Making Aliyah from Brasilia and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Brasilia and Finding a Home in Israel
Moving from Brasília to Israel changes almost everything about daily life. The capital is spread out and built around the car, while most Israeli cities are dense, walkable and served by buses and trains. Housing decisions made in the first months shape the children's schooling, the commute to work and the family's social circle. This guide follows the path of a family from the Federal District, from preparing aliyah paperwork to choosing a city, signing a first lease, linking housing to work and eventually buying. Benefits and rights are mentioned only in general terms, and each family should confirm its situation with the official bodies.
Preparing aliyah in the Federal District
The Jewish Agency handles the aliyah file, eligibility checks and consular appointments. Families in Brasília can also count on their local community for guidance and letters of reference. Start early on birth, marriage and criminal record certificates, which must be apostilled and often translated.
Make copies of professional diplomas and transcripts as well. Recognition of qualifications in Israel can take time, and having the documents ready helps you plan work and therefore housing.
From a car city to transit cities
Families used to driving between superquadras may be surprised by how much of Israeli life happens on foot. Being close to a train station, a light rail stop or a reliable bus line can matter more than an extra room. Parking in central neighbourhoods is limited, and many families find they need one car instead of two.
When comparing flats, test the journey to the ulpan, school and likely workplace at the hours you will actually travel.
Cities to consider
Modiin, with its planned layout and parks, is often a comfortable first choice for people from Brasília. Jerusalem suits families who want deep community and religious life. Ra'anana and Kfar Saba in the Sharon offer a suburban feel with good schools, and Haifa appeals to those in academic or technology careers.
Modiin for a planned environment
Jerusalem for community and institutions
The Sharon for suburban family life
Haifa for study and technology
The first lease and its contract
Israeli leases usually run for a year with an option to extend. Landlords often ask for guarantors, post dated cheques or a bank guarantee, which can be difficult for newcomers without local history. Ask your absorption advisor or a lawyer about acceptable alternatives, and make sure the contract spells out who pays arnona, vaad bayit and repairs.
Buying once you know the neighbourhood
After a year or two, most families know where they want to stay. That is the moment to consider buying, with a mortgage advisor, an Israeli lawyer and a tax advisor who can confirm whether any new immigrant conditions apply to your purchase.
Work and housing go together
For many newcomers from the capital, the job search determines the city. Government, law and consulting roles cluster in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, while technology jobs spread across Herzliya, Haifa and other hubs. Renting first near the likely workplace avoids buying in the wrong place.
Couples where only one partner has a job offer at first should keep flexibility in mind. A lease close to good transport lets the second partner search more widely, and it keeps the family from being tied to a mortgage in a town that may not suit both careers once the picture becomes clearer.
Leaving Brazil from a tax point of view
Before departing, discuss the definitive exit communication and declaration with a Brazilian accountant. Property, pensions and investments that remain in Brazil still need to be handled correctly, and Brazilian public pensions have their own rules. An Israeli tax advisor can explain how your new residence treats income from Brazil.
Frequently asked questions
Is Modiin popular with families from Brasília
Many find its planned streets and parks familiar, but visit several cities before deciding, as school and work options matter just as much.
Do I need a car in Israel
Many families manage with one car or none, especially in central neighbourhoods near good public transport.
Can I use my Brazilian pension in Israel
Rules vary by type of pension. Ask a Brazilian accountant and an Israeli tax advisor to review your case together.
When should we buy after arriving
Usually once work, schooling and language have settled and you know which neighbourhood suits your daily routine.
Elkayam Group
Behind Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd is Elkayam Group, a three generation family enterprise that began in industry in the forties and now works from Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv. Our activity includes development, urban renewal, pinui-binui, TAMA 38 and combination and complex deals with backing companies and partners, and we can provide guarantees. We work in Hebrew, English and French and help families arriving from abroad find professionals they can trust.
Preparing aliyah from Brasília. Reach out and we will talk through cities and housing timing.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv