The United Kingdom has one of the world’s most Zionist-connected Jewish communities. British Jews have been making aliyah in significant numbers for decades, and the UK-Israel aliyah pathway is one of the most structured and well-supported in the world: run jointly through Nefesh B’Nefesh and the Jewish Agency, with dedicated UK staff and resources. Whether you’re motivated by Zionism, community ties, rising antisemitism, or simply building a life in Israel, this guide covers everything you need to know about making aliyah from the UK.
Who Can Make Aliyah from the UK?
Israel’s Law of Return (1950) and its 1970 amendment grant aliyah rights to any person who is Jewish, or the child, grandchild, or spouse of a Jewish person. Religious observance and synagogue affiliation are not required. If you have at least one Jewish grandparent, you almost certainly qualify. British converts to Judaism who converted through a recognized movement (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or Liberal) are also eligible.
The Aliyah Process from the UK: Step by Step
UK aliyah runs through Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) in partnership with the Jewish Agency: the same North American structure that serves US and Canadian Olim, with a dedicated UK operation based in London. NBN UK has helped thousands of British Jews make aliyah and provides coordinator support throughout the process.
Step 1: Register at Nefesh B’Nefesh
Go to nbn.org.il and create an applicant profile. Select “UK” as your country of origin. A UK-based NBN coordinator will be assigned and will guide you through every subsequent step, from document checklist to flight booking.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Required documents for UK applicants:
- UK birth certificate (full certificate, not the short version, from the General Register Office)
- Proof of Jewish identity: Jewish birth certificate, bar/bat mitzvah certificate, synagogue membership letter, or letter from your rabbi
- UK or Irish passport (valid, copies of all pages)
- ACRO Criminal Records Certificate (Police Certificate for adults who have lived in the UK, obtainable online through ACRO Criminal Records Office)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce decree absolute (if applicable)
- Children’s birth certificates
- Passport-style photos
Step 3: Interview with the Jewish Agency
Once your documents are reviewed, you’ll attend an interview at the NBN/Jewish Agency office in London (Hendon). The interview is supportive and conversational: its purpose is to verify your Jewish background and ensure documentation is in order. Most applicants find it relaxed and encouraging.
Step 4: Aliyah Visa and Flight
Upon approval, you receive an aliyah visa in your UK passport. NBN UK runs group aliyah flights from London (Heathrow) several times per year: these are subsidized and include NBN staff support from check-in through arrival. Direct flights to Tel Aviv from London take approximately 4.5 hours.
UK-Specific Considerations
UK Tax After Aliyah
The UK taxes based on residency. Once you’ve permanently relocated to Israel and established non-UK tax residency under the UK Statutory Residence Test (SRT), you are generally no longer subject to UK income tax on new earnings. However, UK rental income, capital gains on UK property, and certain UK pension income may remain taxable in the UK even after you’ve left. The UK-Israel double taxation agreement prevents most cases of double taxation. Israel’s 10-year foreign income tax exemption for new Olim means UK-source income (dividends, interest, rental income, pension) is generally exempt from Israeli tax for a decade.
UK State Pension and National Insurance
UK National Insurance (NI) contributions are preserved after aliyah: you can claim your UK State Pension at UK retirement age regardless of where you live, provided you have sufficient qualifying NI years. To maximise your UK State Pension entitlement, consider making voluntary Class 2 or Class 3 NI contributions from Israel for years where you haven’t reached the annual threshold. Contact HMRC’s International Pension Centre before making aliyah to get a State Pension forecast and understand your options. The UK-Israel social security agreement also means years of Israeli Bituach Leumi contributions can count toward UK pension eligibility.
UK Workplace Pension (Auto-Enrolment)
If you have a UK workplace pension (through auto-enrolment or a defined benefit scheme), it remains preserved after aliyah. You cannot typically access it until UK pension age (currently 57, rising to 58). Your pot continues to grow in the fund until you access it. For defined benefit (final salary) pensions, contact your scheme administrator before leaving to understand your preserved benefit and how it will be paid in retirement.
ISAs and UK Savings
ISA accounts lose their tax-free status once you become a non-UK resident: you can keep the account open but cannot make new contributions, and UK tax rules around the ISA’s tax-free status may change under your new residency situation. Consult a UK financial advisor before departing about the most efficient way to manage UK savings and investments.
Dual Citizenship: UK and Israel
The United Kingdom permits dual citizenship. You do not need to renounce your British passport when acquiring Israeli citizenship. Both are maintained indefinitely and renewed separately. A UK passport offers visa-free access to many destinations where Israeli passport holders face restrictions, and many British Olim maintain both passports actively.
Where British Olim Live in Israel
British Olim are spread across Israel but cluster heavily in Anglo communities where English is widely spoken and community infrastructure is strong. The most popular destinations are Ra’anana (the largest Anglo concentration outside Jerusalem), Modi’in (popular with young families), Jerusalem (particularly for religious and traditionally affiliated Olim), Tel Aviv (for younger professionals and those in tech), and Beit Shemesh (for Anglo-Orthodox communities). British Olim often find the cultural transition to Israel easier than other nationalities due to Israel’s strong British cultural heritage: British Mandate-era institutions, cricket clubs, British-style humor, and an existing large British community on the ground.
NBN Grant for UK Olim
Nefesh B’Nefesh provides direct financial grants to eligible UK Olim, similar to the grants provided to North American applicants. Grant amounts vary by family size and circumstances. In addition to the NBN grant, UK Olim receive the full Israeli government sal klita absorption package: monthly stipend for 6 months, rent assistance, free Ulpan, Kupat Cholim from day one, and the 10-year foreign income tax exemption. See our complete Oleh Chadash benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does aliyah from the UK take?
Most UK applicants complete the process in 4-6 months from starting their NBN application to receiving their aliyah visa. The main variable is document gathering: particularly obtaining Jewish community documentation and the ACRO police certificate. Starting 6 months before your intended move date is advisable to avoid rushing.
Do I keep my British passport when I make aliyah?
Yes. The UK permits dual citizenship. You do not need to renounce your British passport or UK citizenship when you become an Israeli citizen. Both passports remain valid and renewable independently. Most British Olim maintain both passports actively for the travel flexibility the UK passport provides.
Will I still get my UK State Pension if I live in Israel?
Yes, with an important caveat. You can claim your UK State Pension from Israel at UK pension age. However, UK State Pensions paid to those living in Israel are frozen: they do not increase with annual cost-of-living adjustments (uprating) as they would for residents in the UK or certain other countries. This is a known issue for British expats worldwide. The pension is still paid, but at the rate applicable at the time you left the UK or first claimed, without future increases.
Do I pay UK tax after making aliyah?
Once you establish non-UK tax residency under the Statutory Residence Test, you generally stop paying UK income tax on new earnings. However, UK rental income, capital gains on UK property, and some UK pension income remain subject to UK tax. The UK-Israel double taxation agreement prevents double taxation in most cases. Use a UK tax advisor to properly break UK tax residency in the year of your departure.
Does NBN provide financial grants to UK Olim?
Yes. Nefesh B’Nefesh provides direct financial grants to eligible UK Olim, with amounts varying by family size and circumstances. These grants are in addition to the Israeli government’s standard sal klita absorption package. Contact NBN UK for current grant amounts and eligibility criteria.
What document do I need for the UK police check for aliyah?
UK aliyah applicants need an ACRO Criminal Records Certificate (also called a Police Certificate), obtainable online through the ACRO Criminal Records Office (acro.police.uk). It is processed within a few days and can be ordered in enhanced format for immigration purposes. An Enhanced DBS Certificate is an alternative if you have one recently issued. Your NBN coordinator will confirm exactly which format is required for your application.
Start Your Aliyah from the UK
Making aliyah from the UK is one of the most well-supported aliyah pathways in the world. NBN UK’s London office, the large British Olim community in Israel, and the cultural familiarity between Israel and Britain all make the transition more manageable than many expect. The key is starting your paperwork early and working with your NBN coordinator throughout. Olim Paveway helps new immigrants from the UK and elsewhere navigate every aspect of life in Israel, from the first bureaucratic days to finding your professional and social footing. Contact us to learn how we can support your journey.