Israel — Tax Guide, Residency & Cost of Living for Expats

Asia · Middle EastUpdated 2026

Tax Score

38/100Worldwide

Tax Data

Income Tax10% – 50%
Corporate Tax23%
Capital Gains25%
VAT/GST17%
Wealth TaxNo
Inheritance TaxNo

Residency & Visas

Golden VisaNo
Digital Nomad VisaYes

Cost of Living & Quality of Life

Cost of Living Index82
Safety5.2/10
Internet120 Mbps
Healthcare8/10
Gasoline$2.75/L

Tax Overview

Israel applies a worldwide tax system with high progressive rates. Residents are taxed on their global income, which can represent a significant burden for high earners.

Personal Income Tax

Personal income tax in Israel ranges from 10% – 50% progressively. The top marginal rate is high by regional standards.

Corporate & Capital Gains

The corporate tax rate is 23%. Capital gains are taxed at 25%.

Indirect Taxes & Wealth

VAT/GST is 17%, moderate by international standards. There is no wealth tax. There is no inheritance tax.

Crypto & Digital Assets

Israel has an unfavorable crypto tax regime (score 2/5). Rates are high and/or regulations are restrictive.

Compare with other countries

Residency Guide

Relocating to Israel is accessible with multiple options. The country offers several residency pathways for foreigners.

Visa Options

Digital Nomad Visa: Israel offers a dedicated visa for remote workers, with processing taking approximately 12 months.

Practical Considerations

As a non-LATAM destination, applicants should consider potential language barriers and cultural differences. Working with a local immigration attorney and verifying apostille/legalization requirements for documents is recommended.

Also consider: United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait

Lifestyle

Israel has a high cost of living, comparable to major world capitals.

Cost of Living

With an index of 82, Israel has a cost of living comparable to or exceeding New York City (100). It is one of the most expensive destinations in the world.

Safety & Infrastructure

With a safety score of 5.2/10, caution is recommended, especially outside tourist and expat areas. Fast internet at 120 Mbps average — excellent for remote work and streaming.

Healthcare

With a healthcare score of 8/10, Israel has a world-class healthcare system. Expats typically have access to high-quality care in both public and private sectors.

Quality of Life

Israel has a Human Development Index of 0.915 (classification: very high). This indicates excellent standards of education, health, and living standards.

Data: 2026 · Source: tax_foundation,pwc,manual

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No wealth tax
  • No inheritance tax
  • Digital nomad visa available
  • Very high human development (HDI 0.915)
  • High-quality healthcare system (8/10)

Cons

  • Worldwide tax system — global income taxed
  • High top income tax rate (50%)
  • High capital gains tax (25%)
  • Moderately high cost of living (index 82)
  • Moderate safety — caution advised (5.2/10)
  • Unfavorable crypto regime (2/5)
  • Physical presence requirement (183+ days/year)

Frequently Asked Questions

Israel operates under a worldwide tax system: taxes residents on worldwide income, regardless of where it is earned. The top personal income tax rate is 50%.

About this guide

Researched and maintained by the TuLugar team, based in Asunción, Paraguay.

Data sourced from PwC, Numbeo, UNDP, and Ookla.

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