisations like Nefesh B'Nefesh, which streamlines the process for US citizens. Relocating to Israel also means navigating customs allowances, opening a shekel bank account, and continuing to file with the IRS on worldwide income. This guide brings the practical steps together for American movers.
Moving to Israel from the USA: overview
Americans move to Israel for family, faith, career (especially in tech) and lifestyle. Tel Aviv is the economic and startup hub, Jerusalem the historic and governmental centre, and Haifa a more affordable northern coastal city. Many Jewish Americans relocate through Aliyah, which carries significant benefits including a multi-year exemption on foreign-source income.
Your route — Aliyah versus a work visa — affects your customs allowances, benefits and banking, so confirm it early. As a US citizen you'll keep filing with the IRS even while enjoying the olim tax holiday, so coordinate both systems with a cross-border advisor.
Visa & residency basics
Confirm eligibility and documentation with the relevant authority or an Aliyah organisation before shipping; US olim typically work with Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Jewish Agency.
- Aliyah — eligible Jewish Americans can immigrate with citizenship and a benefits basket; Nefesh B'Nefesh assists US applicants.
- A-1 Temporary Resident Visa — for those eligible for Aliyah who want to trial living in Israel first.
- B-1 Work Visa — employer-sponsored work permit for non-eligible expats.
- Prepare apostilled US civil documents (birth, marriage) well ahead of departure.
Shipping household goods to Israel from the USA
US-to-Israel moves travel by ocean container from East Coast ports such as New York/New Jersey, Savannah or Charleston to Haifa or Ashdod, typically 3–5 weeks port-to-door. FCL suits a full home; LCL or air freight handles smaller loads. Olim often ship more because of generous customs allowances, while work-visa movers may downsize.
Customs clearance: Israel personal effects
New immigrants (olim) receive customs concessions on used household goods within set time windows, including reduced or zero duty on many items and limited allowances on appliances and a vehicle. Work-visa holders import under standard rules. You'll need a detailed inventory, passport, visa or oleh documentation, and the bill of lading for clearance at Haifa or Ashdod.
Banking in Israel for newcomers
Open an Israeli shekel account (Bank Leumi, Bank Hapoalim, Discount Bank) once you have your visa or teudat zehut; olim can often start the process quickly with the right paperwork. FATCA applies, so expect a W-9 and IRS reporting, and budget for USD-to-ILS conversion when funding the move. Keep a US account open for transfers during the transition.
Schools in Israel for expats
Israel has Hebrew-language state schools plus international and bilingual options in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Herzliya following American, British and IB curricula. Olim families often use ulpan (Hebrew immersion) to ease children into local schools. Confirm fees and availability directly and apply early in popular areas.
Housing & where expats live
Tel Aviv is the priciest and most international city; Jerusalem suits those wanting community and history; Herzliya and Ra'anana are popular with English-speaking families; Haifa offers lower costs on the northern coast. Rentals usually require several months' deposit and a guarantor, so line up housing or short-term accommodation before your container arrives.
Bringing your pet from the USA
Dogs and cats enter Israel with a microchip, current rabies vaccination, a rabies titer test where required, and a veterinary health certificate endorsed by USDA-APHIS, plus advance notification to Israeli veterinary services. Start the process 1–2 months ahead and use a pet-relocation specialist for the flight and arrival clearance.
Destination charges explained
Your US quote covers origin packing and ocean freight; Israeli destination charges — terminal handling at Haifa or Ashdod, customs clearance and delivery — are billed locally. Ask for an itemised written quote so nothing is a surprise. Our destination charges guide explains each line.
Plan your move to Israel from the USA
Tell us your US origin city and what you're shipping. A coordinator will reply with a verified written quote and a clear breakdown of Israeli destination charges within one business day.
Request relocation guidanceFrequently asked questions
How long does shipping from the USA to Israel take?
Ocean freight is typically 3–5 weeks port-to-door from US East Coast ports to Haifa or Ashdod, plus packing and customs time. Air freight is faster for small, urgent shipments.
What customs benefits do American olim get?
New immigrants receive customs concessions on used household goods within set time windows, including reduced or zero duty on many items and limited allowances on appliances and a vehicle. Work-visa holders import under standard rules. Confirm current allowances before you ship.
Do American olim still pay US taxes?
Yes. Israel grants new olim a multi-year exemption on foreign-source income, but US citizens still file an annual IRS return on worldwide income and report foreign accounts on an FBAR. Coordinate both systems with a cross-border advisor.
How do I make Aliyah from the USA?
Most American olim work with Nefesh B'Nefesh and the Jewish Agency, who guide eligibility, documentation (including apostilled civil records) and the benefits basket. Start early, as paperwork and timing affect your customs allowances and shipping schedule.
Can I bring my pet to Israel from the US?
Yes. Dogs and cats need a microchip, current rabies vaccination, a rabies titer test where required, and a USDA-APHIS-endorsed health certificate, plus advance notice to Israeli veterinary services. Use a pet-relocation specialist and start 1–2 months ahead.
What school options are available for American families moving to Israel?
Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Herzliya offer international and bilingual schools with American, British or IB programmes, alongside Hebrew-language state schools. Families considering local schools may also look at ulpan and language support; ask each school about admissions, tuition and placement for your child's age and language level.