The Toshav Chozer Process - All You Need to Know

For returning residents, here's the pathway to reclaim your citizenship, smoothly relocate, and comfortably settle back into your life in Israel.

Photography by Din Ahahroni Rolland
Preparing for Your Big Return
  1. Application
  2. Receive confirmation of eligibility

1 Submit your Application

Before your big return, you’ll have to submit an online application to the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s website in order to examine your eligibility for a “Returning Resident” certificate.

2 Receive confirmation of eligibility

After sending the form, you will receive an automatic message confirming receipt of application. About 2 weeks after registration you will receive a confirmation of eligibility in principle which will be valid for 6 months.

  • WHERE

    To your email (according to the email address that was given on the application)

  • WHEN

    About 2 weeks after applying for the application

  • WHAT

    Confirmation of eligibility in principle for Toshav Chozer status

Arriving in Israel
  1. Submit an online request
  2. Meet with an Advisor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

1 Submit your online request for Toshav Chozer

After arriving in Israel, you need to submit an online request for Toshav Chozer status (“Status of a Returning Resident”). This step in necessary even if you have submitted an eligibility check abroad. Within a few days you will receive an answer regarding your eligibility and an appointment at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration to receive your Returning Resident certificate.

2 Meet with an Advisor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

An advisor at the nearest Ministry of Aliyah and Integration office will meet with you according to the appointment that was scheduled for you and will explain all the financial assistance available while guiding you through the next steps.

  • WHERE
    Ministry of Aliyah and Integration near your residence
  • WHEN

    Upon arrival in Israel

  • WHAT

    Several important steps must be taken when meeting with the Ministry to ensure you’re well-settled moving forward. Upon arrival, you should complete the following:

    1. An updated identity card (Teu’dat Zehut) – Update your identity cards with your current address and personal details at the Population and Immigration Authority
    2. Bank account – Open a new bank account and obtain the necessary account information For more information, view our page on finance
    3. Health insurance – An Israeli citizen who stayed abroad for more than 3 years and has not paid national health insurance premiums has a waiting period of up to 6 months before they are eligible to receive health services. Alternatively, the Toshav Chozer can redeem the waiting period by making a special payment (Hebrew website) to the National Insurance Institute. For more information regarding The National Institute of Insurance, click here
    4. National Insurance Questionnaire – Those who have lived overseas for less than 5 years need to complete a specific questionnaire at the National Insurance Institute
    5. Residency Questionnaire and Health Fund Registration – Individuals who have resided overseas for more than 5 years are required to fill out a residency questionnaire and register in a health fund at an office of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration
    6. Customs and tax concessions – Contact the Custom’s Authority to arrange for concessions and exemptions for imported goods
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