Aliyah from Brazil to Israel: The Complete 2026 Guide

Quick Answer

Olim from Brazil make aliyah through the Jewish Agency for Israel (Sochnut) and the Israeli consulate. Brazil has a large, well-organised Jewish community concentrated in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, so proving Jewish status is usually manageable through community records. The parts to plan are documents (apostille and translation from Portuguese) and coordinating your Brazilian tax and currency position before you leave.

Who Is Eligible

Anyone with at least one Jewish grandparent, or married to an eligible person, qualifies under the Law of Return. Brazil’s established kehillot can typically provide the community letters and records that confirm Jewish status.

Documents You Will Need

• Passport and RG/CPF
• Birth certificate (certidão de nascimento) — apostilled and translated
• Marriage or divorce certificates if relevant — apostilled
• Federal Police clearance certificate — apostilled
• Proof of Jewish status — community or rabbinical letter, certificates

Brazil is party to the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents are apostilled locally (usually at a notary/cartório authorised for apostilles) and then translated into Hebrew or English by a certified translator.

Step by Step

1. Open a file with the Jewish Agency / Israeli consulate.
2. Gather, apostille and translate documents.
3. Attend an eligibility interview.
4. Receive approval and your immigrant visa.
5. Fly to Israel, receive your teudat oleh, and begin absorption.

Money and Tax

Plan currency conversion and transfer of savings in advance and keep documentation of the source of funds for Israeli bank compliance. New olim receive Israel’s 10-year exemption on most foreign-source income and assets — but Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income, so coordinate your exit from Brazilian tax residency with a licensed professional. This is general information, not tax advice.

Benefits on Arrival

Olim receive the absorption basket (Sal Klita), health coverage via a kupat holim, subsidised ulpan, and help with an Israeli bank account. See the full aliyah guide.

Best Cities for Portuguese-Speaking Olim

Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking olim are found across Bat Yam, Netanya, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Compare cost, jobs and community in the best cities for olim guide.

This guide is general information for planning and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Confirm current requirements with the Jewish Agency, the Israeli consulate, and licensed professionals.