Six years of medical school in Kharkiv, two years of internship, five years of surgical practice. You arrive in Israel on aliyah - and within the first week you learn that you can’t work as a doctor. Not next month, not in two months. It’s a minimum of a year to eighteen months of exams, bureaucracy, and document translations. Without a license, your options are a supermarket checkout line or cleaning floors in the hospital where you could be performing surgeries.
This isn’t an exaggeration. According to the Israeli Medical Association, foreign-trained doctors make up about 30% of practicing physicians in Israel, and every single one of them went through this process. Dozens of Ukrainian medical professionals go through licensing every year - some finish in a year, others take three. The difference comes down to preparation. And document translation is the first step where many people stumble.
This guide is for doctors, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists from Ukraine who are moving to or have already arrived in Israel. Concrete steps, real prices, translation pitfalls - everything you need to know to avoid losing an extra year.
Who Issues Medical Licenses and How the System Works¶
Medical licenses in Israel are issued by one body only - the Medical Professions Licensure Division of the Ministry of Health (משרד הבריאות - Misrad HaBriut). Not Misrad HaKlita, not the Jewish Agency, not Nefesh B’Nefesh. They help with the process, but the Ministry of Health makes the decision.
The General Path for Doctors¶
Here’s what the process looks like for a doctor with a foreign degree:
- Submit documents to the Ministry of Health’s Licensure Division
- Diploma and university accreditation check - the Ministry verifies your university against their database and the WFME (World Federation for Medical Education) registry
- Exam eligibility - if everything checks out, you’re approved to sit the licensing exam
- Pass the IMLE (Israel Medical Licensing Exam) - or get an exemption if you have USMLE results
- Internship - 1 year in an Israeli hospital, if you haven’t completed an internship before
- License issued - after successfully completing all stages
Sounds simple on paper. In practice, every step has its nuances, and document translation is the critical element without which you won’t even get past stage one.
The 2026 WFME Rule¶
Starting in 2026, graduates of medical universities that don’t have WFME (World Federation for Medical Education) accreditation won’t be able to obtain a medical license in Israel. This applies to those who started their studies from 2019 onwards.
Most major Ukrainian medical schools - Bogomolets National Medical University, Kharkiv National Medical University, Odesa National Medical University - have accreditation or are in the process of obtaining it. But if you graduated from a smaller private institution, check the WFME website before you start gathering documents.
Which Documents You Need and What to Translate¶
This is the most important section. Incorrectly prepared or translated documents are the number one cause of delays and rejections.
Full Document List for Ministry of Health Submission¶
| Document | Translation needed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical degree (MD or DO) | Yes, into Hebrew | Or official confirmation from your university if you haven’t received your diploma yet |
| Transcript with grades | Yes, into Hebrew | Full list of courses, credits, grades for all semesters |
| Valid medical license | Yes, into Hebrew | From the country where you practice/practiced |
| Good Standing certificate | Yes, into Hebrew | Issued by the medical licensing authority in your country |
| Criminal record check | Not necessarily | The Ministry contacts Israeli police directly, but may request one from Ukraine |
| Specialty certificate | Yes, into Hebrew | If you have a specialization (surgery, internal medicine, etc.) |
| Teudat zehut or teudat oleh | No | Israeli document |
Translation Rules: Israeli Specifics¶
Here’s where it gets tricky. Unlike the academic diploma recognition process, where Ukrainian and Russian documents are accepted without translation, the Ministry of Health has its own rules:
Documents in languages other than Hebrew and Arabic MUST be translated into Hebrew. This means your Ukrainian or Russian diploma needs translation.
But here’s the catch. The translation must be done by a certified translator in Israel (מתרגם מוסמך - metargem musmakh). A translation done in Ukraine, even with an apostille, won’t be accepted. This is one of the most common mistakes that costs people months.
Why a Ukrainian Translation Won’t Work¶
The Ministry of Health requires:
- Translation done by or certified by an Israeli notary (notarion - נוטריון)
- Copies of originals certified by an Israeli notary
- Two copies of each document submitted - one certified and one plain
An Israeli notarion isn’t the same as a notary in Ukraine. In Israel, a notarion is a lawyer with a special license to certify documents. You can find the list on the Ministry of Justice website.
Translation and Notarization Costs¶
| Service | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Diploma translation into Hebrew (1-2 pages) | 300-600 NIS |
| Transcript translation (5-10 pages) | 800-2,000 NIS |
| Medical license translation | 200-400 NIS |
| Good Standing certificate translation | 200-400 NIS |
| Specialty certificate translation | 300-500 NIS |
| Notarial certification of copies (per document) | 100-250 NIS |
In total, translation and certification of a doctor’s full document package can cost between 2,000 and 5,000 NIS. That’s significant, but there’s a way to get some of that money back.
Translation Cost Reimbursement: Up to 4,000 NIS¶
The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration offers a retroactive reimbursement of up to 4,000 NIS for olim who paid for translation and notarization of documents for professional licensing. The conditions:
- Reimbursement is available only after making aliyah
- Valid for 2 years from your aliyah date
- Only for translation and certification through an Israeli notarion or consulate
- Original receipts or certified copies required
- Apostille and translations done abroad are not reimbursable
Additionally, a reimbursement of up to 500 NIS is available for the licensing exam registration fee. Check with your local Misrad HaKlita office for details.
The IMLE Licensing Exam: What You Need to Know¶
The IMLE (Israel Medical Licensing Exam) is the main barrier between you and medical practice in Israel.
Exam Format¶
- 220 multiple-choice questions (American format, similar to USMLE)
- 2 sections of 110 questions each, 2.5 hours per section
- 30-minute break between sections
- Passing score: 60%
- 5 subjects: internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics-gynecology, psychiatry
- Exam language: Hebrew or English (your choice!)
The fact that you can take the exam in English is huge. You don’t need fluent Hebrew to pass the IMLE. But you’ll need Hebrew for working with patients - more on that later.
Exam Schedule¶
The IMLE is held twice a year: February-March and September-October. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the exam date. In practice, start the process 3-4 months ahead - because gathering and translating documents also takes time.
Who’s Exempt from the IMLE¶
Not everyone needs to take the exam. You’re exempt if you:
- Successfully passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK (the American medical licensing exam)
- Hold a degree from a recognized institution in Australia, Canada, France, the UK, New Zealand, South Africa, or the US and completed a recognized internship
For doctors from Ukraine: if you’ve taken the USMLE at some point, you’re in luck. If not, prepare for the IMLE.
What Happens After the Exam¶
If you passed the exam but haven’t completed an internship before, you’ll need to do a one-year internship at an Israeli hospital. If you already have work experience as a doctor and completed your internship in Ukraine, the license is issued without additional internship.
For specialists (surgeons, cardiologists, etc.), there’s a separate process for specialty recognition through the Scientific Council (המועצה המדעית). Foreign specialists may be required to complete additional training, exams, or an adaptation period - or they may not. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Doctors with 14+ Years of Experience¶
There’s another path. If you have more than 14 years of medical experience, the Ministry of Health may issue a license without an exam and without an internship. But you need to document your experience - and every single document needs to be translated and certified. Recommendation letters from hospitals where you worked, employment confirmations, publications - all translated into Hebrew and certified by an Israeli notarion.
The IMAP Program: Free Help for Medical Professionals¶
IMAP (International Medical Aliyah Program) is a program created by Nefesh B’Nefesh together with the Ministry of Health and Israeli hospitals. It helps foreign doctors navigate the licensing process.
What IMAP Provides¶
- Free consultation on all licensing questions - which documents you need, what order to follow
- Document assistance - they check completeness and translation accuracy
- IMLE preparation - information about resources, courses, exam format
- The MedEx program - an annual free event where future olim-doctors meet Israeli physicians and get first-hand information
- Notarization at a fixed price - through IMAP, notarial certification of documents costs $330 (fixed fee for the entire package, not per document)
- Employment assistance after you receive your license
Pro tip: register with IMAP before aliyah, even if you’re still in Ukraine. They’ll help you understand which documents to prepare in advance and can arrange notarial certification through the Israeli consulate before you move. This saves months.
MedEx - Free Annual Event for Medical Professionals¶
MedEx happens once a year (in spring) and is a free event where you can:
- Get notarial certification of documents on-site
- Talk to doctors who’ve already been through the licensing process
- Get information about hospitals hiring foreign doctors
- Learn about scholarships and grants for olim in medicine
Nurses: A Different Path¶
If you’re a nurse with a Ukrainian degree, the licensing process differs from the one for doctors.
Documents and Translation¶
For Ministry of Health submission, you’ll need:
- Nursing diploma - translated into Hebrew and certified by an Israeli notarion
- Transcript (grades) - in Hebrew or English (English is accepted here, unlike some other procedures)
- Nursing work permit from the country where you worked - with start and end dates, job description
- Employer contact information
Important: online programs and distance learning are not recognized by the Ministry of Health for nurses. Only in-person education qualifies.
Nursing Exam¶
Unlike the IMLE for doctors, the nursing exam can be taken in Russian! Also available in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. But there’s a condition: if you take the exam in a foreign language, you’ll also need to pass a Hebrew proficiency exam to get your license.
Passing score: 60%.
After passing the exam, you’ll need to complete a short course (the so-called “7-unit course”) about Israel’s healthcare system. The course is offered at several nursing schools around the country and online.
Dentists: License Confirmation¶
For dentists, the process is similar to doctors but with some differences.
Exam and Documents¶
Dentists take a separate licensing exam (theoretical and practical). The exam is held twice a year and can be taken in English.
The documents are the same as for doctors: diploma, transcript, valid license, Good Standing - all translated into Hebrew and certified by an Israeli notarion.
Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the exam, but realistically, start 3-4 months ahead.
Exam Exemption¶
Here’s good news for experienced dentists: if you’ve practiced for 5 out of the last 7 years, you may be exempt from both the theoretical and practical exams. You’ll need to prove your experience with documents from the medical institution where you worked. And yes, those documents also need to be translated into Hebrew and certified.
Pharmacists: Licensing for Pharmacy Professionals¶
For pharmacists from Ukraine, the procedure includes:
- Pharmacy degree - translated and certified
- Pharmacist certificate from the country where you worked
- Minimum of 5 years of full-time practical experience as a pharmacist
- All documents translated into Hebrew by an Israeli translator and certified by a notarion
Pharmacists also take a licensing exam, though the process is less standardized than for doctors.
Hebrew: How Much You Need and Where to Learn¶
Even if you take the IMLE in English and get all your documents translated by a professional, you’ll eventually need Hebrew. Patients in Israel speak Hebrew (and not all of them know English), medical records are written in Hebrew, and communication with colleagues is in Hebrew.
Medical Ulpan¶
Special Hebrew language programs exist for olim in medicine - medical ulpan. These intensive courses cover:
- Medical terminology in Hebrew
- Patient communication
- Reading medical records and reports
- Writing medical conclusions and prescriptions
The Masa Doctors program helps hundreds of young doctors from abroad - providing both language training and IMLE preparation.
Practical Tips: How Not to Waste Time¶
Start Before Aliyah¶
Best advice: start the process 1-2 years before moving:
- Register with IMAP
- Gather all documents: diploma, transcript, license, Good Standing
- Get an apostille on your documents (needed for some procedures)
- Confirm through IMAP that your university is recognized
- Start learning Hebrew or preparing for the IMLE
Don’t Send Originals¶
Ever. The Ministry of Health explicitly warns: original documents are not returned and not duplicated. Send only certified copies. Keep originals with you.
Verify Your University First¶
Before spending money on translations, check whether Israel recognizes your medical university. You can do this through IMAP or directly with the Ministry of Health. If your university isn’t recognized, further steps are pointless.
Choose the Right Translator¶
Medical document translation isn’t regular translation. Medical terminology (drug names, diagnoses, procedures) must be translated accurately. One mistake in a medication name or procedure can lead to delays or rejection.
Look for a translator who specializes in medical documents and works with the Ukrainian/Russian-Hebrew language pair. Through ChatsControl, you can order a certified translation of medical documents that is then certified by an Israeli notarion.
Watch the Submission Deadlines¶
IMLE applications are accepted up to 60 days before the exam. The exam is held twice a year - February-March and September-October. Miss the submission deadline and you’re waiting six months for the next exam. Plan ahead and submit documents as soon as your translations are complete.
Common Document Mistakes¶
These mistakes are real, and each one has cost someone months:
- Translation done in Ukraine - the Ministry won’t accept it. Only an Israeli translator + Israeli notarion
- Originals sent instead of copies - they won’t return them. Certified copies only
- Incomplete transcript - you need the full list of courses for all years of study, including start and end dates for each course. An abbreviated certificate won’t do
- Expired Good Standing - some countries issue Good Standing certificates valid for 3-6 months. If it’s expired at the time of submission, that’s a rejection
- One copy instead of two - the Ministry requires two copies: one certified and one plain. Submit just one, and they’ll send it back
Full Licensing Cost Breakdown¶
Complete expense breakdown for a doctor:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document translation and certification (full package) | 2,000 - 5,000 NIS |
| Through IMAP (notarial certification) | $330 (fixed) |
| IMLE preparation courses | 3,000 - 10,000 NIS |
| Exam registration fee | Several hundred NIS |
| Medical ulpan | Often subsidized or free |
| Reimbursement from Misrad HaKlita | Up to 4,000 NIS back |
| Exam reimbursement | Up to 500 NIS back |
For nurses and dentists, costs are lower - mainly document translation (1,500 - 3,000 NIS) plus exam preparation.
FAQ¶
Can I take the licensing exam in English?¶
Yes. The IMLE for doctors and the dentistry exam are available in English. The nursing exam is available in Russian, English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. But if you take the exam in a language other than Hebrew, nurses additionally need to pass a Hebrew proficiency exam for full licensing.
Will they accept a translation done in Ukraine?¶
No. Israel’s Ministry of Health only accepts translations done by a certified translator in Israel and certified by an Israeli notarion. A translation from Ukraine, even with an apostille, doesn’t qualify. This is one of the most common mistakes - people spend money on a notarized translation in Kyiv, then end up retranslating everything in Israel.
How long does the entire process take from application to license?¶
For doctors - 1 to 2 years. Gathering and translating documents takes 1-3 months. Waiting for exam eligibility - 2-4 months. The exam is held twice a year. Internship (if required) - 1 year. For nurses and dentists - 6-12 months. For doctors with 14+ years of experience who are exempt from the exam - 3-6 months for processing.
Can I get my translation costs reimbursed?¶
Yes. Misrad HaKlita reimburses up to 4,000 NIS for translation and notarization of documents for professional licensing. The reimbursement is retroactive (covering 2 years before aliyah), available only after making aliyah, and only for Israeli notarial services. Keep all receipts.
My university isn’t recognized by Israel - what do I do?¶
First, clarify: “not recognized” and “not in the database” are different things. If your university simply isn’t in the Ministry’s database, they’ll conduct a separate verification - it takes extra time but doesn’t mean automatic rejection. If your university is on the “blacklist” (doesn’t meet WFME standards), the path to an Israeli license is closed. In that case, you could try obtaining a license in another country (for example, USMLE in the US) and use that for the Israeli license.
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