As a tourist importing your own car into Israel, you can typically drive it tax-free for up to 12 months. This exemption is contingent upon your visa type and adherence to specific conditions:
Initial 6-Month Period: Upon entry, you’re generally granted a 6-month tax exemption for your vehicle. During this time, you must provide:
A valid passport with an appropriate visa (e.g., B1, B2, A2).
A valid foreign driver’s license recognized in Israel.
Proof of compulsory car insurance (Bituach Chova).
Vehicle registration documents in your name.
A bank guarantee covering the full amount of import taxes, refundable upon the car’s export.
Extension for an Additional 6 Months: Before the initial exemption expires, you may apply for a 6-month extension. Approval often requires:
Continued compliance with the initial requirements.
Submission of an application to the Israel Tax Authority. sonigo.com+3EasyExpat+3belong+3
After 12 months, you have several options:
Export the Vehicle: Remove the car from Israel before the exemption period ends to avoid incurring taxes.
Temporary Export: Leave Israel with the car for at least 3 months, then re-import it under the same tax-exempt status. Export Depot Movers+1Kef International+1
Pay Applicable Taxes: If you wish to keep the car in Israel beyond 12 months, you’ll need to pay the full import taxes, provided the car meets Israeli standards and is less than 4 years old.
Special Considerations:
Student Visa Holders (A2): If you’re on a student visa and enrolled in a recognized Israeli institution, you may keep your imported car for the duration of your studies without paying import taxes. sonigo.com
Vehicle Standards: Ensure your car complies with Israeli regulations, such as having a speedometer in kilometers and conforming to European signal standards. belong
Insurance: Maintain valid Israeli car insurance throughout your stay, as driving without it is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.
As a tourist in Israel, you can import and drive your personal vehicle tax-free for up to 12 months, provided you meet specific conditions.
✅ Tax-Free Import Conditions
Temporary Import Duration: You are allowed to bring your car into Israel without paying import taxes for a period of up to 12 months.
Bank Guarantee Requirement: To secure the tax exemption, you must provide a bank guarantee equivalent to the import taxes that would be due on the vehicle. This guarantee is refundable upon exporting the vehicle from Israel.
Documentation: You need to submit Customs Form 161 for the temporary import of a motor vehicle.
⚠️ Important Considerations
Vehicle Standards: Ensure your vehicle complies with Israeli regulations, such as having a speedometer in kilometers and conforming to European signal standards.
Insurance: Maintain valid Israeli car insurance throughout your stay, as driving without it is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.
Extension Requests: If you need to extend the vehicle’s stay beyond the initial exemption period, you must apply for an extension before the exemption expires.
Exporting the Vehicle: If you plan to keep the car in Israel beyond the 12-month period, you will need to pay the applicable import taxes.
To get your care in israel is 3-6 weeks
Major ports are Ashdod and Haifa
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