Making Aliyah from Calgary and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Calgary and Finding a Home in Israel
Families from Glenmore, Palliser, Oakridge and Lake Bonavista who make aliyah often bring professional backgrounds in engineering, energy, finance and technology, along with a love of hiking and open spaces. They look for communities in Israel that offer good schools, meaningful work and room to breathe. Because Calgary is far from Israel and the community is smaller than those in eastern Canada, many Calgary olim arrive knowing fewer people, which makes the choice of community especially important. This guide covers where Calgary olim settle, renting versus buying, and the Canadian tax matters to address before leaving Alberta.
Preparing from Alberta
Aliyah files are opened through the Jewish Agency, with support from organisations that assist North American olim. Start housing research early and plan a pilot trip that covers several communities.
Professionals should research their field in Israel, since work often shapes where families settle.
Because the Calgary community is smaller, reaching out early to other Canadian olim in your chosen city through community groups can help you arrive with contacts already in place.
Communities to Consider
Haifa suits engineers and researchers, with the Technion and a strong technology sector. Modiin and Raanana offer family-friendly suburbs with English-speaking communities. Jerusalem neighbourhoods such as Baka, Katamon and Arnona are home to many North Americans.
Families who love the outdoors may look at Zichron Yaakov, Karmiel or communities in the Galilee.
Families from Calgary who enjoyed weekends in Banff or Kananaskis often value access to nature. From Haifa, the Carmel forest is close by, and from Modiin and Jerusalem the hills of the Judean foothills are within easy reach. This can make the transition to city life in Israel feel more natural.
Haifa for engineering and research careers
Modiin and Raanana for suburban family life
Jerusalem for heritage and community
The Galilee for outdoor living
Rent or Buy at First
Renting for the first year allows you to confirm the neighbourhood, schools and commute before buying. Those with family already in Israel may know an area well enough to buy sooner.
Many rentals are unfurnished, so plan for furniture and appliances.
Benefits and Mortgages
New immigrants may be eligible for certain purchase tax and mortgage benefits. Your Israeli lawyer and mortgage adviser should confirm what applies.
Establishing Israeli income and bank history early helps with financing.
Buyers who plan to purchase later should keep records of income and savings transfers from Canada, since Israeli lenders may ask for documentation from both countries.
Canadian Tax Before Departure
Leaving Canada may trigger departure tax rules and raises questions about RRSPs, TFSAs, Canada Pension Plan, employer pensions and any Alberta property you keep. Share-based compensation from Canadian employers can also need attention.
Consult a Canadian accountant experienced with emigration before you leave, and an Israeli tax advisor after arrival.
Staying in Touch with Calgary
Israel is usually nine hours ahead of Calgary, so Israeli evenings match Calgary mornings. Trips home connect through eastern Canada, Europe or the United States.
A home with good access to Ben Gurion Airport makes visits easier.
Work After Aliyah
Engineers, technology professionals and finance specialists find opportunities in Haifa, Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Jerusalem. Remote work for Canadian employers is also possible for some, with the time difference making afternoon and evening meetings workable.
Choose a home with a realistic commute to likely workplaces.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Calgary olim settle
Haifa, Modiin, Raanana, Jerusalem and communities in the Galilee are among the common choices.
Should I rent before buying
Many olim rent first to confirm their choice of area and schools.
Are there purchase benefits for new immigrants
There may be benefits on purchase tax and mortgages. An Israeli lawyer should confirm.
What about Canadian taxes and pensions
Emigration can trigger Canadian tax rules. Consult a Canadian accountant before leaving.
Elkayam Group
Elkayam Group, Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, is a family business on Rival Street in Tel Aviv with roots across three generations. It works in development, urban renewal and complex deals, and its Hebrew, English and French speaking team helps olim from Calgary understand the Israeli market before choosing a home.
Contact us to talk about finding a home in Israel after aliyah.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv