Who Qualifies as a Returning Resident (Toshav Chozer)?

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   The Definition of 'Returning Resident' Status at the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

   A Returning Resident may have children or a spouse who qualify under a different status — such as Returning Minor, Ezrach Oleh, or Oleh.

   To qualify as a Returning Resident under Misrad HaKlita, you need to meet all of the following criteria:

   1. You are an Israeli citizen.
   2. You were at least 17 years old when you returned to Israel.
   3. You were previously a resident of Israel.
   4. Time abroad: You spent a continuous period of at least 2 years abroad before returning. A stay abroad counts as continuous if you visited Israel for no more than 4 months in any single year of absence.
      • Business entrepreneur: Eligible for support from the Entrepreneurship Division after spending at least 5 years abroad.
      • Returning scientist: Eligible for support from the Centre for Absorption in Science after spending at least 5 years abroad.
   5. Visits to Israel: You visited Israel — whether intermittently or continuously — for no more than 4 months in any year of absence (in the 2 years before your return for most people; 5 years for entrepreneurs and scientists). A visit that begins in one year and continues into the next counts as a single visit.
   6. The absence was not for a posting: Neither you, your spouse, nor either of your parents was sent abroad to be employed on behalf of any of the following — unless at least 5 years have passed since the end of that posting:
      • The State of Israel
      • Any Israeli government authority (including government-owned companies)
      • The World Zionist Organisation or any of its authorities
      • The Jewish Agency
      • Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael
      • Keren Hayesod
      • The United Jewish Appeal
      • The Bonds
   7. You have not previously received assistance as a Returning Resident from Misrad HaKlita — unless 10 years have passed since you last received such assistance, and you are returning after an absence of at least 6 years.
2. 2

   How Eligibility Is Calculated

   Your eligibility is calculated based on the period immediately before your return date — whether that was 2, 3, or 5 years abroad.

3. 3

   Who Is Not Eligible for Misrad HaKlita Assistance

   1. Anyone who has previously received assistance as a Returning Resident — unless 10 years have passed since their last assistance and they are returning after at least 6 years abroad.
   2. A Returning Resident who was previously an Oleh and is still within their Oleh entitlement period — in that case, Misrad HaKlita will provide assistance based on the remainder of their Oleh entitlement.
   3. Anyone who was sent abroad on a posting as described above.
4. 4

   Entitlement Period for Assistance

   1. Misrad HaKlita: Your entitlement period for support and assistance from Misrad HaKlita is 24 months from your return date — except for income support, which is available only during the first 12 months from your return date.
   2. Customs: Your entitlement period for customs assistance is 9 months only from your return date. The exemption from customs taxes is available to those aged over 18.
   3. IDF military service: Any period you serve in the IDF — whether regular or reserve duty — does not count toward your entitlement period and does not count toward the visit limit.
   4. For benefits in areas with an age restriction (especially employment-related benefits), check with your nearest Misrad HaKlita regional office.
5. 5

   The Process for Receiving Eligibility for Assistance

   Note: Separated or divorced parents, or couples where one spouse is returning ahead of the other, who are returning to Israel with their children, must provide either a notarised declaration or a declaration made before the Israeli Consul General, signed by the spouse remaining abroad, confirming their agreement to the children being in the custody of the returning parent. Alternatively, a court ruling confirming sole legal custody of the children returning with them is accepted.

   1. Submit an online application to Misrad HaKlita to have your eligibility assessed and to receive your Returning Resident certificate. It is recommended to update your identity card with the Population and Immigration Authority before you apply.
   2. Within a few days, you'll receive a response about your eligibility and an appointment date to collect your certificate and continue the process.
   3. To receive financial assistance, you'll need to open a bank account. If you are a couple, open a joint account.

   For more information on your rights, see the Eligibility Areas upon Return to Israel and the Rights Guide for Returning Residents.

   Submit your online application for Returning Resident statusEligibility areas upon return to IsraelRights guide for Returning Residents
6. 6

   Forms and downloads

   • Declaration before Israeli Consul — returning to Israel with children (without the other parent)

   Declaration before Israeli Consul — returning to Israel with children (without the other parent)
7. 7

   Related guides

   Other guides in the Immigration & legal status for Olim series:

   • Apostille and Document Authentication
   • Changing Your Address in the Population Registry
   • Volunteering for National-Civic Service