NEW IMMIGRANTS
Your First 90 Days in Israel: A Practical Checklist for New Olim
March 29, 2026 ยท 10 min read
Bank accounts, health insurance, Arnona, Ulpan, schools. A practical checklist for everything new Olim need to handle in their first 90 days in Israel.
The first 90 days after landing in Israel are the most bureaucratically intense period of your Aliyah. Everything happens at once: government registrations, banking, health insurance, schooling, and the daily logistics of setting up a life in a new country. It is manageable, but only if you know what needs to happen and in what order.
This checklist is organized by priority. Handle the essentials first, then work through the rest as time allows.
Week 1: The Essentials
Get your Teudat Oleh (new immigrant certificate)
If you arrived on a Nefesh B'Nefesh group flight, you likely received your Teudat Oleh at the airport. If not, visit your nearest Misrad HaKlita (Ministry of Absorption) office within the first few days. This document is your proof of Oleh status and is required for nearly everything else on this list.
Open a bank account
You need an Israeli bank account to receive your Sal Klita (absorption basket) payments, pay bills, and eventually handle property transactions. The major banks are Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount, and Mizrachi-Tefahot. American citizens should be aware that FATCA compliance requirements make some banks more welcoming to US account holders than others. Bring your Teudat Oleh, passport, and proof of address (even a rental agreement).
Register for a Kupat Cholim (health fund)
Israel has four public health funds: Clalit, Maccabi, Leumit, and Meuhedet. All provide comprehensive coverage. You must register with one within a specific period after Aliyah. Each has slightly different supplementary options and clinic networks. Ask other Olim in your area which fund has the best local clinics and English-speaking doctors. Once registered, coverage begins immediately.
Set up phone and internet
You need a working Israeli phone number for almost everything: bank accounts, government forms, deliveries, school communications. Israeli mobile plans are inexpensive compared to most Western countries. The major carriers are Pelephone, Cellcom, Partner, and several budget carriers (Hot Mobile, Golan Telecom). Home internet is usually arranged through your building's available providers.
Weeks 2 to 4: Getting Settled
Register for Arnona (municipal tax)
Contact your local municipality (Iriya) to register for Arnona. New Olim typically qualify for discounts in their first year. Bring your Teudat Oleh and rental or purchase agreement. Arnona rates vary by city and property size. If you are buying property, your lawyer or advisor can help you understand the Arnona implications.
Register children for school
If you have school-age children, contact your municipality's education department to register them. The earlier you do this, the better, as popular schools and programs can fill up. Many cities have experience placing Olim children and offer transitional support. Some families choose to start in an Ulpan-style school program before transitioning to regular schools.
Start Ulpan
Hebrew is the language of daily life. Ulpan (intensive Hebrew language study) is available free or subsidized for new Olim. Programs range from full-time immersion (5 days a week for 5 months) to part-time and evening options. The sooner you start, the sooner you become functional in Hebrew. Many Olim supplement Ulpan with private tutoring or language apps.
Understand your Sal Klita payments
The Sal Klita is paid in installments over your first year. The total amount depends on your family size and is adjusted periodically. Make sure your bank account is set up to receive the payments, and understand the payment schedule so you can budget accordingly.
Set up utilities
Electricity (Israel Electric Corporation), water (your local water company), and gas (typically Pazgas or Amerigas) all need to be registered in your name if you are in a rental or new property. Bring your rental agreement and Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID).
Get a Teudat Zehut (Israeli ID)
If you did not receive your Teudat Zehut at the airport, you will need to visit a Misrad HaPnim (Ministry of Interior) office. This is your Israeli ID and is required for many official processes.
Months 2 to 3: Building Your Foundation
Explore your city
Now that the essentials are handled, take time to actually experience where you live. Walk different neighborhoods. Find your grocery stores, pharmacies, parks, and community spaces. If you are in Netanya, explore the different neighborhoods before committing to a specific area long-term. See the full neighborhood guide for Netanya.
Connect with the Anglo community
Every major Israeli city with an English-speaking population has community organizations, Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, and social events. In Netanya, Jerusalem, Ra'anana, and other popular Olim cities, the Anglo community infrastructure is extensive. Join these networks early. They are your most reliable source of practical information, social connection, and emotional support.
Assess your employment situation
If you are job-hunting, begin the process in earnest. Update your resume for the Israeli market (different format than US or UK standards). Leverage Nefesh B'Nefesh job resources. Network through your Anglo community. If you are working remotely for a non-Israeli employer, make sure your tax situation is properly structured. Consult a tax professional who specializes in Olim taxation.
Begin thinking about property
If buying property is part of your plan, months 2 to 3 is when many families start the research process in earnest. You now have enough local experience to have informed opinions about neighborhoods and cities. This is the time to connect with an experienced real estate advisor and start understanding the market. Read about the rent vs. buy decision for new Olim. If you are considering a safety apartment, learn about the best cities for this approach. And before you move forward, understand the common mistakes foreign buyers make and how to avoid them.
Transfer remaining funds
If you have funds still in your home country that you plan to bring to Israel, begin planning the transfer. Exchange rates, transfer methods, and compliance documentation all require attention. Do not leave large transfers until you need them urgently. Read the practical guide to transferring money to Israel.
Understand your ongoing financial obligations
Both Israeli tax obligations and any continuing tax obligations in your home country need to be understood and managed. Many Olim underestimate the complexity of cross-border taxation. A tax professional who understands both systems is worth the investment. If property purchase is on the horizon, working with the right lawyer early helps you understand the full picture. The money transfer guide also covers documentation you'll need.
Common Mistakes in the First 90 Days
Trying to do everything at once. The bureaucratic load is heavy. Prioritize the essentials (bank, health insurance, ID, Ulpan) and let the rest follow. Trying to solve everything in week one leads to burnout and mistakes.
Not joining the local community. Isolation is the biggest risk to a successful Aliyah. The families who connect with their Anglo community early adjust faster, find solutions to problems faster, and maintain better emotional health during the transition.
Ignoring Hebrew. It is tempting to lean on English, especially in Anglo-heavy cities. But every month you delay starting Hebrew is a month of lost progress. Start Ulpan. Speak Hebrew badly. Improve.
Underestimating costs. The first three months are more expensive than most families expect. Moving, setting up a household, deposits, Arnona, health premiums, transportation, and daily expenses all add up. Build a generous buffer into your budget.
Not asking for help. Israelis are direct but generous. Other Olim remember exactly what the first months felt like. Community organizations exist specifically to help. The people who struggle most are the ones who try to figure everything out alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing I should do when I arrive in Israel?
Get your Teudat Oleh (if not received at the airport), open a bank account, and register for a Kupat Cholim (health fund). These three steps are prerequisites for almost everything else.
How soon do I need to register for health insurance?
You should register for a Kupat Cholim within your first week. Coverage begins immediately upon registration. All four funds provide comprehensive coverage.
Do I need to speak Hebrew to survive the first 90 days?
You can get through the initial bureaucracy in English in most major cities, especially with help from community organizations. However, starting Hebrew (through Ulpan) as early as possible significantly improves your quality of life and independence.
How much money should I budget for the first three months?
Beyond rent and the Sal Klita payments, budget for household setup costs ($2,000 to $5,000 depending on furnishing needs), deposits (rent, utilities), transportation, and a general contingency fund. Total additional costs for the first 90 days (beyond rent) are typically $5,000 to $15,000 for a family, depending on circumstances.
When should I start looking at property to buy?
Most advisors recommend waiting at least 3 to 6 months before buying, to gain local experience. However, families with extensive pre-Aliyah research may be ready sooner. The rent vs. buy decision is worth thinking through carefully.