Moving to Israel

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Israeli visa and residence permit system is a crucial first step. Your specific requirements will largely depend on your nationality and the purpose of your move. Citizens of many countries, particularly those from the European Union, may enjoy different entry and short-term stay regulations compared to non-EU citizens.

Common routes for obtaining a residence permit in Israel include:

• Work Visas: For individuals who have secured employment with an Israeli company. The employer typically initiates much of this process.
• Family Reunification Visas: For spouses, children, or other close relatives of Israeli citizens or permanent residents.
• Student Visas: For those accepted into recognized educational institutions in Israel.
• Volunteer Visas: For individuals participating in approved volunteer programs.
• A/1 Temporary Resident Visas: Often issued for specific purposes, such as religious studies or certain long-term projects.

It is absolutely essential to verify the most current and accurate information directly with the Israeli Ministry of Interior (Misrad Hapnim) or the nearest Israeli embassy or consulate in your country of origin. Requirements, documentation, and processing times can change, so relying on official sources is paramount.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Israel can be a competitive process, particularly in major cities. Most rentals are managed through real estate agents (known as "Tichonist" or "Mithavech") or found directly through online portals and social media groups.

• How to Find Housing:
  • Real Estate Agents: Agents can be very helpful, especially if you're unfamiliar with the local market. Be aware that agent fees are typically one month's rent (plus VAT) paid by the tenant.
  • Online Portals: Websites dedicated to rentals are popular.
  • Social Media Groups: Facebook groups for expats or specific cities often list available apartments.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking can sometimes lead to opportunities.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewing properties and expressing interest.
  • Negotiating terms, which may include rent, move-in date, and included appliances.
  • Signing a rental agreement (Heskem Schirut), usually for a 12-month period, often with an option to extend.
• Deposits: It's standard practice to provide a security deposit (Pikadon), usually equivalent to one to three months' rent. This is held by the landlord and returned after you vacate the property, assuming no damages beyond normal wear and tear. You may also be asked for post-dated checks for utility bills or municipal taxes.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: Many newcomers opt for short-term furnished rentals (e.g., Airbnb, extended-stay apartments) upon arrival to allow time to explore neighborhoods and secure a long-term lease. This can be a practical approach before committing to a longer-term unfurnished property.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Israel is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively for your international move.

• Volume of Goods: The larger the quantity and bulk of items you're shipping, the higher the cost. This is typically measured in cubic meters (m³).
• Distance: The geographical distance from your current location to Israel directly impacts shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (often summer months) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for services.
• Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin and destination addresses plays a role. Factors like narrow streets, lack of elevators, or long carrying distances can incur additional charges.
• Method of Transport: Sea freight is generally the most economical option for larger shipments, though it takes longer. Air freight is significantly faster but also considerably more expensive.
• Extra Services: Additional services like professional packing and unpacking, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions, and comprehensive insurance will add to your overall cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth international relocation. Here’s a checklist-style guide, typically spanning 4-8 weeks before your move:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Declutter & Inventory: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Create a preliminary inventory of items you plan to move.
  • Research & Quotes: Begin researching relocation service providers and request free quotes.
  • Documents: Check passports for validity, gather birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, school transcripts, and any other vital documents. Make multiple copies and digital backups.
  • Visa & Residence: If you haven't already, initiate your visa application process.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Book Services: Confirm your relocation service provider and book your moving date.
  • Health Checks: Schedule any necessary medical check-ups or vaccinations. Obtain prescriptions for essential medications.
  • School/Work Notifications: Inform schools or employers of your departure.
  • Financials: Research opening an Israeli bank account; inform your current bank of your move.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Utilities & Subscriptions: Notify utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (gym, magazines, streaming services).
  • Change of Address: Set up mail forwarding.
  • Packing Supplies: If self-packing, acquire boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
  • Valuables & Essentials: Set aside items you'll carry personally (documents, jewelry, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes).
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Confirm Details: Reconfirm moving dates and times with your relocation provider.
  • Clean Out: Start using up perishable food items.
  • Electronics: Back up all computers and devices.
  • Pet Preparations: If moving with pets, ensure all veterinary requirements and travel arrangements are finalized.
• 1 Week Out:
  • Final Packing: Finish all packing, leaving only essentials for the last few days.
  • Disassemble Furniture: If moving furniture yourself, begin disassembling.
  • Contact List: Create a list of important contacts for your arrival in Israel.
• Moving Day:
  • Supervise: Be present to answer questions and supervise the loading process.
  • Final Walk-Through: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Ready to make your move to Israel? Request a free quote today on relocation123.com!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Israel: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Israel is an exciting journey, and understanding customs regulations is key to a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when bringing your belongings into the country.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Oleh)

New immigrants are entitled to three tax-free importations of household goods and personal effects within three years of their arrival date. Your arrival date is the first entry into Israel as marked in your "Teudat Oleh" booklet.

Duty-free entry applies to all personal and household goods, which typically refers to items used in a home. For electrical appliances, you can import one of each household appliance, plus three computers, three TVs, and two vacuums per family, all tax-free. Communication and sporting equipment may be subject to duties.

What you'll need

• Passport scan of consignee and spouse.
• English packing list, without values.
• Freight invoice.
• Power of Attorney authorizing your destination agent to clear shipment.
• Declaration for customs showing values, make, serial number, and manufacturer's name for all items, indicating if old or new.
• Invoices for any newly purchased items (less than 12 months old).
• Rental contract or other proof of residence in Israel for a minimum of one year.
• New Immigrant Booklet ("Teudat Oleh") for both consignee and spouse.

Good to know

• You can immigrate from one country and import goods from another.
• The number of duty-free shipments is limited to three within three years of your arrival.
• Shipments of a car and professional tools are not counted as one of the three allowed shipments.
• Goods must arrive at the port of entry no later than three years from your date of arrival.
• Items brought for other people are not allowed.

If you're an Israeli citizen returning after living abroad

The rules for returning Israeli citizens depend on how long you lived outside of Israel.

Returning after less than 2 years abroad

If you lived abroad for less than two years, you generally do not qualify for tax-exempt importation of personal effects or household goods. Your shipment will be taxed based on its declared value, including VAT and Sales Tax from the country of origin.

However, if you formally exported your goods when leaving Israel (via a certified freight forwarder) and those export documents are available, items on that export packing list that match your import packing list can be imported tax-free. This is known as a "returning import."

What you'll need

• Clear scan of the picture page of your Israeli Passport.
• English packing list, without values.
• Freight invoice.
• Power of Attorney authorizing your destination agent to clear shipment.
• Declaration for customs showing values, make, serial number, and manufacturer's name for all items, indicating if old or new.

Returning after more than 2 years abroad

If you are an Israeli citizen who lived abroad for more than two years and your total visits to Israel did not exceed 120 days per year, you may be eligible for "Returning Citizens" status. You must obtain this status via an online link once you are in Israel.

Once Israeli Customs confirms your "Returning Resident" status, you may import personal effects and household goods tax-free. This includes one of each household appliance, plus three computers, three TVs, and two vacuums per family. However, some items like alcohol, food, sports gear, and communication equipment (phones, fax machines, etc.) may not be exempted at all.

What you'll need

• English packing list, without values.
• Clear scan of the picture page of your Israeli Passport.
• Freight invoice.
• Confirmed "returning resident" status.
• Proof of Residence in Israel.
• Invoices for newly purchased items (less than 12 months old).
• Power of Attorney authorizing your destination agent to clear shipment.
• Declaration for customs showing values, make, serial number, and manufacturer's name for all items, indicating if old or new.

Good to know

• Goods must arrive at the port of entry no later than nine months from your date of arrival in Israel.

For Religious Individuals (A-3 Status)

If you hold an A-3 visa (Minister, Priest, Theological Student), the procedure is similar to those entering under B-1 status. You will need to pay a deposit or provide a bank guarantee, which will be released or refunded once you leave Israel and export your household goods.

What you'll need

• Status (A-3) stamped in your passport by Customs authorities.
• Letter from your place of service.
• Bank guarantee or deposit.

For Tourists (B-2 Visa)

Tourists have no duty-free import rights. All goods imported are subject to Customs duty.

For Foreign Workers (B-1 Visa)

Unlike many countries, a work permit/visa in Israel does not automatically entitle you to tax-free import of personal effects. You have two options: either pay duties (non-refundable) or provide a bank guarantee.

Your employer in Israel will typically need to provide a bank guarantee for the amount of duties levied by Israeli Customs to clear your shipment. This guarantee must be renewed annually and can only be revoked when the goods are exported out of Israel. The guarantee covers Israeli Customs duties and taxes only, not other port-related charges.

What you'll need

• English Packing List, without values.
• Freight invoice.
• Original Passport, already stamped with B-1 Visa.
• Israeli Customs Forms & Power of Attorney (filled in Israel).
• Letter from employer, confirming your employment in Israel.
• Document required for clearance from your EMPLOYER in Israel.
• ORIGINAL Bank Guarantee documents, signed by the issuing bank.

For Diplomats

Diplomats are entitled to tax-free importation of personal effects once a tax exemption franchise is obtained by their embassy, consulate, or organization. This exemption covers Israeli Customs duties and taxes only, not other port-related charges. There are restrictions on importing alcohol for diplomats, but it can be released with a tax exemption. It's recommended to consult with your local destination agent before shipping.

What you'll need

• English Packing List, without values.
• Clear scan of passport.
• Clear scan of diplomat's ID card.
• Power of Attorney from the Embassy (one time per Embassy).

Inherited belongings

Inherited items do not receive special privileges. Taxes and duties will be charged on these goods.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle to Israel is complex and requires careful coordination. It's crucial to confirm the possibility of import with your destination agent before shipping.

What you'll need

• Document proving registration in the importer’s name.
• Picture of the data tag on the driver’s door post.
• Purchase invoice.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of payment.
• Carfax (for US, Canada vehicles).
• COC (for European vehicles).
• Certificate of Origin.

Good to know

• New Immigrants: Will pay taxes of approximately 77% of the car's value. The car must arrive at the port of entry within 3 years from your date of arrival.
• Returning Residents: Can import a car up to 46.5 months from its date of manufacture.
• Others: Can import a car up to 22.5 months from its date of manufacture.
• Tax rates range from 114% to 129% of the current depreciated value plus the cost of ocean freight and insurance (CIF).
• Only one car can be imported.
• An import permit is required before shipping.
• All cars must comply with European or North American standards.

Pets

Bringing your furry friends requires specific documentation and adherence to health regulations.

What you'll need

• Certificate for all required inoculations.

Good to know

• An import license must be issued within 10 days of arrival by the Director of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, for pets not transported as accompanied baggage (limit of 2), restricted breeds, and young puppies.
• A copy of the veterinary health certificate and details of the pet’s arrival must be forwarded to the Director of Veterinary Services at least 2 days prior to import.
• For pets transported as accompanied baggage, the owner must provide a declaration that the pet has been in their possession for at least 90 days prior to import.
• Healthy pets with accompanying documentation will not be quarantined.
• Cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies within 1 year but no less than 30 days prior to arrival, following serological testing with a titre level equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml, done in an approved lab.
• Cats and dogs must be older than 4 months upon arrival, with the exception of pets imported from Great Britain, Japan, and Cyprus (3 months old is permitted).
• Cats and dogs must have an electronic chip in compliance with Israeli requirements.
• Some breeds of dogs cannot be imported; check with your agent for specific details. Restricted breeds can be imported under special conditions.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are either prohibited entirely or require special authorization:

• Firearms, ammunition, explosives, dangerous chemicals, and drugs are prohibited. For firearms, special authorization must be applied for to the Ministry of Interior prior to shipping.
• Electric bikes, hoverboards, and any type of motorized scooter are not considered normal household goods. Import is only possible through a vehicle-type regulatory process, requiring Ministry of Transport compliance (including standards certification), which is a long, technical, and expensive process. Removing the battery does not change the customs classification.

Alcohol & tobacco

Liquors and cigarettes are subject to the payment of full duties and taxes.

• Up to 120 bottles of any combination of wine, beer, or liquor may be imported but will always be highly taxed.
• Diplomatic shipments are exempt. It is recommended to consult with your local destination agent prior to shipping.

Frequently asked questions

What is the "Teudat Oleh" and why is it important?
The "Teudat Oleh" is a new immigrant booklet issued upon arrival in Israel. It marks your official date of arrival and is crucial for utilizing your tax-free import privileges as a new immigrant.

Can I import professional tools duty-free?
If you are a new immigrant or "returning resident," you may import professional tools. For equipment valued up to $36,000, you will need to leave a bank guarantee instead of paying taxes. Within six months, you must present proof to Customs of opening a business using this equipment, and the bank guarantee will then be refunded. You must prove the tools are essential to your profession.

Are there limits on how many electrical appliances I can bring?
For new immigrants and returning residents with status, you can bring one of each household appliance, plus three computers, three TVs, and two vacuums per family, duty-free.

What if I buy new items before moving?
Invoices for newly purchased items (less than 12 months old) are required for customs declarations for new immigrants and returning residents.

What happens if my goods arrive after the time limit for my status?
Goods must arrive at the port of entry within the specified time limits for your status (e.g., three years for new immigrants, nine months for returning residents). If they arrive later, you may lose your duty-free import rights.

Can I ship items for friends or family in Israel?
No, items brought for other people are generally not allowed under personal import exemptions.

For personalized assistance with your move to Israel and to ensure a smooth customs process, please contact relocation123.com.

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