Buying Israel Property with Power of Attorney
Buying Property with Power of Attorney
Purchase Israeli real estate from anywhere in the world — how to set up a valid power of attorney for remote property transactions.
Official market data — Israel (CBS, 2026)
National average: ₪2,392,000 in H1 2026 (+3.9% vs. H1 2025); the CBS housing price index for February–March 2026 was down 1.2% year on year
Purchase tax for a foreign resident or investor: 8% up to ₪6,055,070 and 10% above; bank financing for non-residents is capped at 50% of the property value (up to 75% for an Israeli resident buying a single home)
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics — average apartment prices for the first half of 2026 (published 15 September 2026), the housing price index (published 15 May 2026) and the Q1 2026 rent survey. These are city-wide averages; the actual price depends on the neighborhood, size, floor and condition. Before any decision we show you real transactions recorded with the Israel Tax Authority in the area you are considering.
Remote Property Purchase in Israel
Many international investors purchase Israeli property without being physically present in the country. This is accomplished through a Power of Attorney (Yipui Ko'ach) that authorizes your Israeli lawyer to act on your behalf for all transaction steps: signing the purchase contract, paying taxes, handling mortgage documents, and completing property registration.
The power of attorney must be executed correctly to be valid in Israel. Requirements vary depending on your country of residence, but generally involve notarization by a local notary public and apostille certification (or consular authentication for non-Hague Convention countries). Your Israeli lawyer will provide the specific power of attorney document for you to execute.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Engage Israeli Lawyer: Select your lawyer through referral or recommendation. Initial consultation can be via video call.
2. Receive POA Document: Your lawyer prepares a Hebrew power of attorney document specifying the scope of authority.
3. Local Execution: Sign the POA before a notary public in your country. The notary verifies your identity and witnesses the signature.
4. Apostille: Obtain an apostille (international authentication) from your country's designated authority. This certifies the notary's signature for international use.
5. Hebrew Translation: If the POA or notarization is in another language, an official Hebrew translation may be required.
6. Send to Israel: Courier the original executed, apostilled POA to your Israeli lawyer.
7. Transaction Proceeds: Your lawyer acts on your behalf for all transaction steps.
Important Considerations
The POA should be specific (limited to the property transaction, not general), time-limited, and drafted by your Israeli lawyer to ensure it covers all necessary actions. Some banks require a separate POA for mortgage documents. Israeli consulates abroad can also notarize and certify POA documents, often simplifying the process.
Advantages
Buy from anywhere in the world
no travel required
lawyer handles everything
established legal process
Points to consider
Cannot inspect property in person
relies heavily on lawyer
additional notarization/apostille costs
some banks have stricter requirements
Can I buy property in Israel without visiting?
Yes. Thousands of international investors purchase Israeli property remotely using power of attorney. Your lawyer handles all in-person requirements. While we recommend visiting when possible, it's entirely feasible to complete a purchase without being in Israel.
What does the apostille process involve?
After notarizing your POA, you submit it to your country's apostille authority (usually the Secretary of State in the US, or equivalent office). They attach an apostille certificate authenticating the notary's signature for international use. Processing takes 1-5 business days depending on the country.
How long is a POA valid?
Your Israeli lawyer will specify the validity period. Typically, a transaction-specific POA is valid for 6-12 months. If the transaction extends beyond this period, a new POA may be needed. General POAs without time limits are not recommended for security reasons.
Set Up Remote PurchaseContact Kobi Elkayam for power of attorney guidance and remote purchase coordination.Personal consultation: +972-53-658-4252 · leave your details and we will get back to you