Israel (IL)
Start-Up Nation with world-class tech ecosystem, rich ancient history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant expat and immigrant community.
Leaving Israel
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
Start planning 3 months before departure. Month 3: notify employer (minimum 30 days notice for 1+ year employees), begin tax clearance consultation, start apartment search for final 30-day notice. Month 2: cancel utilities and services, notify bank, arrange pension consultation. Month 1: final tax return preparation, cancel HMO, arrange final property inspection, ship belongings. Final week: final bank transfers, mobile SIM cancellation or roaming setup, collect final salary and pension paperwork.
Deregistration
Non-citizen residents: notify the Ministry of Interior (Misrad HaPnim) of your departure. Cancel your B1 work visa. There is no mandatory formal civic deregistration, but ceasing to be a resident has significant tax implications. Olim/citizens: consider consulting a lawyer before formally renouncing residency — tax consequences of the Oleh exemption period ending early are complex.
Tax clearance
Israeli tax residents leaving the country permanently must file a final tax return (Doch Mikhlol) for the year of departure, including a departure notification to the Israel Tax Authority (Rashut HaMisim). If Oleh exemption period is still running, the exemption ends when residency ends. Capital gains from Israeli assets are taxable. Get advice from an Israeli CPA before departing.
Pension portability
Israeli mandatory pension funds (Kranot Pensiya) remain invested in Israel when you leave. You can withdraw pension savings before retirement age only in very limited circumstances (e.g., leaving Israel permanently as a non-citizen). Citizens/Olim who return to Israel can resume the pension. International pension treaties exist with some countries. Consult a pension specialist before departing.
Health insurance
Bituah Leumi (National Insurance) and HMO coverage ends when you cease to be an Israeli resident. Cancel your HMO membership (Kupat Cholim). National Insurance contributions stop when you leave employment in Israel. Arrange international health insurance before departing if you will not immediately have coverage in your destination country.
Bank account
Israeli bank accounts can remain open after departure but banks may classify you as a non-resident, which changes tax withholding on interest. Notify your bank of your address change. Currency controls: large transfers out of Israel may require notification to the Bank of Israel. Most banks allow account maintenance from abroad via internet banking.
Utilities
Cancel electricity (IEC — Chevrat HaHashmal), water, gas, and internet contracts at least 30 days before leaving. Request final meter readings and settlement of accounts. Return gas cylinders if applicable. Cancel your municipal Arnona (after informing the municipality of your departure date).
Rental contract
Standard notice period is as specified in your lease (typically 30–90 days). Give written notice to your landlord. Arrange final inspection (handover — messer mafteachot) and negotiate return of deposit (Pikkadon). Document the property's condition with photos before handing keys back. Under Israeli law, the landlord must return your deposit (less documented damages) within 30–60 days of lease end.
Leaving the Country
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