A returning resident is an Israeli citizen who fulfills the following conditions:
- Is over 17 years old.
- Has lived abroad for at least two years.
A "returning scientist" and an "entrepreneur" are entitled to assistance after living abroad for at least three years.
- Has visited Israel no more than four months of every year of absence.
- Neither the returning Israeli, their spouse, nor one of their parents was employed by the Jewish Agency, the World Zionist Organization or one of its authorities, nor by the State of Israel or one of its authorities during the five years prior to his return to Israel.
Determination of status will be made according to entrance and exit stamps in his passport and registration checks at the Ministry of Interior.
Calculation of absence from the country is based on the two years prior to his return to Israel.
Concerning scientists and entrepreneurs - the calculation of his return to Israel will be made according to the three years prior to his date of return.
Who is not entitled to assistance from the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption?
Someone who has in the past received assistance as a returning resident.
Someone whose immigrant rights are still valid. In such cases, they will receive assistance according to the remainder of their period of rights.
Period of Eligibility for Assistance
- The period of eligibility for assistance for a returning resident from the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption is twelve months from the date of his return to Israel.Artists and entrepreneurs are entitled to assistance for 24 months.
- The period of eligibility for customs privileges is nine months from the date of his return to Israel.
- The period of military service (regular or reserve duty) is not counted in the period of eligibility or visits to Israel.