MISRAD HAKLITA & MISRAD HAPNIM -

Complete Guide

Understanding the Two Key Ministries for New Olim

PART 1: MISRAD HAKLITA (הקליטה משרד)

Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

WHAT IS MISRAD HAKLITA?

Misrad HaKlita is the Israeli government body responsible for integrating new immigrants into society, providing support for social integration, cultural assimilation, housing, and financial assistance. Since October 2013, the Ministry is responsible for encouraging aliyah and overseeing ongoing absorption procedures from the moment potential immigrants show interest until their full integration into all facets of Israeli life.

**Full Name: **Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

**Hebrew Name: **והקליטה העלייה משרד (Misrad HaAliyah VeHaKlita)

**Former Name: **Ministry of Absorption (before 2019)

Official Portal: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/ministry_of_aliyah_and_integration/govil-landing-page

Personal Online Account: https://www.gov.il/en/service/private-area-new-immigrants-and-returning-residents

WHAT DOES MISRAD HAKLITA DO?

Misrad HaKlita provides comprehensive services including:

Financial Assistance:

ï           Sal Klita (Absorption Basket) payments

ï           Rental assistance (months 7-30 or longer depending on aliyah date)

ï           Guaranteed minimal income support

ï           Financial assistance for employment and professional training

ï           Vouchers for career retraining

ï           Grants for lone soldiers

Educational Support:

ï           Free Hebrew Ulpan referrals and registration

ï           Ulpan attendance monitoring for payment eligibility

ï           Student Authority benefits (BA/MA tuition assistance)

Employment Services:

ï           Counseling and referrals to employment centers

ï           Professional licensing guidance

ï           Job training and placement assistance

Documentation:

ï           Issuing and updating Teudat Oleh (Immigrant Certificate)

ï           Issuing Returning Citizen certificates

ï           Changes to immigrant certificates (marital status, family composition, name changes)

ï           Bank account details registration for payments

Integration Support:

ï           Personal absorption counselor assignment

ï           Customized absorption plan development

ï           Social worker consultations

ï           Explanation of first steps in Israel

ï           Referrals to government agencies

YOUR PERSONAL ABSORPTION COUNSELOR

At your first Misrad HaKlita appointment, you will meet your personal counselor who will assist you during your first years in Israel and help build an absorption plan customized to your needs.

What Your Counselor Does:

ï           Explains all rights and benefits

ï           Registers your bank account for Sal Klita payments

ï           Provides Ulpan vouchers

ï           Monitors your integration progress

ï           Answers questions about benefits

ï           Makes referrals to other services

ï           Tracks benefit expiration dates

How to Contact Your Counselor:

ï           Through the online Misrad HaKlita portal - the best way to send documents and schedule appointments

ï           Phone: *2994 (general hotline)

ï           Email through online portal

ï           Response time: Within 5 days for online inquiries

SCHEDULING YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

If You Made Aliyah from Abroad:

ï           Call *2994 to schedule appointment

ï           You received Teudat Oleh at airport

ï           Appointment usually within 1-2 weeks

If You Made Guided Aliyah from Within Israel:

ï           Complete the online Misrad Haklita Eligibility Form and upload required documents

ï           Misrad Haklita will contact you by phone (unidentified number) or email within a couple of weeks

ï           You'll receive Teudat Oleh at your appointment

ï           Also email your local branch directly

**Appointment Booking Link: **Available through gov.il MyVisit system after first appointment

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT

Required Documents:

ï           ☐ Foreign passport

ï           ☐ Teudat Oleh (if received at airport)

ï           ☐ Teudat Zehut (if already issued)

ï           ☐ **Bank Account Authorization form **- CRITICAL (stamped by bank with account details and verification of deposit)

ï           ☐ Proof that deposit was made in account

ï           ☐ Any other original documents relevant to your situation

**CRITICAL: **Arrival requires prior telephone coordination with your personal absorption counselor. You must present Teudat Oleh, Teudat Zehut, and original documents during every visit

WHAT HAPPENS DURING YOUR FIRST VISIT

Your counselor will:

1.        Provide comprehensive information about rights and benefits
2.        Register your bank account details for Sal Klita payments
3.        Give you Ulpan voucher and registration information
4.        Build customized absorption plan with you
5.        Provide expanded internet access to your online account
6.        Give you access to immigration file to check benefit expiration dates
7.        Explain employment support services
8.        Discuss rental assistance application process
9.        Answer all your questions

**Duration: **Plan for 1-2 hours minimum

OFFICE HOURS (STANDARD - VERIFY WITH YOUR SPECIFIC BRANCH)

Typical Schedule:

ï           **Sunday: **8:30 AM - 1:30 PM

ï           **Monday: **8:30 AM - 1:30 PM AND 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (or 6:30 PM)

ï           **Tuesday: **8:30 AM - 1:00 PM (urgent situations only - some branches)

ï           **Wednesday: **8:30 AM - 1:30 PM AND 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (or 6:30 PM)

ï           **Thursday: **8:30 AM - 1:30 PM

CLOSED:

ï           All Wednesday mornings at some branches

ï           Fridays

ï           Saturdays (Shabbat)

ï           All government holidays (Erev Chag)

ACCESSING YOUR ONLINE MISRAD HAKLITA PORTAL

**Portal Login: **Available through gov.il account

Step-by-Step Access:

1.        Go to gov.il Misrad Haklita login page
2.        Click the blue button "אישי לאיזור לכניסה"
3.        Change language to English (globe icon, top left)
4.        Log in with your gov.il account details
5.        Enter verification code sent via SMS

Portal Features:

ï           Submit inquiries to your counselor

ï           Upload documents

ï           Check benefit status

ï           View payment history

ï           Update personal information

ï           Schedule future appointments

ï           Track application status

ï           Access immigration file

ï           Apply for scholarships from Student Authority

ï           Issue certificates and confirmations

ï           Available in all languages - can submit inquiries in any language

Guide to Portal: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/step-by-step-guides/ accessing-your-misrad-haklita-online-portal/

COMPLETE LIST OF MISRAD HAKLITA BRANCHES

Main Resource for All Branches:

https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/government-office-locations/misrad-haaliyah-vhaklita/

Major City Offices:

JERUSALEM DISTRICT

**Address: **Available through gov.il link below

**Link: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/bureaus/aliyah_and_integration_jerusalem

**Hours: **Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 08:30-13:30 | Monday, Wednesday: 15:00-18:00 | Tuesday: 08:30-13:00 (urgent situations)

**Address Details: **Mevo Ha'Matmid 4 | Phone: 1-599-500-923 | Fax: 072-322-9697 | Information Hotline: 03-973-3333 or *2994 (Sunday-Thursday 8:30 AM-4:00 PM)

TEL AVIV DISTRICT

Link: https://www.gov.il/en/government-service-branches/aliyah_and_integration_telaviv **Student Authority Office: **6 Esther Hamalka Street | Tel: 073-3974004/3 | Email: student@moia.gov.il

HAIFA

**Main Office: **131 Sderot Hameginim | Tel: 04-856-7602

**Student Authority: **15 Pal-Yam Street | Tel: 04-863-1140/48/49 | Email: morim@moia.gov.il

**Note: **Most government ministries in Haifa are in same building at 15A Sderot HaPalyam, downtown area

BEER SHEVA

**Student Authority: **31 Shazar Street, Beit Oshira | Tel: 08-626-1286 | Email: morim@moia.gov.il

EILAT

**Link: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/bureaus/aliyah_and_integration_eilat

**Address: **Sderot HaTmarim 3, Government precinct, Ha'adom Mall, 2nd Floor

**OTHER CITIES: **Complete listings available for: Netanya, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Rehovot, Rishon LeZion, Petach Tikva, Ramat Gan, Bnei Brak, Holon, Bat Yam, Kfar Saba, Ra'anana, Herzliya, Ramat HaSharon, Kiryat Ono, Nazareth Illit, Afula, Tiberias, Safed, Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya, Acre, Carmiel, Ma'alot, Beit Shean, Migdal HaEmek, Yokneam, and more.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MISRAD HAKLITA VISITS

Before You Go:

ï           Call ahead to confirm hours and appointment

ï           Prepare all documents in advance

ï           Make copies of everything

ï           Write down questions

ï           Bring Hebrew-speaking friend if needed

During Visit:

ï           Arrive 10-15 minutes early

ï           Bring water and snacks (waits can be long)

ï           Be patient and polite

ï           Take notes during meeting

ï           Get counselor's direct contact information

ï           Confirm next steps before leaving

ï           Ask for written confirmation of anything promised

After Visit:

ï           Follow up on any action items immediately

ï           Keep all documents given to you

ï           Register everything in your online portal

ï           Set reminders for deadlines

ï           Contact counselor if issues arise

Cultural Notes:

ï           Israeli bureaucracy can be frustrating - stay calm

ï           Direct communication style is normal, not rude

ï           Persistence pays off - don't give up

ï           Build good relationship with your counselor

ï           Other Olim are your best resource for advice

PART 2: MISRAD HAPNIM (הפנים משרד)

Ministry of Interior - Population and Immigration Authority

WHAT IS MISRAD HAPNIM?

The Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) is one of the government offices responsible for local government, citizenship and residency, identity cards, student and entry visas.

The Population and Immigration Authority (Reshut HaOchlusin V'Hahagira) is the governmental organization that deals with immigration documentation including Teudat Zehut (identity card), Darkon (passport), and other official documents.

**Full Name: **Ministry of Interior - Population and Immigration Authority

משרד הפנים - רשות האוכלוסין וההגירה Name: Hebrew

**English Abbreviation: **Often called "Misrad Hapnim" or "Piba"

Contact: *3450 (universal phone number for all departments)

WHAT DOES MISRAD HAPNIM DO?

Core Responsibilities:

Identity Documents:

ï           Issuing Israeli identity cards (Teudat Zehut) - temporary and permanent

ï           Issuing biometric Teudat Zehut

ï           Updating identity card information

Travel Documents:

ï           Issuing Israeli passports (Darkon)

ï           Issuing travel documents (Teudat Maavar / Laissez-Passer)

ï           Biometric passport services

ï           Travel document renewals

Citizenship & Status:

ï           Providing citizenship status

ï           Permanent resident status determination

ï           Entry visas and staying visas

ï           Visa extensions

Personal Registration:

ï           Birth registrations

ï           Marriage registrations

ï           Divorce registrations

ï           Death certificates

ï           Name changes

ï           Address changes

Other Functions:

ï           Local government supervision

ï           Construction planning oversight

ï           Business licensing (in same buildings)

KEY SERVICES FOR NEW OLIM

TEUDAT ZEHUT (ISRAELI ID CARD)

Types:

ï           **Temporary Teudat Zehut: **Initial ID, valid while awaiting biometric

ï           **Biometric Teudat Zehut: **Permanent ID with chip and biometric data

When to Apply:

ï           Some Olim receive Teudat Zehut at airport

ï           Others must apply at local Misrad Hapnim branch

ï           For biometric Teudat Zehut, you can apply at ANY branch in Israel, not just your local one

What You Need:

ï           Passport

ï           Teudat Oleh

ï           Passport photos (sometimes)

ï           Proof of address

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Important New Regulations (Effective January 22, 2025):

ï           First 3 months after aliyah: CANNOT receive Israeli travel document/passport

ï           Instead: Receive exit letter allowing travel on foreign passport

ï           During first 120 days: Can travel on foreign passport with aliyah visa

ï           Exit permit (Ishur Yetziya) requirement temporarily waived through December 31, 2025 (will be required starting January 1, 2026)

Teudat Maavar (Travel Document):

ï           Can apply 90 days or 3 full months after aliyah date (whichever is longer)

ï           During first year, you receive Teudat Maavar instead of passport

ï           Typically valid for up to 5 years

ï           After 5 years, visit Misrad Hapnim to extend or apply for new passport

Israeli Passport (Darkon):

ï           Available after first year

ï           Biometric passport mandatory

ï           Valid 5 or 10 years depending on age

APPOINTMENT SYSTEM

**CRITICAL: **Services are available BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Use the MyVisit appointment system to book

Booking Appointments:

ï           **Online: **MyVisit system - https://myvisit.com (select Misrad Hapnim)

ï           Phone: *3450

ï           **Special: **Anyone with Teudat Zehut number (Ezrach Oleh, Ktin Chozer, Returning Resident, former A-1 Visa Holder) can schedule online appointment from abroad pre-Aliyah

Appointment Guide: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/step-by-step-guides/scheduling-appointments-for-government-offices/

Who Can Come Without Appointment:

ï           Soldiers in uniform

ï           Visa/status/citizenship issues: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00-9:30 AM (some branches)

OFFICE HOURS (STANDARD - VERIFY WITH SPECIFIC BRANCH)

General Hours:

ï           **Sunday-Thursday: **8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (most services)

ï           **Last number given: **11:30 AM

ï           **Visa Services: **8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (appointment only at some branches)

CLOSED:

ï           **ALL Wednesday mornings **(all branches)

ï           Fridays

ï           Saturdays (Shabbat)

ï           All government holidays (Erev Chag)

**Note: **Each branch serves ONLY residents of its own region (except for biometric Teudat Zehut applications)

SELF-SERVICE KIOSKS

Self-service kiosks available ONLY at these locations:

ï           Jerusalem

ï           Tel Aviv

ï           Rishon LeZion

ï           Rehovot

ï           Nazareth Illit

ï           Haifa

ï           Afula

ï           Petach Tikva

ï           Ramat Gan

ï           Herzliya

ï           Holon

ï           Beer Sheva

ï           Modiin

ï           Ashdod

Kiosk Services:

ï           Print certificates

ï           Check status

ï           Some document services

ï           Requires 4-digit access code from Bituach Leumi

COMPLETE LIST OF MISRAD HAPNIM BRANCHES

Main Resource for All Branches:

https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/government-office-locations/population-and-immigration-authority-branch-locations/

Updated List (May 2025):

https://www.easyaliyah.com/blog/population-and-immigration-authority-branch-locations-in-israel

Major Cities Covered:

JERUSALEM

Multiple offices including Main, South, East, Gilo

TEL AVIV (JAFFA)

**Address: **2 Bialik St. (corner of 17 Sirkin St.)

HAIFA

**Address: **15A Sderot HaPalyam (same building as other government offices)

BEER SHEVA

**Address: **Baruch Center, 3rd Floor, 6 Mohaliver St.

MODIIN

**Address: **4 Prachim St. (Municipal Service Center) | Email: mirsham-modiin@piba.gov.il | Phone:

*3450

**Visa Hours: **Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 08:00-12:00

NAHARIYA

**Address: **Irit, Ein Sarah HaVatika

PETACH TIKVA

**Address: **10 Moti Kind St., Centero Center, 3rd Floor

RAMAT GAN

**Address: **13 Remez St., 2nd Floor

RISHON LEZION

**Address: **3 Yisrael Galili St.

HOLON

**Address: **4 Weitzmann St.

NETANYA

**Address: **HaRav Shalom Shabazi St. 29

**OTHER BRANCHES: **Afula, Akko (Acre), Ariel, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Eilat, Gilo, Hadera, Herzliya, Karmiel, Kiryat Shmona, Ma'ale Adumim, Nazareth Illit, Ramle, Rehovot, Safed (Tzfat), Tiberias, and more.

WHAT TO BRING TO MISRAD HAPNIM

For Teudat Zehut Application:

ï           Foreign passport

ï           Teudat Oleh

ï           Passport-size photos (recent)

ï           Proof of address

ï           Marriage certificate (if applicable)

ï           Children's documents (if applicable)

For Passport/Travel Document:

ï           Current Teudat Zehut

ï           Previous passport (if renewal)

ï           Passport photos

ï           Fees (check current rates)

For Address Changes:

ï           Teudat Zehut

ï           Proof of new address (rental contract, utility bill)

For Name Changes:

ï           Teudat Zehut

ï           Legal documentation of name change

ï           Marriage certificate (for name change due to marriage)

ALWAYS BRING:

ï           Appointment confirmation

ï           All original documents

ï           Photocopies of documents

ï           Israeli bank account info (for some services)

ï           Patience and time (waits can be very long)

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL MISRAD HAPNIM VISITS

Booking Appointment:

ï           Book through MyVisit/GoVisit system

ï           System automatically selects office closest to your Teudat Zehut address

ï           Those with appointments are serviced before walk-ins

ï           Book as early as possible (appointments fill up fast)

Day of Visit:

ï           Arrive 15-20 minutes early

ï           Bring confirmation SMS/email

ï           Have all documents organized

ï           Bring book or entertainment (waits are long)

ï           Bring water and snacks

ï           Dress modestly if visiting religiously conservative areas

ï           Bring Hebrew-speaking friend if your Hebrew is limited

During Visit:

ï           Security check at entrance (like airport)

ï           No unattended bags

ï           Turn off phone or keep on silent

ï           Be patient - lines move slowly

ï           Be respectful but firm about your needs

ï           Ask for clarification if you don't understand

ï           Get written confirmation of any decisions

ï           Take names of clerks who help you

Common Challenges:

ï           Long waits (2-4 hours not unusual)

ï           Bureaucratic complications

ï           Document requirements changing

ï           Staff may speak limited English in some branches

ï           Inconsistent information between clerks

ï           Computer system issues

Solutions:

ï           Call ahead to confirm requirements

ï           Join Olim Facebook groups for recent experiences

ï           Bring translator or friend if needed

ï           Document everything

ï           Be persistent but polite

ï           Don't give up - come back if needed

ï           Contact Nefesh B'Nefesh for advocacy if serious issues

MISRAD HAPNIM VS MISRAD HAKLITA - KEY DIFFERENCES

COORDINATION BETWEEN THE TWO MINISTRIES

They Work Together:

ï           Misrad HaKlita coordinates with local authorities and Jewish Agency

ï           Misrad Hapnim provides legal status

ï           Misrad HaKlita provides integration support

ï           Some documents from one required for other

Typical Flow:

**1.        Airport: **Receive Teudat Oleh (Misrad HaKlita presence)

**2.        Misrad Hapnim: **Get Teudat Zehut

**3.        Bank: **Open account

**4.        Misrad HaKlita: **Register bank details, start benefits

**5.        Ongoing: **Use both as needed

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

Misrad HaKlita:

ï           Hotline: *2994

ï           **Hours: **Sunday-Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM

ï           **Online Portal: **Through gov.il account

ï           **Email: **Through online portal to your counselor

Misrad Hapnim:

ï           Hotline: *3450

ï           **Appointments: **MyVisit/GoVisit system

ï           **Email: **Through branch-specific emails

ï           **Main Office (Not Open to Public): **Jerusalem (applications by fax/mail only)

Support Organizations:

ï           Nefesh B'Nefesh: *3680 or answers@nbn.org.il

ï           **Jewish Agency: **Local branch numbers

ï           Citizen Information Center: *5678

ONLINE RESOURCES - ALL LINKS

Government Portals:

ï           Ministry of Aliyah Portal: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/ ministry_of_aliyah_and_integration/govil-landing-page

ï           Personal Olim Account: https://www.gov.il/en/service/private-area-new-immigrants-and-returning-residents

ï           MyVisit Appointments: https://myvisit.com

ï           Gov.il Main Site: https://www.gov.il

Nefesh B'Nefesh Guides:

ï           Misrad HaKlita Offices: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/ government-office-locations/misrad-haaliyah-vhaklita/

ï           Misrad Hapnim Offices: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/ government-office-locations/population-and-immigration-authority-branch-locations/

ï           All Government Offices: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/ government-office-locations/

ï           Appointment Scheduling Guide: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/ step-by-step-guides/scheduling-appointments-for-government-offices/

ï           Online Portal Access: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/step-by-step-guides/accessing-your-misrad-haklita-online-portal/

ï           Passport/Travel Documents: https://www.nbn.org.il/life-in-israel/government-services/ obtaining-an-israeli-passport/

Specific City Links:

ï           Jerusalem Misrad HaKlita: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/bureaus/ aliyah_and_integration_jerusalem

ï           Tel Aviv Misrad HaKlita: https://www.gov.il/en/government-service-branches/ aliyah_and_integration_telaviv

ï           Eilat Misrad HaKlita: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/bureaus/ aliyah_and_integration_eilat

FINAL TIPS FOR NAVIGATING BOTH MINISTRIES

General Wisdom:

**1.        Start Early: **Don't wait until the last minute for any document

**2.        Stay Organized: **Keep all documents in one secure place

**3.        Make Copies: **Always have photocopies and digital scans

**4.        Be Patient: **Israeli bureaucracy is slow but functional

**5.        Build Relationships: **Good rapport with clerks helps immensely

**6.        Use Resources: **Nefesh B'Nefesh and Olim groups are invaluable

**7.        Document Everything: **Take notes, save emails, keep receipts

**8.        Follow Up: **Don't assume things are done - check status

**9.        Ask Questions: **No question is too small

**10.     Help Others: **Once you figure it out, help newer Olim

Remember:

ï           Every Israeli has dealt with these ministries

ï           Everyone finds it challenging

ï           You're not alone in this process

ï           It gets easier with each visit

ï           The system works, just slowly

ï           Your absorption counselor is your ally

ï           Persistence pays off

You've got this! Welcome to Israeli bureaucracy - frustrating but navigable. Use these resources, be patient with yourself, and remember that every successful Israeli went through the same process.

B'hatzlacha (Good luck) with all your appointments!

Updated on: 02/02/2026