Moving overseas requires much more planning and research than moving locally--customs regulations can be complicated. Don't let the excitement of your move abroad distract you from proper preparation and research--find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods into your new home country!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Israel, there are
important documents necessary to gain entry and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, you should enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to ensure that you have all the essential paperwork to clear customs and successfully enter the country.
When moving to Israel, you will need:
- Passport
- Visa
- Residence Visa
- Certificate of Residence (legally stamped)/Lease or rental contract (for minimum one year )
- Packing list (in English, from Origin Agent, without values)
- Valued inventory (in Hebrew, with make, model, serial number, and manufacturer's name for all appliances/electronics)
- Power of Attorney (prepared and signed at Destination Agent office)
- Authorization letter (authorizes Destination Agent to clear shipment)
- Letter from employer or proof of work contract
- Teudat Oleh (New Immigrant Booklet)
- Customs Bond
- Insurance certificate
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
If you are moving to Israel permanently, the regulations for the importation of personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) include:
- Unlimited goods may be imported duty-free (within reason for home-furnishing)
- Goods must be used and in your possession for at least one year
- You will be limited to one electrical appliance of each type duty free
- You will be limited to two fans, heaters and air conditioners duty free
- You will be allowed to import either a refrigerator or a freezer duty free (not both)
- You must be in Israel at the time of customs clearance
- You may import goods three times within a period of three years.
- If you are a returning citizen, you must have spent at least two years abroad
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Israel, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornography and subversive material
- Explosives, ammunition, weapons, knives (except pocket knives or those used for a profession) tear gas, and dangerouschemicals
- Pen- or gun-like shooting devices
- Laser speedometer disruptor
- Seeds, saplings and any live plants
- Gas operated BBQs
- Electric bicycles/scooters
- Counterfeit material
- Gambling machines and games
- Used beekeeper equipment
- Used sacks for packing plant material
- Material used to incite racism, terrorism, or violence
- Goods containing sympathetic references or symbols to terrorist groups
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to certain quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Israel. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Inheritance (requires customs inspection, original will and testament naming recipient as beneficiary, death certificate, and payment of taxes)
- Firearms (small arms caliber permitted with approval from Israeli Police and Ministry of Interior)
- Foodstuffs (limited to 15 kilograms duty free)
- Electrical appliances (limited to one of each type)
- Sporting equipment
- Outdoor furniture
- Musical instruments
- New items (requires invoices/receipts and are dutiable)
- Cordless phones and fax machines (are dutiable and require permit from Ministry of Telecommunications)
- Computers, answering machines, and car radios
- Infant seats
- Electric lawn mowers
- CD players and turntables
- Tobacco (limited to 200 cigarettes and 250 grams of loose tobacco)
- Alcohol (limited to 2 liters of wine and 1 liter of spirits)
- Medicines (require permission from Ministry of Health)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Israel, you'll require professional and reliable international vehicle shippers with knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations to transport your car for you without mishap.
The regulations for importing your vehicle into Israel are:
- Automobiles for new immigrants are subject to reduced customs duties of 46 to 76 percent
- The vehicle must be on the list of permitted models in Israel (available from the Ministry of Transportation.)
- Right-hand drive and diesel automobiles are prohibited
- Vehicles are not included in the three shipments allowed for importation
- Purchase tax is exempted for new immigrants, but reduced duties and VAT will be applicable according to the type, engine size and weight of the vehicle
- Vehicles manufactured in the US are not recommended for importation due to a difference in gasoline.
- Other drivers are permitted to operate your vehicle only if you are in the vehicle
You will need the following documents:
- Passport
- Teuat Oleh
- Original certificate of title and registration
- Original commercial/purchase invoice
- Israeli driver's license and proof of insurance
- Valid driver's licensed from country of origin
- Import license from Ministry of Transport
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs for your move to Israel. To successfully cross Israeli borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Import license (issued by the Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development)
- Certificate of vaccination (including rabies)
- Health certificate (issued by licensed veterinarian, stating that your pet did not exhibit signs of any contagious diseases and was vaccinated against rabies no more than one year and no less than 30 days prior to arrival)
- You pet must be identifiable by an electronic microchip
- Dogs and cats under four months of age are not permitted for importation
- Dogs belongings to dangerous breeds, including Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and Brazilian Filas, are prohibited
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is a daunting process, which requires knowledge, preparation, and the services of professional, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to ensure they are qualified for the job and well-versed in the customs process. Staying informed and always conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will prevent you from making a common moving mistake.
Need help finding reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form to receive estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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