Relocating to Israel | Aliyah, Visa, Setup & Shipping Guide

Israel admits new immigrants primarily through Aliyah under the Law of Return for Jews, their spouses, children and grandchildren, administered by the Jewish Agency and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. Non-Jewish foreign nationals typically work in Israel on B-1 work visas sponsored by an Israeli employer, plus dependant routes, student visas (A-2) and clergy visas. This guide is a planning-level overview only. Always confirm current rules with Misrad HaPnim (Population & Immigration Authority) and a licensed Israeli immigration lawyer.

Aliyah and the Law of Return

The Law of Return grants the right to immigrate to Israel to Jews, their spouses, children and grandchildren. Halachic and non-Halachic Jewish status raise distinct questions, so confirm with the Jewish Agency and a recognised rabbinic authority where relevant. New olim may receive first-year benefits including a Teudat Zehut, sal klita, Hebrew Ulpan and healthcare access. Confirm current eligibility and timing with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.

Nefesh B'Nefesh offers Aliyah guidance and application support for eligible applicants from North America and the United Kingdom. It can help families understand preparation and arrival steps, but official eligibility and immigration decisions remain with the relevant Israeli authorities and the Jewish Agency.

Nefesh B'Nefesh Aliyah support

Non-Aliyah work and visit routes

B-1: work visa sponsored by an Israeli employer (specialist or general workforce categories).
B-2: visitor visa for short stays; does not permit work.
A-1: temporary resident visa for those qualifying for Aliyah but choosing to delay citizenship.
A-2: student visa.
A-3: clergy visa.
Family unification: for spouses of Israeli citizens, with detailed and lengthy processes.

Your first 30 days on the ground

Confirm how and when to receive your Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID card). The process for olim can begin on arrival.
Register with Bituach Leumi (National Insurance Institute).
Choose a kupat cholim (one of four health funds: Clalit, Maccabi, Meuchedet, Leumit).
Open an Israeli bank account. Major banks include Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount and Mizrahi-Tefahot.
Review any rental contract (chozeh sechirut) carefully. Deposit and guarantee requests vary by landlord.
Enrol children in Israeli schools (state, state-religious, recognised non-state) or international schools.
Ask the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration whether you are eligible for subsidised Hebrew Ulpan.

Healthcare, schools and tax basics

Israel has universal healthcare via the four kupot cholim, funded through Bituach Leumi contributions. Many residents add private supplementary insurance. Schools include state secular (mamlachti), state religious (mamlachti dati), Haredi independent and recognised international schools (in Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Jerusalem, Ra'anana).

Israeli tax residence and newcomer or returning-resident relief depend on current law and individual circumstances. Get personalised cross-border tax advice in your first Israeli tax year rather than assuming a general exemption applies.

Moving Your Household Goods to Israel

For many families, relocating to Israel involves more than arranging a flight and finding a home. You also need to decide what to bring, what to leave behind and how your belongings can reach Israel safely.

Household goods can travel by air freight, shared sea freight or a dedicated shipping container. A complete household may justify a 20 foot or 40 foot container, while boxes and selected furniture may suit a shared container or less-than-container-load service.

The right choice depends on shipment volume, origin, budget, timing and the size and access conditions of your future home in Israel.

Shipping Options for Moving to Israel

Compare methods using a room-by-room volume survey rather than bedroom count alone. International moving costs are strongly influenced by the space your shipment occupies, so a professional volume assessment can prevent you from booking too much or too little capacity.

Small Shipments and Boxes

Several boxes, suitcases or a limited group of belongings may travel by air freight or a small consolidated sea shipment. Air is generally faster, while sea freight can be more practical when timing is flexible.

Shared Container Shipping

Your goods travel with other consignments and charges are based mainly on the space used. This can suit an apartment move, boxes and furniture, or an Aliyah move that does not include a complete household.

20 Foot Container

A private 20 foot container can suit a larger apartment or household with enough furniture and personal property to justify dedicated capacity. A survey should confirm whether the volume is appropriate.

40 Foot Container

A larger household may require a 40 foot container when moving several bedrooms, substantial furniture and many personal belongings. Access, port, inspection and destination charges still need to be confirmed.

Compare shipping options Estimate your shipment volume

Aliyah Shipping and Customs Rights

If you are making Aliyah as an Oleh Chadash, your customs status can affect how household goods are cleared after arrival. Qualifying new immigrants may receive concessions for eligible personal possessions and household effects.

Eligibility depends on immigration status, the goods and quantities involved, arrival timing and whether the shipment is genuinely for personal household use. New immigrants, returning residents and people relocating under work or family arrangements are assessed under different rules.

Aliyah status does not make every item automatically duty free. Confirm the treatment of your specific goods before collection.

Israel Tax Authority personal import guidance Check import-tax benefit eligibility

How Many Household Shipments Can an Oleh Bring to Israel?

You may find older or third-party summaries that describe an allowance of up to three household shipments within a three-year eligibility period. The current public Government of Israel guidance reviewed for this page confirms that eligible new immigrants can receive import-tax benefits, but it does not state one universal shipment count or period that can safely be applied to every case.

Ask the Israel Tax Authority or your licensed customs broker to confirm in writing how many arrivals are available under your current entitlement, the final import date, whether unaccompanied baggage counts and whether earlier imports have used part of the allowance.

Some families send essentials first and the main household shipment after securing permanent accommodation. Do not split a shipment until the effect on your individual entitlement has been confirmed.

Always confirm your individual entitlement with the Israel Tax Authority before shipping.

Official customs eligibility service

Documents You May Need for Customs Clearance in Israel

The exact documents depend on immigration status, goods and transport method. Preparing the file before arrival can reduce the risk of customs delays and avoidable storage charges. Send identity documents only through a secure channel specified by your mover or broker.

Document checklist

Passport and identification documents
Immigration or residency documents
Detailed packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
Freight documentation
Customs declarations and broker authorisation
Proof of residence or rental agreement when required
Supporting documents for customs eligibility
Receipts or invoices for newly purchased goods when applicable

Customs and document planning Packing inventory guide

What Should You Ship to Israel?

Whether to ship furniture or replace it after arrival has no universal answer. Consider condition, replacement cost in Israel, sentimental value, shipment volume and whether each item will fit the new home.

Quality furniture, books, children's belongings, artwork, family items, clothing and kitchenware may be worth bringing. Shipping inexpensive or easily replaced furniture can cost more than the item is worth.

Evaluate the shipment as a whole. Removing a few pieces may not reduce the price if the remaining goods still occupy the same chargeable volume.

Shipping personal effects to Israel Estimate what your belongings occupy

Appliances and Electronics

Israel generally uses 230 volt, 50 Hz electricity, while Canada and the United States generally use 120 volt, 60 Hz. This difference matters when deciding which appliances to bring.

Some electronics support a wide voltage range and may work with a suitable plug adapter. Other equipment may need a transformer, may run incorrectly at a different frequency or may not be practical to use.

Check the manufacturer's voltage and frequency label before packing a major appliance. For some North American families, replacing certain appliances after arrival is safer and more economical.

What Should Not Go Into Your Household Shipment?

Carrier, customs and transport-safety restrictions apply to international household shipments. Hazardous materials, flammable products, explosives, aerosols, fuels, certain chemicals, weapons, plants, soil, seeds and some food or agricultural products commonly need special attention or may be prohibited.

Lithium batteries and battery-powered transport products can have separate packing and transport requirements. Restrictions vary by carrier, route and shipment type, so confirm uncertain items before packing.

Keep passports, immigration papers, essential medication, jewellery, cash, keys and urgently needed records with you rather than inside a sea shipment.

Packing for an International Move to Israel

International shipping involves more handling and a longer journey than a local move. Suitable export packing can reduce the risk of damage as goods pass through residences, warehouses, terminals and final delivery.

Furniture may need professional wrapping, while fragile pieces may need extra protection or custom crating. Use strong cartons, number them clearly and keep your own copy of the packing inventory.

A clear inventory helps identify the shipment and supports customs clearance. Photograph higher-value items before they are packed.

Measure lifts, stairwells, doorways and parking access at the Israeli address.
Prepare a separate arrival case for the period before customs release.
Make sure carton numbers match the mover's inventory.
Ask how owner-packed cartons affect insurance coverage.

Door to Door Moving to Israel

A coordinated door-to-door move can include collection, professional packing, export documents, transport to the port or airport, sea or air freight, destination handling, customs clearance and final delivery.

When comparing quotes, check the complete written scope. A low ocean-freight rate may exclude origin collection, packing, terminal costs, documents, customs brokerage, destination handling or delivery.

Ask which services are fixed, which are estimated and which possible charges remain payable at destination.

Understand destination charges Request a detailed shipping quote

Arrival and Customs Clearance in Israel

Sea freight may enter through Haifa or Ashdod depending on the carrier and routing. Air cargo generally arrives through Ben Gurion Airport. The destination agent should confirm the actual gateway before collection.

The shipment must complete the applicable destination and customs procedures before release. Missing paperwork, document reviews, inspections and operational conditions can delay clearance and create storage, demurrage or handling costs.

Prepare for customs before the shipment reaches Israel. For delivery, confirm lift bookings, parking restrictions, stair carries, external hoisting and what happens if the home is not ready.

Canada to Israel route guide Shipping from the USA to Israel

Moving to Israel as a Returning Resident

A Toshav Hozer, or returning resident, should not assume that rules for a new Oleh apply in the same way. Eligibility can depend on time abroad, residency history, previous use of benefits and the goods being imported.

Confirm returning-resident status and customs eligibility before arranging furniture, appliances, personal effects or a vehicle. Keep the written answer with the shipment file.

Shipping a Car to Israel

Vehicle imports follow different rules from ordinary household effects. Eligibility, tax, age, specifications, standards, licensing, registration and importer status can all affect whether a particular vehicle may be imported and whether doing so makes financial sense.

Obtain advice for the exact vehicle before buying or shipping it. Do not assume household-goods customs benefits apply to a car.

Vehicle shipping planning Official vehicle import guidance

Marine Transit Insurance

Even professionally packed goods travel long distances and pass through several handling stages. Marine transit insurance is therefore worth considering for household goods moving to Israel.

Coverage may differ for professionally packed and owner-packed goods, declared values, storage, pairs and sets, exclusions, deductibles and claim deadlines. Understand what is covered and how claims work before collection. A carrier's liability is not the same as insurance.

When Should You Start Planning Your Move to Israel?

Begin planning several weeks or preferably a few months before the intended move. Starting early leaves time to measure volume, decide what to bring, verify customs status, prepare documents and compare air freight, shared shipping and dedicated containers.

You do not necessarily need to ship before flying. Coordinating collection with housing availability and confirmed customs eligibility can be more practical than sending everything as soon as possible.

Keep temporary accommodation, essential belongings and a financial buffer separate from the shipment so a schedule change does not disrupt the whole relocation.

Your Move to Israel Starts Before Moving Day

Relocating to Israel is not simply a matter of transporting boxes. Immigration status, customs rights, housing, shipment size, packing, documents and timing can all affect the outcome.

The Expats Hub brings these subjects together so families can understand the process before making expensive decisions. Whether you are making Aliyah, returning after years abroad or relocating for work or family, build the move around your verified status.

From a few boxes to a complete household, informed planning can make the transition to life in Israel easier to manage.

Planning a move to Israel?

Get a verified shipping quote into Haifa or Ashdod, with customs documentation planning for your circumstances.

Get a Verified Move Quote

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Israel

Who qualifies for Aliyah?

The Law of Return applies to Jews, their spouses, children and grandchildren. The Jewish Agency assesses applications. Halachic and non-Halachic Jewish status, conversion recognition and other questions can affect eligibility, so get specialist guidance early.

Can non-Jewish foreigners work in Israel?

Yes, on a B-1 work visa sponsored by an Israeli employer, subject to Population & Immigration Authority approval. Spouses and dependants follow separate rules. There is no general 'self-sponsored expat' visa for non-Jews.

What is the olim customs exemption?

New olim and some returning residents may qualify for customs benefits on eligible personal and household goods. Status, timing, item category and current Israel Tax Authority rules all matter, so confirm your case with Customs or a licensed Israeli customs broker before shipping.

How does Israeli tax for new olim work?

Israel provides tax rules and possible reliefs for new olim and qualifying returning residents. Eligibility, duration, reporting and the treatment of foreign income are complex and can change, so engage a cross-border tax adviser before your move.

Where do most newcomers settle?

Tel Aviv-Yafo and the surrounding metro (Ramat Gan, Givatayim, Herzliya, Ra'anana, Kfar Saba, Modiin), Jerusalem (Talbieh, Baka, Rechavia, German Colony), Netanya and Beit Shemesh are common landing zones for English-speaking olim and B-1 expats.

What is the cheapest way to ship household goods to Israel?

It depends on volume and timing. Air or consolidated freight may suit very small shipments. Medium moves often use shared sea freight, while a dedicated container can become more economical for a larger household. Compare complete door-to-door quotes rather than freight rates alone.

Can I ship only boxes to Israel?

Yes. You do not need enough belongings to fill a container. Boxes and smaller household shipments can travel through consolidated sea freight or air freight, subject to carrier and customs requirements.

Can I ship furniture to Israel?

Yes, subject to customs and transport restrictions. Whether it is worthwhile depends on the furniture's condition, replacement cost, dimensions and the shipping space it occupies.

Can I ship a full container to Israel?

Yes. Dedicated 20 foot and 40 foot containers are used for larger household moves. A measured survey helps determine whether a full container is appropriate and which size is likely to fit.

Where do household goods shipments arrive in Israel?

Many sea-freight shipments enter through Haifa or Ashdod. The actual port depends on the shipping line, origin, routing and service booked. Air cargo generally arrives through Ben Gurion Airport.

Do Olim pay customs duty on household goods?

Qualifying new immigrants may receive import-tax benefits on eligible household effects. Status, timing, quantities and item-specific conditions apply, so confirm your individual entitlement before shipping.

Can a returning Israeli resident ship household goods duty free?

Some qualifying returning residents may receive customs benefits, but their requirements differ from those for a new immigrant. Confirm returning-resident status, timing and item eligibility before arranging the shipment.

Should I ship appliances from Canada or the United States to Israel?

Check every appliance's voltage and frequency label. Israel generally uses 230 volt, 50 Hz power, unlike the standard North American system. Some products may need more than a plug adapter or may be impractical to bring.

How far in advance should I plan a move to Israel?

Start several weeks or preferably a few months ahead. This allows time for a volume survey, customs confirmation, documents, packing, quote comparison and coordination with housing in Israel.

Related guides

Customs, immigration, returning-resident, vehicle and controlled-goods rules can change and are applied to individual circumstances. Confirm current requirements with the relevant Government of Israel authority and licensed specialists before acting. This page is general planning information, not legal, tax or customs advice.