Summary
Israel offers significant tax benefits to new immigrants (olim hadashim) and to "veteran returning residents" who have lived abroad for a qualifying period, including a 10-year exemption on foreign-source income and capital gains. A 2024 amendment limits the separate reporting exemption for those becoming residents from 2026 onward.
Key facts and rules
- Who qualifies:
- New immigrants who become Israeli residents after making aliyah.
- Returning residents who meet a minimum period of continuous foreign residency. For "veteran returning residents" this is typically at least 10 years abroad.
- Scope of the 10-year exemption:
- Exemption from Israeli tax on foreign-source income and capital gains for 10 years from the date of becoming an Israeli tax resident.
- Includes passive income (interest, rent, dividends, royalties, pensions) from assets held abroad, business income from foreign businesses, and capital gains from foreign assets.
- Company residency benefit: A foreign company owned by a qualifying individual is not treated as an Israeli resident for 10 years, so its foreign-source income is not taxed in Israel during that period.
- Reporting exemption change (2024 amendment): Historically, qualifying individuals enjoyed a 10-year exemption from reporting as well as tax on foreign-source income. A 2024 amendment abolishes the reporting exemption for individuals who become resident on or after 1 January 2026, while maintaining the 10-year tax exemption.
Common pitfalls
- Confusing the tax exemption with total invisibility; even with the exemption, other regimes (e.g., US taxation or CRS reporting) may still apply.
- Assuming the exemption applies to Israeli-source income — it does not — or to income from work physically performed in Israel for a foreign employer.
- Not planning for the end of the 10-year period, when foreign-source income may suddenly become fully taxable in Israel.
Action checklist
- Confirm your period of non-residency and status (new immigrant vs returning resident vs veteran returning resident) with an Israeli professional.
- Review all foreign assets and income streams to map which will be exempt and for how long.
- For individuals arriving from 2026 onward, prepare for full foreign-income reporting even if exempt from tax.
- Plan for the post-exemption period (e.g., restructuring holdings, pension timing) well before year 11.
Important: Qualification periods and definitions can change. Obtain up-to-date confirmation from the ITA or a certified tax professional.