Complete Aliyah Preparation Checklist - UK

to Israel

Essential Documents (Start 12-18 Months Before)

Personal Identity Documents

ï           Valid passport (minimum 1 year validity remaining)

ï           Birth certificate (original with apostille)

ï           Parents' birth certificates (with apostilles if needed)

ï           Grandparents' documentation (if claiming through grandparent)

Marital Status Documentation

ï           Marriage certificate (original with apostille)

ï           Ketubah (Jewish marriage certificate)

ï           Divorce decree absolute (with apostille if divorced)

ï           Death certificate of spouse (with apostille if widowed)

ï           Single status affidavit (with apostille if unmarried)

Jewish Identity Proof

ï           Rabbi's letter (on official letterhead, within 12 months)

ï           Synagogue membership records

ï           Bar/Bat Mitzvah certificates

ï           Jewish education certificates

ï           Conversion certificate (if applicable, with Beit Din details)

Criminal Background Check

ï           ACRO Police Certificate (valid 6 months)

ï           ACRO certificate apostilled by FCDO

ï           Background checks from any other countries lived in 6+ months

Children's Documentation (if applicable)

ï           Children's birth certificates (original with apostilles)

ï           Children's passports

ï           School transcripts and records

ï           Medical records and vaccination certificates

ï           Custody agreements (if divorced parents)

Translation Requirements

ï           All non-English documents translated by certified translator

ï           Translator certification and notarization

ï           Original documents + certified translations

Financial Preparations (Start 6-12 Months Before)

Banking and Finance

ï           Research Israeli banks and account opening procedures

ï           Transfer funds to Israeli account or prepare international transfer

ï           Obtain letters from UK banks confirming account history

ï           Close unnecessary UK accounts or arrange international access

ï           Inform credit card companies of relocation

ï           Research currency exchange options for large transfers

Financial Documentation

ï           Bank statements (6-12 months)

ï           Proof of funds for aliyah application

ï           Tax returns (last 3 years)

ï           Investment account statements

ï           Pension documentation and transfer arrangements

ï           Insurance policy details

Property and Assets

ï           Arrange sale of UK property or rental management

ï           Transfer or liquidate investments

ï           Cancel UK-specific insurance policies

ï           Arrange international health insurance during transition

ï           Update wills and estate planning documents

Budgeting and Planning

ï           Research cost of living in target Israeli cities

ï           Calculate moving expenses and initial setup costs

ï           Plan for 6-12 months of living expenses

ï           Research Israeli tax obligations and UK-Israel tax treaty

Professional and Career Preparation

Qualifications and Licensing

ï           Research professional licensing requirements in Israel

ï           Obtain certified copies of degrees and transcripts

ï           Get professional qualifications assessed for Israeli equivalency

ï           Join relevant Israeli professional associations

ï           Research continuing education requirements

Job Search and Networking

ï           Update CV to Israeli format and translate if needed

ï           Research Israeli job market in your field

ï           Network with Israeli professionals through LinkedIn/professional groups

ï           Contact recruitment agencies specializing in your field

ï           Prepare for potential salary adjustment and initial employment challenges

Hebrew Language Skills

ï           Enroll in intensive Hebrew courses

ï           Achieve conversational Hebrew proficiency

ï           Learn professional Hebrew terminology for your field

ï           Practice reading Hebrew documents and forms

ï           Research ulpan options in Israel for continued learning

Health and Medical Preparation

Medical Records

ï           Obtain complete medical records for all family members

ï           Get dental records and recent X-rays

ï           Compile vaccination records

ï           Get optical prescriptions and recent eye exams

ï           Obtain psychiatric/psychological records if applicable

Health Insurance and Care

ï           Research Israeli healthcare system (Kupat Holim)

ï           Arrange temporary health insurance for initial period

ï           Ensure prescription medications are available in Israel

ï           Get generic names for all medications

ï           Schedule final medical/dental checkups before departure

Ongoing Health Needs

ï           Research specialists in Israel for ongoing conditions

ï           Arrange transfer of medical care for chronic conditions

ï           Get extra supplies of essential medications

ï           Research medical equipment availability in Israel

Housing and Belongings

Housing Research

ï           Research neighborhoods in target cities

ï           Understand Israeli rental market and lease terms

ï           Connect with real estate agents specializing in olim

ï           Research schools and amenities in potential areas

ï           Arrange temporary accommodation for first weeks/months

Shipping and Moving

ï           Research international moving companies experienced with aliyah

ï           Understand Israeli customs regulations and exemptions

ï           Decide what to ship vs. what to buy new in Israel

ï           Arrange shipping of essential items and personal belongings

ï           Pack important documents in carry-on luggage

UK Property

ï           Sell property or arrange rental management

ï           Cancel utilities and council tax

ï           Redirect mail to Israeli address or UK contact

ï           Cancel UK-specific services and subscriptions

Children and Education (if applicable)

School Preparation

ï           Research Israeli school system and options

ï           Contact schools in target neighborhoods

ï           Understand Hebrew language support programs

ï           Arrange transfer of academic records

ï           Prepare children emotionally for transition

Children's Documentation

ï           Ensure all children's documents are in order

ï           Get children's medical and dental records

ï           Arrange Hebrew tutoring before departure

ï           Research extracurricular activities in Israel

ï           Connect with families who have made aliyah with children

Pet Relocation (if applicable)

Pet Documentation and Health

ï           Research Israeli pet import requirements

ï           Arrange required vaccinations and health certificates

ï           Obtain veterinary health records

ï           Research quarantine requirements

ï           Arrange pet transportation with approved carriers

Legal and Administrative Tasks

UK Administrative Closure

ï           Inform HMRC of departure for tax purposes

ï           Cancel voter registration

ï           Inform DVLA and surrender driving license

ï           Cancel NHS registration

ï           Notify pension providers of address change

Israeli Administrative Preparation

ï           Research Israeli bureaucratic procedures

ï           Understand national insurance and tax registration

ï           Research Israeli driving license requirements

ï           Prepare for opening Israeli bank accounts

ï           Research mandatory insurance requirements

Legal Documents

ï           Update wills to comply with Israeli law

ï           Arrange power of attorney for UK affairs if needed

ï           Research inheritance law differences

ï           Ensure all legal documents are properly apostilled

Cultural and Social Preparation

Language and Culture

ï           Achieve functional Hebrew proficiency

ï           Study Israeli culture, politics, and current events

ï           Connect with Israeli diaspora communities in UK

ï           Join online communities for people making aliyah

ï           Research cultural differences and expectations

Community Integration

ï           Research synagogues and Jewish communities in target areas

ï           Connect with other olim families

ï           Research volunteer opportunities

ï           Learn about Israeli holidays and cultural events

ï           Prepare for integration challenges and timeline

Technology and Communications

Phone and Internet

ï           Research Israeli mobile phone providers

ï           Understand international calling options

ï           Research internet and cable providers

ï           Plan for temporary communication during transition

ï           Update contact information with important services

Technology Transfer

ï           Ensure electronics are compatible with Israeli voltage

ï           Research availability of specific technology needs

ï           Back up all digital files and photos

ï           Research Israeli streaming and entertainment services

Final Pre-Departure Tasks (1-3 Months Before)

Application Submission

ï           Submit complete aliyah application to Jewish Agency

ï           Attend Jewish Agency interview

ï           Receive preliminary approval

ï           Book appointment at Israeli consulate if required

Travel Arrangements

ï           Book flights with adequate luggage allowance

ï           Arrange airport pickup or transportation in Israel

ï           Plan first few days/weeks accommodation

ï           Research arrival procedures at Ben Gurion Airport

Final UK Tasks

ï           Hold farewell gatherings with family and friends

ï           Complete final banking and financial transfers

ï           Pack essential items for immediate needs

ï           Prepare emergency contact information

ï           Arrange temporary UK contact for mail forwarding

Emergency Preparations

ï           Research emergency contacts in Israel

ï           Understand Israeli emergency services

ï           Prepare emergency fund in accessible form

ï           Research nearest hospital and services to initial accommodation

Post-Arrival Immediate Tasks (First Month)

Essential Registrations

ï           Register with Ministry of Interior

ï           Obtain Israeli ID card (Teudat Zehut)

ï           Register for national insurance (Bituach Leumi)

ï           Choose and register with Kupat Holim (health fund)

ï           Open Israeli bank account

Practical Setup

ï           Register children for school

ï           Begin intensive Hebrew ulpan program

ï           Register to vote

ï           Apply for Israeli driving license

ï           Find permanent housing

Integration Services

ï           Contact absorption center services

ï           Register for professional development programs

ï           Connect with local synagogue and community

ï           Begin job search or professional networking

ï           Start building social networks and friendships

Timeline Recommendations

**18 months before: **Begin document gathering, Hebrew study **12 months before: **Submit aliyah application, financial planning **6 months before: **Professional preparation, housing research **3 months before: **Final arrangements, shipping, farewells **1 month before: **Last-minute preparations, travel arrangements **Upon arrival: **Essential registrations and immediate integration steps

This comprehensive checklist ensures nothing is overlooked in the complex process of making aliyah from the UK. Each family's needs may vary, so adapt this checklist to your specific circumstances while ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Updated on: 01/02/2026