Israel Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Israel
Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to the State of Israel. With globally recognized innovation hubs, diverse cultural cities, strong healthcare, and unique residency pathways, Israel attracts professionals in technology, academia, healthcare, research, defense, NGOs and global business. Visa rules, work authorization and residency programs may change — always verify details with official Israeli government sources before relocating.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Israel, including export packing, air/ocean shipping, customs coordination and final delivery to major cities such as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Rishon LeZion, Herzliya, Ra’anana, Netanya and Be’er Sheva.
1. Before You Move to Israel
1.1 Visa Types & Entry Requirements
Israel offers several visa types depending on nationality and purpose of stay. Key categories include:
- B/2 Tourist Visa – tourism, family visits, business meetings
- B/1 Work Visa – employer-sponsored work permit for foreign professionals
- A/2 Student Visa – for academic programs
- A/4 Family Visa – for dependants of A/2 or A/3 visa holders
- A/5 Temporary Resident Visa – for extended residence, certain humanitarian or long-term cases
- Aliyah (Law of Return) – immigration pathway for individuals of Jewish descent or their eligible family members
1.2 Working in Israel
Israel is known worldwide as a major innovation hub (“Start-Up Nation”). Key employment sectors include:
- Technology & cybersecurity
- Biotech, pharmaceuticals & medical research
- Engineering & advanced manufacturing
- Defense & aerospace sectors
- Education & universities
- Logistics, energy & infrastructure projects
- NGOs & international development organizations
1.3 Housing & Accommodation
Housing varies widely between coastal metropolitan areas and suburban towns. Common expatriate areas include:
- Tel Aviv: vibrant, modern, beachfront city with high rental costs
- Herzliya & Ra’anana: popular with multinational companies and expat families
- Jerusalem: historical, cultural and academic centre
- Haifa: port city, universities, diverse communities
Rental requirements often include:
- ID/passport & visa documentation
- Deposit (1–3 months of rent)
- Guarantor or bank guarantee (common in Israel)
- Rent typically paid monthly; some landlords require post-dated cheques or direct debit
1.4 Banking & Finances
Israel uses the Israeli New Shekel (ILS/NIS). To open a bank account, newcomers generally need:
- Passport
- Valid visa or residence documentation
- Local address
- Tax identification number (if applicable)
1.5 Healthcare & Insurance
Israel has one of the world’s most advanced and efficient healthcare systems. Citizens and permanent residents must join one of four national health funds. Foreign residents often require private insurance or employer-provided coverage.
1.6 Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond entry)
- Visa approval (eVisa or embassy-issued)
- Work contract (if applying for B/1 work visa)
- Educational certificates (may require authentication)
- Birth & marriage certificates
- Police clearance certificate (frequently required for work visas)
2. Your First Weeks in Israel
2.1 Arrival & Immigration
Upon arrival, immigration officials will check your passport, visa details and supporting documents. Some long-term visa holders receive temporary permits and must finalize full residency shortly after arrival.
2.2 Local Registration
Depending on visa type, you may need to:
- Register with the Population and Immigration Authority
- Provide biometrics
- Convert visa approvals into physical residence permits
2.3 Setting Up Essentials
- SIM card & mobile plan (Cellcom, Partner, Pelephone, HOT Mobile)
- Internet connection for home
- Bank account activation
- Utility setup (electricity, water, gas)
3. Israel at a Glance
3.1 Geography & Regions
Israel is a small but geographically diverse country with Mediterranean coastlines, deserts, fertile valleys, and major cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Ashdod, Be’er Sheva and Eilat.
3.2 Politics & Economy
Israel is a parliamentary democracy with a highly developed economy. Its leading sectors include cybersecurity, technology innovation, defense, pharmaceuticals, logistics, agriculture and tourism.
3.3 Climate & Weather
Israel’s climate ranges from Mediterranean along the coast to desert in the south. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild with rainfall mostly in coastal and northern regions.
4. Why Many Canadians Choose Israel
- World-leading technology and innovation ecosystem
- Diverse cultural, historical and religious heritage
- English widely used in business and academia
- Opportunities in research, education, healthcare and high-tech
- Strong expat and international communities in major cities
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Living costs in Israel can be high in metropolitan areas. Tel Aviv is one of the most expensive cities in the Middle East. Key cost considerations include:
- Rent (highest in Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Ra’anana)
- Utilities (electricity, water, municipal taxes)
- Public vs private healthcare fees
- School fees for private and international schools
- Transportation costs (parking and fuel in cities can be expensive)
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Israel has a well-developed public transportation system including:
- Modern trains connecting major cities
- Extensive intercity bus routes
- Light rail in Jerusalem (Tel Aviv’s ongoing Metro/LRT projects)
- Shared taxis (sherut) on fixed routes
- Ride-hailing services (Gett, Uber in limited areas)
6.2 Driving in Israel
Israel drives on the right-hand side. Newcomers can often use an international driving permit for a limited time before converting to a local license, depending on nationality.
6.3 Domestic & Regional Travel
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) is Israel’s main hub with extensive global connections. Domestic flights operate between Tel Aviv and Eilat.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- Hebrew and Arabic are official languages; English is widely spoken
- Work culture is dynamic, informal and innovative
- The week runs Sunday–Thursday for most workplaces
- Strong emphasis on family life, holidays and community
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Jerusalem: Old City, religious sites, museums
- Tel Aviv: Beaches, nightlife, tech hub
- Haifa: Baháʼí Gardens, Mediterranean coastline
- Dead Sea: Lowest point on Earth, spas and resorts
- Galilee Region: Nature, lakes and historic towns
- Eilat: Red Sea beaches and diving