The Haifa Association for Immigrants Absorption welcomes you, new immigrants and newly arrived citizens of Israel!
Arrival in the country
Your accompanying coordinator is your point of contact and coordinates the actions of all relevant institutions for successful absorption. Our role is to accompany you through all stages of initial integration in Haifa: assisting with enrolling children in educational institutions, registering for an ulpan, translating rental agreements, providing information on any issues requiring interaction with local authorities, and much more. Our coordinators provide assistance in addition to the support offered by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration staff at your local branch.
Upon arrival at the airport, a new immigrant receives only a “Teudat Oleh” (new immigrant certificate), which is issued for the entire family. It includes records of benefits usage, such as purchasing a car at a discount or duty-free import of goods. You must have this certificate with you for every visit to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration branch.
You will also receive a SIM card to ensure you have connectivity in Israel. The SIM card is valid for three months. The number is registered to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, but it can be transferred to your name after the validity period or replaced with a new one from any mobile operator. Check at the airport for details about internet availability and call minutes.
Visit to the Ministry of Interior
The Integration Department coordinators will help you schedule an appointment at the Ministry of Interior.
We strive to organize your visit to the Ministry of Interior as soon as possible, where you will be issued a temporary internal passport (Teudat Zehut). You can also apply for a biometric passport there, which will be ready within a few weeks.
You must have the following with you:
- Passport
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Original documents submitted during the consular appointment and their copies
- A stamped form received at the airport
The number of your temporary and permanent passport remains unchanged and is assigned to you for life.
Our staff will also schedule an appointment for you at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. A representative from the ministry will contact you. The appointment at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration is scheduled a few days after your visit to the Ministry of Interior, allowing you time to choose and open an account at one of Israel’s banks. This is necessary for the Ministry of Integration to start transferring your “absorption basket.”
Opening a bank account
To open and activate a bank account, you will need:
- New immigrant certificate (“Teudat Oleh”)
- Account opening form (received at the airport)
Choose any bank convenient for you and open an account in shekels. Deposit a symbolic amount required to activate the account. Check with the bank staff about the conditions and benefits available to you as a new immigrant.
Ensure that bank checks, a card, and access to online banking are ordered for you.
Note! For families, a joint account must be opened to receive the absorption basket. Both spouses must be present for this.
You will also receive a form for the health fund at the bank.
Joining a health fund
Pay the registration fee at the post office (approximately 15 shekels per family member). You will be registered with the chosen health fund. At the post office, you will receive a document confirming registration, and at the nearest health fund branch, you can obtain a magnetic membership card. Children under 18 are registered with one of their parents, while those over 18 register independently.
Registering for an ulpan (Hebrew courses)
Contact us, and we will advise you on this matter. You must obtain a referral to the chosen ulpan from the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration.
As a new immigrant, you are entitled to 500 free hours of Hebrew in an ulpan (the course usually lasts 5 months; some programs extend up to 10 months). The right to a free ulpan is retained by new immigrants for the first 10 years after aliyah.
Enrolling children in educational institutions
Send our coordinator a photo of your “Teudat Oleh” and “Teudat Zehut” with your address. Our staff will contact the Haifa Municipality Education Department and enroll your children in a kindergarten or school.
*State kindergartens are available only for children over 3 years old. Parents choose a private kindergarten at their discretion and expense.
School-age children are enrolled in a school based on their place of residence. High school students are also enrolled in a school based on their place of residence, except in cases where a specialized class is chosen. Admission to such a class requires passing exams or obtaining the necessary approval.
