Repatriation
to Israel
Repatriation is the return of Jews to their historical homeland. Under the Law of Return, every Jew — as well as second- and third-generation descendants of Jews — has the right to move to Israel and obtain citizenship. In practice, however, each case is unique.

Working with us
Right to repatriation
Who is eligible for repatriation to Israel?
By blood
Halachic Jews (by mother)
Children of Jews
Grandchildren of Jews
Marriage
Spouses, widows, and widowers of Jews
Spouses, widows, and widowers of children of Jews
Spouses, widows, and widowers of grandchildren of Jews
Judaism
Non-Jews who have undergone Giyur
(the process of converting to Judaism)

Repatriation. Pitfalls.
The repatriation process to Israel is not always straightforward. Following the declaration of independence and the enactment of the Law of Return, Israel welcomed anyone who identified as Jewish. Since then, much has changed: the state’s interest in the influx of repatriates has significantly declined. Today, proving the right to repatriation often involves overcoming serious bureaucratic obstacles. As more Jews and their descendants choose to repatriate, Israeli bureaucracy has grown increasingly restrictive. There is a growing discussion about revoking the right of repatriation for grandchildren of Jews.
Repatriation Stages
If repatriation is carried out from the country of origin or another country where the Nativ consular department operates
- Collecting documents
- Interview with the consul
- Obtaining citizenship upon arrival in Tel Aviv, document processing at the airport, and further procedures at the Ministry of Interior
If repatriation is carried out from within Israel
- Collecting documents
- Reception at the Ministry of Interior
- Interview at ‘Nativ’ in Jerusalem
- Receiving citizenship at the Ministry of Interior and processing documents
Complex cases of repatriation
Consular refusal, criminal record, the need for DNA testing, proof of kinship, conversion to another religion (any faith other than Judaism), and restoring the right to repatriation — all require legal representation and must be handled through the courts in Israel.

Consular refusal
Complex repatriation cases primarily involve candidates for Israeli citizenship who have been refused by the consul. Reasons for refusal vary, but the most common include: conversion to another religion, a criminal record or conviction, and being born out of wedlock when claiming eligibility through the paternal line.
A consular refusal complicates the repatriation process but does not make it impossible — the right to citizenship can still be upheld in an Israeli court. Timely professional consultation can often prevent refusals. However, if you’ve already been refused, don’t delay — contact an immigration lawyer. We will work to secure a favorable court ruling on your behalf.
Packages
You can choose one of the available service packages or consult with a specialist to determine the options best suited to your needs.
Before arriving in Israel:
- Checking documents for compliance with the requirements of the Law of Return
- Supervising the process of collecting the document package
- Assisting in filling out online forms
- Preparing for the interview with Nativ consul
After receiving the repatriant visa, in Israel:
- Consulting on process stages and current regulations
- Assisting in scheduling appointments, filling out forms, and accompanying in the process of ordering documents — Teudat Maavar (Laissez-Passer for 5 years) and Teudat Zeut — issuing a temporary and ordering a permanent identity card for an Israeli citizen
- Receiving and delivering finalized documents, if needed
- Registering with a health insurance fund (kupat holim)
Before arriving in Israel:
- Checking documents for compliance with the requirements of the Law of Return
- Supervising the process of collecting the document package
- Assisting in filling out online forms
- Preparing for the interview with Nativ consul
- Helping scheduling a consular interview in the country of origin or another country where Nativ consular department operates
After receiving the repatriant visa, in Israel:
- Consulting on process stages and current regulations
- Assisting in scheduling appointments, filling out forms, and accompanying in the process of ordering documents — Teudat Maavar (Laissez-Passer for 5 years) and Teudat Zeut — issuing a temporary and ordering a permanent identity card for an Israeli citizen
- Receiving and delivering finalized documents, if needed
- Registering with a health insurance fund (kupat holim)
All procedures are carried out within Israel.
- Checking documents for compliance with the requirements of the Law of Return
- Supervising the process of collecting the document package
- Assisting with initial registration at the Ministry of Interior
- Filling out forms and sending documents
- Preparing for the interview with the Nativ consul
- Assisting with scheduling a consular interview in Jerusalem
- Consulting on process stages and current regulations
- Registering with the Ministry of Interior to obtain citizenship, following a successful consular interview, receiving Teudat Zeut — issuing a temporary and ordering a permanent identity card for an Israeli citizen
- Ordering Teudat Maavar (Laissez-Passer for 5 years)
- Receiving and delivering finalized documents, if needed
- Registering with a health insurance fund (kupat holim)
Before arriving in Israel:
- Consulting on process stages and current regulations
After moving to Israel:
- Assisting in scheduling appointments, filling out forms, and accompanying in the process of ordering documents — Teudat Maavar (Laissez-Passer for 5 years) and Teudat Zeut — issuing a temporary and ordering a permanent identity card for an Israeli citizen
- Receiving and delivering finalized documents, if needed
- Registering with a health insurance fund (kupat holim)
- Assistance in opening a bank account: ordering cards with increased limits, checkbooks, etc.
- Accompanying in the process of obtaining a driver’s license and international driving permits
- Assistance in processing A5 visas (opening the process and extension) for the 4th generation
- Subscription support for Israelis living abroad
- Legal support for Israelis living in Israel (hourly payment, favorable rates for office clients)
- Assistance with the transfer and legalization of funds and assets from the country of origin and third countries
- Real estate search for residential and investment purposes, with full transaction support

Why do you need a lawyer for repatriation?
An immigration lawyer will review your documents and, if necessary, help locate or prepare additional ones to meet consular requirements. Our specialists assist with filling out forms, guide you through official procedures, and prepare you for interviews with authorities.
We know how to navigate Israeli bureaucracy quickly and efficiently. We provide clients with the most comfortable process possible, stay up to date with changing policies, and adjust the action plan accordingly. And if legal proceedings become necessary, we represent clients in all courts — up to the High Court of Justice (Bagatz).
However, consulting an immigration expert in advance can help you avoid lengthy litigation and unnecessary expenses.
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About us
The office provides legal services in the field of immigration, family, commercial and labor law, conducts real estate transactions, develops individual solutions for businesses and individuals, and provides legal support to Israeli and international companies. Our lawyers regularly participate in the work of specialized commissions at the Chamber of Lawyers of Israel and the Knesset, create judicial precedents, improve regulatory mechanisms in various areas of law, provide advisory assistance to official representative offices of foreign states and significant public organizations located in Israel and abroad.