A company incorporated outside Israel ("foreign company") that intends to start operating in Israel may be required to register with the Israeli Companies Registrar as a Foreign Company (often referred to as a branch/foreign entity registration). Foreign company registration in Israel is a legal-administrative process that must match the Registrar's requirements precisely, including document authentication (apostille or alternative authentication, depending on the applicable law), notarized Hebrew translations when required, and appointment of an authorized representative in Israel for service of process and official notices.

In addition, where business activity is planned in Israel, proper coordination with Israeli tax authorities (VAT, income tax, and in some cases National Insurance) is commonly required before operations begin in order to reduce delays, supplementary demands, and regulatory exposure.

This page focuses specifically on foreign company registration in Israel. For broader guidance on establishing and registering companies in Israel (including Israeli companies and subsidiaries), see our overview here: Establishing and Registering a Company in Israel .

Why Our Firm

Eliyahu & Co. Law Office is a civil, commercial, and real estate law firm with over 20 years of legal experience, 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 foreign company registrations 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 for foreign company registration, coordination of authentication (apostille or alternative authentication), coordination of notarized Hebrew translations when required, drafting powers of attorney and appointment letters, appointing an authorized representative in Israel, and structured filing designed to minimize correction requests and delays.

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

Required Documents

The exact document set depends on the country of incorporation, the type of documents issued by that jurisdiction, and the corporate structure. Proper preparation in advance reduces delays and unnecessary costs.

In most cases, the following documents are required:

• Certificate of Incorporation / Registration Confirmation: An official document confirming incorporation/registration in the country of origin, authenticated by apostille or alternative authentication as applicable.

• Alternative where the jurisdiction does not issue a Certificate of Incorporation: An official substitute document and confirmation that the company is registered in the relevant registry.

• Notarized Hebrew translation: Notarized translation of core documents into Hebrew, with strict consistency of names, registration numbers, addresses, and identifying details.

• Articles of Association / constitutional documents: As applicable under the law of the country of origin, including notarized Hebrew translation where required.

• Certificate of Good Standing: A recent certificate confirming the company is active and in good standing, with notarized Hebrew translation where required.

• Power of Attorney and appointment of an Authorized Representative in Israel: Appointment of a person resident in Israel to receive service of process and official notices on behalf of the foreign company, including all required identifying details and address.

• List of Directors: Including passport numbers (for non-Israeli residents) or Israeli ID numbers (for Israeli residents), and addresses.

Tax & VAT Coordination

Beyond registration with the Companies Registrar, a foreign company commencing business activity in Israel may need coordinated registration with Israeli tax authorities, including VAT and income tax, and in some cases additional registrations depending on the nature of activity and structure. Handling these in parallel with the Companies Registrar process helps avoid operational delays once the company begins activity.

Common Pitfalls (and How We Prevent Delays)

Delays typically result from inconsistencies between documents, missing apostille/incorrect authentication, non-notarized translations where notarization is required, or imprecise drafting of powers of attorney and authorized representative appointments. Early review and structured preparation significantly reduce supplementary requests and shorten timelines.

Start the Process

Ready to register a foreign company in Israel?

Send us the country of incorporation and the documents you already have, and we will reply with a clear checklist of what is missing, the correct route for your case, expected timelines, and estimated costs — so you can move forward with confidence.