More and more international companies are choosing to expand their activity to Israel. To operate legally on Israeli territory, a company incorporated abroad must be registered as a “foreign company” with the Israeli Registrar of Companies.
WHY REGISTER A FOREIGN COMPANY IN ISRAEL?
A non-resident company planning to conduct business in Israel is required to:
- Register with the Registrar of Companies as a foreign company;
- Open a full tax file with the Israeli authorities (VAT, corporate tax, and, if needed applicable, withholding tax).
These steps are essential to ensure that the company operates in full compliance with Israeli law and to avoid any administrative blockage, especially when opening a bank account or issuing local invoices.
WHAT IS A FOREIGN COMPANY?
According to the Israeli Companies Law (1999), a foreign company is any legal entity (excluding partnerships) incorporated outside of Israel. Its registration in Israel must comply with the laws of its country of origin as well as the local regulations applicable to foreign companies (Article 346 of the Law).
STEPS FOR REGISTERING A FOREIGN COMPANY
To conduct business in Israel, a company must:
- Submit a registration request to the Registrar of Companies;
- Provide all official documents duly translated and legalized;
- Pay the applicable registration fees.
Failure to register, or an incomplete registration, can cause administrative difficulties, particularly with banks and tax authorities. It is therefore recommended to be assisted by professionals familiar with Israeli procedures.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION
The main documents to be provided are:
- The company’s Articles of Association and their official translations;
- Certificate of incorporation (with apostille);
- List of directors (including passport or Israeli ID numbers);
- Name and address of the legal representative in Israel authorized to receive official documents on behalf of the company;
- Power of attorney of the local representative;
- Proof of payment of registration fees.
Any change in company information (directors, address, etc.) must be reported to the Registrar of companies within 14 business days.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED
- Company name: the name which the company will operate in Israel;
- Local address: a registered office or mailing address for correspondence;
- Company details: share capital structure, corporate purpose, shareholders, directors, etc.
APPOINTMENT OF A TAX REPRESENTATIVE
In accordance with Article 60 of the VAT Law (1975), every foreign company operating in Israel must appoint a local tax representative.
This representative, who may be an individual residing in Israel, is authorized to submit declarations and handle procedures with the Israeli Tax Authority on behalf of the company. The appointment must be reported within 30 days from the start of activity in Israel.
WHY CHOOSE ASSULINE & CO ?
Assuline & Co has been assisting international companies seeking to establish themselves in Israel for many years.
Our accounting, legal, and tax expertise enables us to offer tailored support—from document preparation to complete registration with the relevant authorities.
We provide:
- Comprehensive handling of the entire registration process;
- Quick and simple compliance with tax requirements.
- Customized solutions for each company’s specific needs;
- Ongoing support in the accounting and tax management of operations in Israel.
Looking to expand your business in Israel?
Rely on Assuline & Co, your trusted partner for registering and managing your foreign company in Israel.
Contact us today for professional and personalized assistance.