Registration of a Foreign Company in Israel

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Foreign Company Registration in Israel

Register a foreign company or branch with the Israeli Companies Registrar - full company registration in Israel for US, UK, EU and worldwide corporations, handled personally by Adv. Reut Eliyahu.

· Reviewed by Adv. Reut Eliyahu

Foreign company registration in Israel - legal representation for international companies entering the Israeli market
In short: how do you register a foreign company in Israel?

A foreign company registers in Israel as an "external company" with the Israeli Companies Registrar under the Companies Law, 5759-1999. The core steps are:

  1. Prepare and apostille the corporate documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Articles, directors list, Certificate of Good Standing).
  2. Provide notarized Hebrew translations of the required documents.
  3. Appoint an authorized representative resident in Israel and sign a power of attorney.
  4. File with the Companies Registrar, then register for VAT and tax where activity is planned.

Foreign company registration in Israel is a mandatory legal process for companies incorporated outside Israel that intend to conduct business, establish a branch, or maintain an ongoing operational presence in Israel. It is governed by the Companies Law, 5759-1999, and includes filing with the Israeli Companies Registrar, submission of properly authenticated corporate documents, notarized Hebrew translations where required, and appointment of an authorized representative in Israel.

Where business activity is planned, coordinated registration with the Israeli tax authorities (VAT, income tax, and in some cases National Insurance) is commonly required before operations begin - to avoid operational delays and regulatory exposure.

If you are planning to register a company in Israel as a foreign corporation - whether a branch of a US, UK, Canadian or EU company, or registering as a foreign entity - you have reached the right place. Eliyahu & Co. handles the full process remotely, with every registration supervised personally by Adv. Reut Eliyahu, not a junior associate.

This page covers foreign company registration in Israel (branch / external company). To instead form a new Israeli company or subsidiary, see: Establishing and Registering a Company in Israel →

Legal Assistance

Why Eliyahu & Co.

Eliyahu & Co. Law Office is a civil, commercial, and real estate law firm with nearly two decades of legal experience (Adv. Reut Eliyahu has practised since 2007), advising companies, entrepreneurs, and investors in Israel and internationally. We represent foreign companies incorporated worldwide - from every region and jurisdiction - and guide them through foreign company registration and lawful establishment of activity in Israel.

Adv. Reut Eliyahu personally handles every foreign company registration in Israel. Clients receive direct attorney involvement, high availability, and clear communication in plain English. For international clients this personal responsibility matters: it reduces uncertainty, prevents costly mistakes, and creates confidence when entering an unfamiliar legal system.

Scope of Legal Assistance

The legal assistance includes a preliminary assessment of the intended activity in Israel, selection of the correct registration route, preparation of all documents, coordination of authentication (apostille or alternative), notarized Hebrew translations, drafting powers of attorney and appointment letters, appointing an authorized representative in Israel, and structured filing designed to minimize correction requests and delays.

In most cases the process is completed entirely remotely, without executives traveling to Israel - with clear step-by-step guidance on what to prepare, how to authenticate, and what to submit.

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Practising Since 2007Civil, commercial and real estate law - with deep expertise in foreign company registration in Israel.
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Personal Attorney OversightAdv. Reut Eliyahu personally supervises each registration - not a junior associate, not a template.
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Worldwide ClientsWe assist companies from any country of incorporation to register and operate legally in Israel.
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Full Regulatory ComplianceCompanies Registrar filings, notarized translations, authorized representative and tax coordination.
Schedule a Consultation

Ready to register your foreign company in Israel?

Send us your country of incorporation and the documents you have - we will reply with a clear checklist, route, timeline and cost estimate.

How It Works

The Foreign Company Registration Process in Israel - Step by Step

Understanding what happens at each stage helps you prepare efficiently and avoid surprises.

1
Preliminary Assessment & Route Selection

We review your company's country of incorporation, corporate structure, and planned activity in Israel to determine the correct registration route, document requirements, and authentication method (apostille or alternative).

2
Document Preparation & Authentication

We prepare a precise checklist of required corporate documents - Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association, List of Directors, Certificate of Good Standing - and coordinate apostille authentication in your country of origin.

3
Notarized Hebrew Translations

All required documents are translated into Hebrew and notarized, with strict consistency of names, registration numbers, and identifying details - a common source of rejection if handled incorrectly.

4
Power of Attorney & Authorized Representative

We draft the Power of Attorney and formally appoint an authorized representative in Israel - a resident who receives service of process and official notices on behalf of the foreign company. This is a mandatory legal requirement.

5
Filing with the Israeli Companies Registrar

We submit the complete application to the Israeli Companies Registrar, manage all correspondence, and handle supplementary requests to keep the process moving.

6
Tax & VAT Registration Coordination

In parallel, we coordinate registration with the Israeli tax authorities - VAT, income tax, and where relevant National Insurance - so your company can begin activity without operational delays.

Start the Process
Required Documents

Documents Required for Foreign Company Registration in Israel

The exact document set depends on the country of incorporation, the type of documents that jurisdiction issues, and the corporate structure. The following are required in most cases.

Certificate of Incorporation / Registration ConfirmationAn official document confirming incorporation in the country of origin, authenticated by apostille or alternative authentication as applicable.
Notarized Hebrew TranslationNotarized translation of core documents into Hebrew, with strict consistency of names, registration numbers, addresses, and identifying details.
Articles of Association / Constitutional DocumentsAs applicable under the law of the country of origin. Notarized Hebrew translation required where specified.
Certificate of Good StandingA recent certificate confirming the company is active and in good standing in its country of incorporation.
Power of Attorney & Appointment of Authorized RepresentativeAppointment of a person resident in Israel to receive service of process and official notices on behalf of the foreign company.
List of Current DirectorsIncluding passport numbers (non-Israeli residents) or Israeli ID numbers (Israeli residents), and residential addresses.
Alternative Documentation (where applicable)Where the jurisdiction does not issue a Certificate of Incorporation, an official substitute document and confirmation of registration in the relevant registry.

Not sure what you already have? Send us your country of incorporation and the documents you hold, and we will reply with a clear checklist of what is missing, the correct authentication method, expected timelines, and a cost estimate.

Get Your Document Checklist
Tax & VAT

Tax & VAT Registration for Foreign Companies in Israel

Beyond registration with the Companies Registrar, a foreign company commencing business activity in Israel typically requires coordinated registration with the Israeli tax authorities - including VAT (Maam), income tax, and in some cases additional registrations depending on the nature of activity and corporate structure.

Handling these registrations in parallel with the Companies Registrar process is strongly advisable. Companies that delay tax registration often face operational bottlenecks: inability to issue tax invoices, delays in collecting payments from Israeli clients, and supplementary demands from authorities. We coordinate all filings so your company is fully operational from the day it begins activity. For ongoing matters we also provide corporate legal counsel for companies in Israel.

Common Pitfalls

Common Reasons for Delays - and How We Prevent Them

Foreign company registration in Israel is a precise process. Small errors at the document stage translate into supplementary requests, rejected filings, and weeks of delay.

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Inconsistencies Between DocumentsDiffering company names, registration numbers, or director names across documents - even minor variations - trigger rejection.
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Missing or Incorrect ApostilleWrong type of authentication, expired apostille, or apostille not covering all required documents.
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Non-Notarized Hebrew TranslationsStandard translations lacking the required notarization or sworn translator certification are routinely rejected.
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Imprecise Power of AttorneyPowers of attorney that do not meet the Companies Registrar's drafting requirements delay or block registration.

How we prevent delays: Every case begins with a structured document review. We identify all issues before filing, prepare a precise document package, and communicate a realistic timeline - so you can plan ahead with confidence.

Cost & Fees

Cost of Registering a Foreign Company in Israel

The total cost has two components: the Companies Registrar government fee (fixed by regulation) and legal fees for attorney preparation, translations, and filing.

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Government Registration FeeA fixed fee paid to the Israeli Companies Registrar. The amount is set by regulation and updated periodically.
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Legal FeesFor document preparation, notarized translations, filing and coordination - varies by country of incorporation and document complexity.
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What's IncludedDocument review, all required filings, translations, authorized representative appointment, and tax coordination.
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Clear Quote - No SurprisesWe review your company details and existing documents, then provide an accurate, itemized quote.
Get a Price Quote We will review your case and respond promptly - no commitment required.
The Attorney
Adv. Reut Eliyahu - Israeli lawyer specializing in foreign company registration in Israel
Adv. Reut Eliyahu Advocate & Notary · Founder, Eliyahu & Co.
2007Practising
since

Adv. & Notary Reut Eliyahu

LL.B & MBA · Licensed Notary · Registered Arbitrator · Member, Israel Bar Association since 2007

"With foreign company registration, the details decide everything - a single inconsistency between an apostille and a translation can delay a filing by weeks. Our job is to get it right the first time."

Eliyahu & Co. specializes in foreign company registration in Israel across every size and sector - from a single foreign branch entering the market to multinational corporations establishing a long-term Israeli presence. Since 2007 the firm has represented US, UK, EU and worldwide companies, startups, investors and established corporations through registration with the Israeli Companies Registrar and lawful commencement of activity in Israel.

The firm's expertise covers every legal aspect of foreign company registration: registration as an external company under the Companies Law, 5759-1999, apostille and document authentication, notarized Hebrew translations, appointment of an authorized representative, powers of attorney, and coordinated registration with the Israeli Tax Authority for VAT and income tax. Adv. Eliyahu handles each registration personally - not a junior associate, and never a template.

Adv. Eliyahu holds an LL.B and an MBA, is a licensed notary and a registered arbitrator, and has been a member of the Israel Bar Association since 2007. The notary credential matters directly here: many foreign company filings require notarized translations and notarized powers of attorney, which the firm prepares and certifies in-house - removing a common point of delay for international clients.

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Worldwide Clients
Any country of incorporation

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Notary In-House
Notarized translations & POA

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Full Compliance
Registrar & Tax Authority

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Direct Access
Handled by the attorney

⚖ Israel Bar Association - since 2007 🎓 LL.B & MBA 🏛 Licensed Notary 📝 Registered Arbitrator 🌏 English · Hebrew · Espanol
Who We Work With

International Companies We Help Enter Israel

Over the years we have guided companies from a wide range of industries and countries through foreign company registration in Israel - from initial consultation to full compliance.

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Technology Companies

US and European tech firms establishing an Israeli branch or subsidiary for R&D, product and operations.

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E-Commerce & Retail

International retail and e-commerce businesses registering in Israel to serve local customers and partners.

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Real Estate & Construction

Foreign investors registering a legal entity in Israel for real estate transactions and development projects.

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Professional Services

Consulting, financial and professional services firms expanding into the Israeli market through a registered entity.

Whether you are a startup, a mid-size company, or a large corporation, we will review your specific situation and guide you through the right registration path. Get in touch to discuss your case →

Service Areas

Foreign Company Registration in Israel - by Country of Incorporation

We register foreign companies in Israel for corporations incorporated worldwide. Select your country to see how the process - apostille, authentication and filing - works for companies from your jurisdiction.

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Foreign Company Registration in Israel for US Corporations

New York · Los Angeles · San Francisco · Miami · Boston · Chicago · Washington DC · Austin · Seattle

We register US companies as foreign (external) companies in Israel - Delaware, New York, California and every other state. A US corporation opening an Israeli branch keeps its US legal identity while gaining the ability to operate, invoice and bank in Israel. Documents are executed before a US notary and apostilled by the relevant Secretary of State, then notarized into Hebrew for the Companies Registrar.

The full process is handled remotely under Power of Attorney - no US executive needs to fly to Israel. Our US direct line (+1-310-735-4210) provides convenient access during US business hours, and we routinely coordinate with American tax counsel on the cross-border aspects.

→ Company Formation → Selling Israeli Shares → Corporate Counsel
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Registering a UK Company as a Foreign Company in Israel

London · Manchester · Birmingham · Leeds · Edinburgh · Glasgow · Cardiff · all UK

British companies registering an Israeli branch must file authenticated incorporation documents with the Israeli Companies Registrar. Power of Attorney and corporate documents are executed before a UK notary public and apostilled by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) for use in Israel, then notarized into Hebrew.

We handle the entire Israeli filing remotely for UK-incorporated companies, and where the structure involves UK tax considerations on the Israeli activity we coordinate with your UK accountants and solicitors. No travel to Israel is required.

→ Company Formation → Commercial Contracts → Corporate Counsel
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Foreign Company Registration in Israel for Canadian Companies

Toronto · Montreal · Vancouver · Calgary · Ottawa · Edmonton · all Canada

Canadian corporations registering an Israeli branch authenticate their documents under the appropriate provincial procedure - the rules differ between Quebec (civil law) and the common-law provinces such as Ontario and British Columbia. We confirm the correct authentication route before filing, preventing the most common cause of rejection.

The Israeli registration - incorporation documents, authorized representative, and Registrar filing - is managed entirely by our firm on the client's behalf, remotely from anywhere in Canada.

→ Company Formation → Corporate Counsel → Commercial Contracts
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Registering a French Company as a Foreign Company in Israel

Paris · Marseille · Lyon · Nice · Toulouse · Bordeaux · Strasbourg · all France

The Franco-Israeli business connection runs deep, and many French companies open an Israeli branch in technology, real estate and import-export. French documents are executed before a notaire and apostilled, then translated and notarized into Hebrew for the Companies Registrar.

We routinely coordinate with French avocats and notaires on the cross-border aspects, and can communicate with French-speaking colleagues for clients who prefer it. The Israeli process is completed remotely.

→ Company Formation → Commercial Contracts → Property in Israel
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Foreign Company Registration in Israel for Australian Companies

Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Canberra · all Australia

Australian companies registering an Israeli branch apostille their incorporation documents through DFAT (the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) before they are notarized into Hebrew for the Companies Registrar. We plan the timeline around the time-zone difference so document exchange stays efficient.

The entire Israeli registration is handled remotely under Power of Attorney, with clear instructions on what to prepare and how to authenticate it in Australia.

→ Company Formation → Corporate Counsel → Notary & Apostille
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Registering a Brazilian Company as a Foreign Company in Israel

Sao Paulo · Rio de Janeiro · Brasilia · Belo Horizonte · all Brazil

Brazilian companies registering in Israel apostille their corporate documents (Brazil is party to the Hague Apostille Convention) before they are translated from Portuguese and notarized into Hebrew. We manage the precise consistency of company names and registration numbers across the Portuguese, apostilled and Hebrew versions - a frequent source of rejection.

The Israeli filing is handled remotely on the company's behalf, with guidance on document preparation in Brazil.

→ Company Formation → Notary & Apostille → Corporate Counsel
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Foreign Company Registration in Israel for Argentine Companies

Buenos Aires · Cordoba · Rosario · Mendoza · all Argentina

Argentine companies registering an Israeli branch apostille their documents under the Hague Convention, after which the Spanish documents are translated and notarized into Hebrew for the Israeli Companies Registrar. We confirm the exact set of documents your structure requires before filing.

The whole Israeli process is completed remotely, with clear step-by-step instructions for the Argentine side.

→ Company Formation → Notary & Apostille → Commercial Contracts
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Foreign Company Registration in Israel for Russian & Ukrainian Companies

Moscow · St. Petersburg · Kyiv · all Russia & Ukraine

Companies incorporated in Russia or Ukraine authenticate their documents by apostille (both are party to the Hague Convention), after which they are translated and notarized into Hebrew. Russian and Ukrainian document sets vary, so we confirm the precise requirements and the correct authentication route before filing.

The Israeli registration is handled remotely on the company's behalf, with Russian-language coordination available where needed.

→ Company Formation → Notary & Apostille → Corporate Counsel
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Registering a Portuguese (EU) Company as a Foreign Company in Israel

Lisbon · Porto · Braga · Faro · all Portugal

Portuguese and other EU companies registering an Israeli branch apostille their incorporation documents, which are then translated from Portuguese and notarized into Hebrew for the Companies Registrar. The EU apostille route is straightforward, and we manage the full Israeli filing remotely.

Where the Israeli operation interacts with EU tax planning, we coordinate with your local advisers while handling the Israeli proceedings independently.

→ Company Formation → Commercial Contracts → Corporate Counsel
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Foreign Company Registration in Israel - Any Country

Worldwide · all jurisdictions

We register foreign companies in Israel from any country of incorporation, including jurisdictions that are not party to the Hague Apostille Convention - where consular legalization replaces the apostille. We confirm the correct authentication path for your specific country before any document is prepared.

Wherever your company is incorporated, the Israeli process is handled entirely remotely, with clear guidance on documents, authentication and timeline.

→ Company Formation → Notary & Apostille → Corporate Counsel

Foreign companies enter Israel through a lawyer who takes personal responsibility.

Adv. Reut Eliyahu personally oversees every registration - not a junior associate, not a template - from the first document to full compliance.

Schedule a Consultation
Not sure where to start? Call +972-74-704-7104 · no commitment required.
Client Reviews

What Our Clients Say

5.0
★★★★★
Google Reviews

Eliyahu & Co. represents clients in company registration, civil, commercial, and real estate matters across Israel. Here is what some of them shared about their experience with the firm.

FAQ

Foreign Company Registration in Israel - Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from international companies registering in Israel.

Foreign companies operating in Israel must register with the Israeli Companies Registrar as a "Foreign Company" (external company). The process requires certified and notarized corporate documents - certificate of incorporation, articles of association, and a list of directors - plus appointing an authorized local representative. Our firm handles the entire process from document preparation to final registration.
The total cost has two components: the government fee paid to the Companies Registrar (set by regulation) and legal fees for document preparation, notarized translations, and filing. The legal fee depends on the company's country of incorporation and the complexity of the documents involved.
Yes. The Israeli Companies Registrar accepts foreign company registrations from companies incorporated in any country, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, EU member states, and beyond. The process varies slightly by country of origin - mainly in document authentication and translation requirements.
The standard documents include a Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association (or equivalent), a list of current directors, a Certificate of Good Standing, and details of the authorized local representative in Israel. All must be officially translated into Hebrew and authenticated. See the Required Documents section above.
A branch (foreign company registration) is a direct extension of the parent company - not a separate legal entity, and the parent bears full liability. A subsidiary is a new Israeli company (typically Ltd.) owned by the foreign parent - a separate entity with limited liability. To form a subsidiary, see Establishing a Company in Israel.
Once all documents are in order, registration at the Israeli Companies Registrar typically takes several weeks. The overall timeline depends mainly on obtaining and authenticating documents in the country of origin and on current Registrar processing times.
No. The process can be handled entirely remotely through our firm. We manage all filings, communications with the Registrar, and local requirements. You provide the corporate documents and, in some cases, execute a power of attorney from your home country.
After registration, a foreign company in Israel must comply with annual reporting to the Companies Registrar and coordinate with the Israeli Tax Authority - including maintaining an authorized local representative and fulfilling ongoing tax obligations. We provide ongoing corporate legal counsel for this.
Yes. Foreign companies and foreign nationals are generally permitted to purchase real estate in Israel, subject to specific tax implications and legal requirements. Our firm also handles buying property in Israel for foreign clients.
The process begins with a review of the company's country of incorporation, corporate structure, and planned activity in Israel. Based on that review, the correct registration route, the list of required documents, and the authentication method (apostille or alternative) are determined before any filing is prepared with the Companies Registrar.
Related Services
Establishing a Company in IsraelForming a new Israeli company or subsidiary from abroad. Corporate Legal CounselOngoing legal support for companies operating in Israel. Corporate & Business LawOur full corporate and commercial practice overview. Commercial ContractsDrafting and reviewing contracts for activity in Israel. Notary & Apostille ServicesNotarized translations and apostille coordination. Selling Israeli SharesShare transfers and exits for foreign shareholders.

Register your foreign company in Israel - handled personally, start to finish.

Branch registration with the Companies Registrar, apostille, notarized Hebrew translations and tax setup - one conversation gets the process moving.

Sun-Thu 08:00-19:00 · Fri 08:00-13:00 · By phone, Zoom, or fully remote
Contact Us

Get in Touch - Free First Consultation

Call or message us directly, or fill in the form and we will get back to you within one business day. The first consultation is free and without obligation.

Call the office074-704-7104 🇺🇸 US direct line+1-310-735-4210
or leave your details and we will call you back

We respond within one business day. First consultation is free.

Address

4 HaOgen St.
Herzliya Pituach, Israel

Office Hours

Sun - Thu: 08:00 - 19:00
Fri: 08:00 - 13:00

Remote consultations available for overseas clients - by phone or video call in English.

Register your foreign company in Israel — handled personally, start to finish.

Branch registration with the Companies Registrar, apostille, notarized Hebrew translations and tax setup — one conversation gets the process moving.

Sun–Thu 08:00–19:00 · Fri 08:00–13:00 · By phone, Zoom, or fully remote