Which tax exemptions and concessions are being granted to new immigrants and returning citizens? Which kinds of items can you ship to Israel and what is better left behind to avoid delays?

You might be facing quite a long to-do list when in comes to relocating to Israel, but you should know that you can also enjoy a number of benefits. The State of Israel wants to encourage aliyah and repatriation of returning citizens, and provides a vast number of concessions and exemptions. We are hereby enclosing a list of benefits and exemptions that are granted to new immigrants and returning citizens for the import of various items.

Who is entitled to benefits?

• Returning citizen – an Israeli citizen who have been living overseas during two or more years, and did not stay in Israel for more than 4 cumulative months during each year.
• New immigrant – a person immigrating to Israel who did not have Israeli citizenship in the past.

When are the tax exemptions granted?

Exemption from customs tax, sales tax and value-added tax are being granted during the specific time of entry to Israel, for a number of products including:

Import of personal and household effects: items that are intended for home use and are not considered permanent objects (f.i. infrastructures, plumbing equipment, tiles, marble, etc.). Returning citizens after two years – can import household effects in up to two shipments, within nine months from the day of return to Israel. New immigrants – can import household effects in up to three shipments, within three years from the day of return to Israel. The list of imported tax exempt items includes up to 2 televisions and 2 personal computers per family. In addition, home appliances and major furniture items can be imported – one item of each type.

Import of vehicles: Returning citizen after less than 6 years (all Israeli citizens) – antique cars over 30 years and new vehicles up to two years from the date of dispatch.
Returning citizen after more than 6 years – can import vehicles up to four years from the date of dispatch.
New immigrant – can import any vehicle that is allowed in Israel.
Before you purchase a vehicle, make sure that it can be imported to Israel under the laws and regulations of the Israeli customs.

Tax benefits for vehicle import will only be provided to new immigrants.

How to avoid delays and unpredicted scenarios?

After checking the eligibility for benefits, new immigrants and returning citizens should also check whether the list of their belongings includes items that require special approval or are prohibited for import. This is an important step that will help to avoid delays and unnecessary hassle.

Examples of items that are prohibited for import: certain animals and reptiles (such as viper snakes), explosives and flammable materials, games of chance, etc.

Examples of items that require special approval: gas grills (require approval from the Standards Institute), motorized bicycles and kick scooters (require approval from the Ministry of Transport). In any case of doubt, you should contact a certified authority to clarify the import conditions in question.

Sounds complicated?

In order to enjoy the benefits that you are entitled to and avoid unpredicted scenarios after landing in Israel, its better to be acquainted with rules and regulations. The import department of Globus Group has more than 30 years of experience in import of personal cargoes, and we will provide all the necessary assistance to make sure that you receive all the benefits and concessions available to you.

We wish you a soft landing in Israel,
Globus Relocation team