Israeli Inheritance Law for Overseas Residents
Inheriting Israeli Assets as an Oleh
or Overseas Resident
Living abroad and inherited Israeli property or bank accounts? Adv. Liron Elmaliach guides olim and overseas residents through the Israeli inheritance process — remotely, efficiently, and with full personal attention.
When a family member passes away in Israel, navigating the Israeli legal system from thousands of kilometres away can feel overwhelming. The good news is that Israeli inheritance law allows heirs living abroad — whether olim, former Israelis, or foreign nationals — to complete the entire process without travelling to Israel.
Whether the estate includes a Jerusalem apartment, a Tel Aviv bank account, Israeli government bonds, or a pension, Adv. Liron Elmaliach handles every step: obtaining the succession order or probate order, dealing with the banks, registering the transfer of real estate at the Land Registry (Tabu), and advising on any tax implications.
The process is managed remotely through a notarised power of attorney. Once you grant us authority, we handle everything — keeping you informed at every stage without requiring you to fly to Israel.
How to Obtain a Succession Order Remotely from Abroad
When a person dies in Israel without a will, Israeli law (the Inheritance Law, 1965) determines who inherits — and the legal mechanism for establishing those rights is the succession order (צו ירושה). When the deceased left a valid will, the corresponding document is called a probate order (צו קיום צוואה). Both are issued by the Registrar for Inheritance Affairs (הרשם לענייני ירושה).
From the date of filing, the process typically takes 3–6 months — longer if the application is contested or if documents are missing. Your attorney files the application, handles any objections, and collects the issued order on your behalf.
The core documents you will need to provide from abroad include an apostilled death certificate and apostilled proof-of-relationship certificates (birth or marriage certificates). These must be officially translated into Hebrew. Your attorney will provide a full personalised checklist once the case is reviewed.
Throughout this period, your attorney also prepares a notarised power of attorney — signed before a notary in your country and bearing an apostille — which authorises them to sign all filings, correspond with institutions, and represent the estate in Israel.
Accessing Bank Accounts, Selling Property, and Tax
Once a succession order or probate order is in hand, the practical work of winding up the estate begins. For Israeli bank accounts, the attorney presents the order to the bank along with the power of attorney — and the bank releases the funds to the heirs or to an estate account. Foreign heirs can receive transfers abroad in foreign currency, subject to the bank's standard procedures.
If the estate includes real estate, the succession order is the basis for transferring title in the Land Registry (Tabu). If the heirs wish to sell the property from abroad, the power of attorney authorises the attorney to sign the sale contract, handle the conveyancing, and complete the transfer — all without the heir needing to be in Israel.
Israel has no inheritance tax. However, a foreign-resident heir who sells inherited Israeli real estate may be subject to Israeli capital gains tax (mas shevach). The gain is generally measured from the original purchase price paid by the deceased. Specific exemptions and reduced rates may apply, and it is important to obtain advice before the sale is completed.
If the deceased received an Israeli National Insurance Institute (NII / Bituach Leumi) pension or survivor benefit, the relevant rights may continue for a surviving spouse. The attorney coordinates with the NII and other relevant authorities as part of the estate administration.
Frequently Asked Questions — Inheriting Israeli Assets from Abroad
Practical answers for olim and overseas residents navigating Israeli inheritance law
Inherited Israeli Assets from Abroad?
We handle the entire process remotely — Free Initial Consultation
Succession orders · Bank account access · Property transfer · Tax guidance