Your customs entitlements depend on your status. Check yours before you book a container, it can save you thousands.
Know Your Rights
Israeli Customs Exemption Guide
Understanding your entitlements before you ship can save thousands of dollars. Your exemption depends on your immigration status.
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Full Exemption
New immigrants (Olim Hadashim) can bring household goods and personal effects free of customs in up to 3 shipments within 3 years of making Aliyah. A Katin Chozer and an Ezrach Oleh have the same rights.
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What's Included
Furniture, clothing, books, kitchenware and personal effects, plus one of each household appliance. Limits apply to some items, for example two computers, two TVs and five mobile phones per family.
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Vehicle Import
Olim pay a reduced purchase tax on one new car, bought in Israel or imported, within 3 years of Aliyah. You need a foreign driving licence issued at least 3 months before Aliyah.
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Count your shipments
A sea shipment larger than one full container counts as two of your three shipments, unless both arrive on the same ship and clear customs together. Plan with Maya before you book.
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Who qualifies
Israeli residents who lived abroad for 2 years or more, with no more than 4 months in total in Israel each year, and are returning permanently (age 16+). Returning students qualify after 18 months abroad, if they studied full-time and return within 6 months of finishing.
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What's exempt
Household goods and personal effects: items normally kept in a home, including garden furniture, home sports gear and home-office equipment. Some items need a regulator's approval, such as gas grills, mobile phones and e-scooters.
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9 months, 2 shipments
Your goods must arrive within 9 months of your return date, in up to 2 shipments. Even a single box sent on its own uses up one of the two.
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Once every 6 years
If you used this benefit before, you must have lived in Israel for at least 6 years since then to use it again.
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Vehicles
There is no tax benefit on cars for returning residents. The one advantage: you can import a car up to 48 months old, instead of 24.
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Documents
Your returning-resident certificate and proof of a home in Israel, such as a rental or purchase contract. Maya will prepare the full customs package.
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Work Visa Holders
Expats on work visas (A-1, A-2) have limited customs exemptions. Personal goods may be imported but are generally subject to standard duties unless a specific bilateral agreement applies.
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No Vehicle Exemption
Expats don't get the oleh car benefit. Purchase taxes on imported cars in Israel are high, so buying locally is often more cost-effective.
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Personal Effects
Clothing, personal electronics, and books for personal use are generally exempt. Keep receipts and a clear inventory. Items purchased specifically for the move may be taxed.
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Corporate Transfers
Some large employers negotiate customs arrangements for relocated employees. Check with your HR department and ask Maya to review your specific situation.
Based on Israel Tax Authority definitions and Nefesh B'Nefesh guidance. Rules change, so always confirm with Israel Customs before you ship.
Not sure which category applies to you? Ask Maya — she'll review your immigration status and tell you exactly what you're entitled to.
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