Many Israelis living abroad consider returning home for family, economic, or identity reasons. To encourage this trend, the State of Israel has expanded the so-called “Zionist clauses” – tax exemptions designed to create significant incentives for new immigrants and returning residents.
However, there is a gap between the certificates issued by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration and the recognition of the Tax Authority- and mistakes could be costly.
The experts at Assuline & Co. outline the essential rules you need to know in order to maximize your benefits without risking a tax reassessment.
UNDERSTANDING THE TWO TAX STATUSES: ORDINARY VS. LONG-TERM RETURNING RESIDENT
Israeli tax law distinguishes between two categories of returning residents, which determine the extent of possible exemptions:
- Ordinary Returning Resident “toshav hozer ragil “: an Israeli who has lived abroad for at least six consecutive years after severing their center of life in Israel;
- Long-Term Returning Resident “toshav hozer vatik“: an individual who has lived abroad for at least ten years after ceasing to be a tax resident.
This distinction is crucial, as it determines eligibility for income tax exemptions, the optional “adaptation year,” and the 10-year tax relief period on foreign-source income.
ADMINISTRATIVE CERTIFICATE VS. TAX STATUS: DON’T CONFUSE THE TWO
The “Returning Resident” certificate issued by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration has no tax validity. It grants social and logistical rights (training, reintegration assistance, health coverage, customs benefits), but no tax advantages.
To benefit from fiscal relief, one must obtain official recognition from the Israeli Tax Authority under Section 14 of the Income Tax Ordinance.
This recognition depends on a comprehensive assessment of your situation, including:
- the actual time spent abroad;
- the location of your center of life (family, housing, employment, financial interests);
- and documentary proof of non-residency.
BEST PRACTICES BEFORE YOUR RETURN
- Check your eligibility before returning: A pre-return evaluation helps avoid unpleasant surprises. Someone believing they qualify as a “long-term returning resident” may be refused if, upon review, they lived abroad for only 9 years and 8 months. Anticipation is key;
- Do not claim any benefit without official validation: Without a formal administrative decision (see our Taxation section for details on obtaining a legal opinion ➜), you will be considered an ordinary Israeli resident, obligated to declare worldwide income. Retroactive assessments may occur even years later;
- Plan your “adaptation year”: Long-term returning residents may request that their year of return be excluded from the 10-year count. This option – called the adaptation year – must be filed within 90 days of return and allows you to be treated as a non-resident for tax purposes during that year;
- Avoid “mixed income”: Income generated partly in Israel and partly abroad (e.g., online business activity) must be allocated proportionally – the Israeli portion is taxable. Proper tax planning is essential;
- Prepare for the end of the exemption period: After 10 years, foreign income becomes taxable in Israel. Capital gains benefit from a reduced linear taxation regime, but the implications should be anticipated as early as the ninth year.
NEW RULES STARTING IN 2026
The 2024 tax reform (Amendment No. 272) abolished, for returns or new settlements beginning January 1, 2026, the reporting exemption previously granted to new immigrants and long-term returning residents.
Tax exemptions remain in place, but reporting transparency becomes mandatory.
In other words: you will be required to declare your foreign income, even if it remains tax-exempt.
Conclusion: clear and well-documented bookkeeping will become essential.
ADDITIONAL POINTS OF ATTENTION
- Exit tax: Leaving Israel may trigger taxation on unrealized capital gains (deferrable under certain conditions);
- Foreign pensions: Often exempt during the relief period, but partially taxable afterward;
- Foreign companies: Conducting business from Israel may create a permanent; establishment, making part of the profit taxable locally;
- Bituah Leumi (National Insurance): Complete form 628 before returning to reactivate your social and medical rights without undue delay.
CONCLUSION – RETURNING TO ISRAEL ALSO REQUIRES TAX PREPARATION
Moving back to Israel is a major personal and financial decision. To ensure a smooth transition, understanding the fiscal implications is essential.
At Assuline & Co., we support new immigrants and returning residents every step of the way:
- eligibility audits for tax statuses;
- official recognition and ruling requests;
- adaptation-year planning;
- management of mixed income and foreign pensions;
- coordination with Bituah Leumi and reporting compliance
Contact our experts today to plan your return with complete peace of mind.