Path to citizenship
- Apply90-180 days
- Citizenshipgranted
Overview
- Country
- Israel
- Program
- Israeli Citizenship by Law of Return (Aliyah)
- Local name
- חוק השבות — עלייה
- Type
- Ethnic Return
- Status
- Active
- Processing time
- 90-180 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 166 destinations
- Passport rank
- #16 (Henley Index)
Israel's Law of Return grants Jews, their children, grandchildren, and all their spouses the right to immigrate to Israel (make Aliyah) and receive immediate Israeli citizenship. Eligibility extends to anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent. Spouses of eligible persons also qualify regardless of their own heritage. Citizenship is granted immediately upon arrival. Converts to Judaism through recognized authorities also qualify, but those born Jewish who converted to another religion may be excluded.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $0
- Passport fee
- $98
Eligibility and requirements
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam not required
- Interview required
Ancestry requirements
- Generational limit
- 2 generation(s)
- Ancestor citizenship
- Not required
- Ethnic origin
- Jewish
Family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Spouse
- Included
- Spouse eligible
- Spouse of eligible person also qualifies
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #16 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 166 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- No
- Schengen access
- No
- US E-2 treaty
- Yes — eligible for US investor visa
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- Both
- Apply from abroad
- Yes
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- www.gov.il
- Legal basis
- Law of Return 5710-1950, Amendment No. 2 (1970), Citizenship Law 5712-1952
Notes and caveats
Unique program: citizenship is immediate upon immigration (Aliyah). The Jewish Agency assists with the entire process, including flights (often subsidized). New immigrants (Olim) receive a "basket of absorption" including financial aid, health insurance, Hebrew language classes (Ulpan), and tax benefits. Eligible: Jews, children/grandchildren of Jews, and their spouses. NOT eligible: persons born Jewish who converted to another religion. Same-sex spouses recognized since 2014. Great-grandchildren of Jews can get temporary residence status but not automatic citizenship. Israel has compulsory military service which may apply to new citizens under age 26.