Inheritance Law in Israel for Foreigners: A Complete Guide
Everything foreign nationals and diaspora families need to know about inheriting assets in Israel — from obtaining a succession order to distributing an estate.
Legal Topic
Inheritance & Probate Law in Israel
A complete resource for foreign nationals, diaspora families, and international heirs navigating inheritance, wills, and estate administration in Israel.
Get Legal Help →Overview: Inheritance Law in Israel
Israeli inheritance law is governed primarily by the Succession Law 1965 (Hok HaYerusha). This law applies to all assets located in Israel, regardless of the deceased's nationality or place of residence. Foreign nationals who own Israeli property — real estate, bank accounts, securities — are subject to Israeli succession law with respect to those assets.
Unlike many jurisdictions, Israel abolished inheritance tax in 1981, which makes it a relatively favourable jurisdiction for estate planning. However, heirs may still face real estate taxes, capital gains obligations, and administrative costs when transferring assets.
The key procedural step in Israeli estate administration is obtaining a Succession Order (Tzav Yerusha) or a Probate Order (Tzav Kiyum Tzava'a). Without one of these orders, it is generally impossible to transfer title to Israeli assets — including bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and real estate — into the name of the heirs.
For foreign nationals, the process can be complex: documents must often be apostilled, translated, and submitted to the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance. In some cases, the matter must be brought before the Family Court. Having a licensed Israeli attorney manage the process significantly reduces both time and the risk of errors.
What You'll Find in This Section
Key Guides
Israeli Will Requirements: How to Write a Valid Will in Israel
Israeli law recognises four types of wills. Learn which form is right for your situation and what makes a will legally binding.
The Probate Process in Israel: Obtaining a Succession Order
How to petition the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance, what documents are required, and how long the process typically takes.
More Inheritance Guides
Succession Orders in Israel: What They Are and How to Obtain One
The tzav yerusha is the document that unlocks Israeli assets for heirs. What it covers, how to apply, and what foreign heirs need to know.
Foreign Wills & Israeli Law: Recognition, Probate & Practical Steps
A foreign will can be valid in Israel — but it must go through the Israeli probate process. Apostille, translation, and filing with the Registrar.
Rights of a Surviving Spouse Under Israeli Inheritance Law
The family home right, the guaranteed minimum share, and the right to elect against a will. What every international couple should know.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Israel abolished its inheritance tax in 1981. However, heirs may face other taxes such as betterment tax (mas shevach) on real estate gains, capital gains tax on securities, and notary and registration fees. A foreign heir receiving Israeli real estate should seek tax advice both in Israel and in their home country.
Yes. Foreign nationals can inherit Israeli property — there are no restrictions based on nationality. A succession order or probate of a foreign will is typically required to transfer title. The process is managed through the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance or the Family Court, depending on the circumstances.
An uncontested succession order typically takes 3–6 months. Cases involving a disputed will, multiple jurisdictions, or complex assets can take significantly longer — sometimes 1–2 years. Proper preparation and a licensed Israeli attorney can minimise delays.
Yes, in most cases. Israel will recognise a foreign will if it meets the formal requirements of the Succession Law 1965 or is valid under the law of the country where it was executed. The will typically needs to be apostilled, translated into Hebrew, and filed with the Registrar of Inheritance alongside supporting documents.
The estate is distributed according to the intestacy rules of the Succession Law 1965. A surviving spouse receives half the estate plus rights in the family home and household effects; the remaining half goes to the deceased's children in equal shares. If there are no children, the spouse receives a larger share, and the rules become more complex depending on surviving relatives.