Living in Israel Part of the Year as an American
Living in Israel Part of the Year as an American
Some Americans are not ready to leave the United States completely, yet want more than a two-week vacation in Israel. They spend the autumn holidays in Jerusalem, the winter in Tel Aviv or Netanya, Passover with grandchildren in Modiin, and return to the United States for the rest of the year. This part-year life is increasingly common among retirees, remote workers and families with children on both sides of the ocean. It brings real joys but also real questions about the apartment, residency, taxes and health coverage. This guide walks through the practical side of living in Israel part of the year.
Choosing an Apartment for Part-Year Living
A part-year home must work well when you are there and look after itself when you are not. Look for a secure building with an active house committee, reliable neighbors, an elevator if needed and a lockable storage unit. Walkability matters, since many part-year residents do not keep a car in Israel. Being close to family, a synagogue or community center and a supermarket makes arrivals easy.
What Happens When You Are Away
Arrange for someone to check the apartment regularly, run the taps, air the rooms and collect mail. Set up automatic payments for arnona, electricity, water and committee fees from an Israeli bank account. Consider whether to rent the apartment for part of the year, but remember that renting brings legal, tax and building considerations, and it limits your freedom to arrive when you wish.
Residency and Legal Status
Your legal status in Israel shapes many practical matters, from length of stay to health coverage. Tourists, returning residents, citizens who live abroad and new immigrants are all treated differently. Time spent in Israel may also influence tax residency under Israeli rules. Consult an Israeli lawyer and an Israeli tax advisor about your specific situation.
Taxes in Two Countries
As a US citizen, you remain subject to American tax reporting wherever you live. Owning an Israeli apartment, holding Israeli bank accounts and earning any Israeli income can create reporting obligations on both sides. The tax treaty between the two countries addresses some issues but not all. A US CPA familiar with Israel and an Israeli tax advisor should work together on your plan.
Health Coverage Across the Year
Whether you are entitled to Israeli national health insurance depends on your residency status. Part-year residents who are not covered often rely on travel or private health insurance while in Israel, and on American coverage at home. Check the details of each policy carefully, especially for older travelers and for pre-existing conditions.
Building Community Across Seasons
Join a synagogue or community group that welcomes returning seasonal members
Keep a local phone number active all year
Stay in touch with neighbors and the house committee while abroad
Plan regular events, such as a yearly holiday meal, that anchor you in the community
Planning for the Future
Many part-year residents eventually shift toward living in Israel full time, or scale back as travel becomes harder. Choose an apartment that could serve either path: one that could become a permanent home with accessible features, or one that would rent or sell easily if your plans change. Think about inheritance planning in both countries as well, with appropriate professional advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stay in Israel for several months as a US tourist
Americans can usually enter Israel as visitors for a limited period, subject to current rules and entry requirements. For longer stays, check the options with the Population and Immigration Authority and an Israeli lawyer.
Will spending part of the year in Israel make me an Israeli tax resident
It may, depending on your days in Israel, your ties to the country and other factors. Consult an Israeli tax advisor and a US CPA before planning your schedule.
Is it better to rent or buy for part-year living
Renting offers flexibility, while buying provides a stable home base and a place for belongings. Many families rent for a season or two before buying in the neighborhood they like best.
How do I keep my apartment safe while I am in the United States
Use a trusted local contact or property manager, keep shutters closed, turn off the water heater backup and stay in touch with neighbors and the house committee.
Elkayam Group
For three generations and since the forties, the family behind Elkayam Group has built its name in business, today through Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd at Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv. Seasonal residents value that we know Israeli buildings from the inside through development, urban renewal and TAMA 38, and that we can speak with them in English, Hebrew or French.
Planning a part-year life in Israel, contact us to talk about the right building.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv