Middle East
Israel is a global tech hub with excellent infrastructure, high-speed internet, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Since January 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA-IL before travel. The country offers 90-day stays for tourists with possible extensions. Tel Aviv is particularly popular among digital nomads for its coworking scene, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
Electronic Travel Authorization required since January 2025 for citizens of 99 visa-exempt countries. Valid for multiple entries over 2 years with stays up to 90 days per visit.
Israel has no specific legislation on remote work. Working remotely for foreign clients/employers while on a tourist entry is not explicitly prohibited, but the ETA-IL does not authorize any form of work. There is no active enforcement against digital nomads working remotely on short stays, but it remains a legal grey area.
Extension: 90 days (max 1x)
Cost: 175 ILS
Process: Apply in person at Population and Immigration Authority (Misrad HaPnim) office before current stay expires. Provide passport, entry slip, justification letter, and proof of funds.
Renewal: Can exit and re-enter for fresh 90 days within ETA-IL validity period (2 years). Maximum stay per visit is 90 days.
Stays under 183 days in a calendar year generally do not trigger Israeli tax residency. However, the "centre of life" test is the primary determinant — if your centre of life shifts to Israel, you could be deemed tax resident even under 183 days. The 425-day rule also applies: 30+ days in current year plus 425+ cumulative days over 3 years creates a residency presumption. Non-residents are only taxed on Israeli-sourced income.
Traditional tourist visa for nationals requiring a visa to enter Israel. Must be obtained from Israeli embassy or consulate before travel. Valid for up to 90 days.
The B/2 tourist visa does not authorize any form of employment in Israel. However, Israel lacks specific legislation addressing remote work for foreign employers/clients. Digital nomads working remotely for non-Israeli entities operate in a legal grey area with no active enforcement.
Stays under 183 days generally do not trigger Israeli tax residency. The "centre of life" test remains primary. The 425-day cumulative rule (30+ days current year + 425+ days over 3 years) also creates a residency presumption. Non-residents are taxed only on Israeli-sourced income.
Electronic B/2 visa for citizens of India and Sri Lanka. Apply online for tourism, family visits, business meetings, short study, or medical treatment. Valid for 90 days.
The eVisa-B2 is a tourist/visitor visa that does not permit any form of work in Israel, including remote work. Holders may visit for tourism, family visits, short-term business meetings, non-academic study, or medical treatment only.
Short-term visitors (under 183 days) are generally not considered Israeli tax residents. Non-residents are only liable for tax on Israeli-sourced income. The "centre of life" test and 425-day cumulative rule may apply for frequent visitors.
Work visa for foreign experts and specialists employed by Israeli companies. Requires employer sponsorship and minimum salary of 27,132 NIS/month (double the average Israeli wage, updated January 2026).
The B/1 Expert Work Visa authorizes legal employment in Israel. Holders may work for their sponsoring Israeli employer, including remote/hybrid arrangements as agreed with the employer. The visa is tied to a specific employer and position.
B/1 visa holders working in Israel are subject to Israeli income tax on their Israeli-sourced employment income regardless of duration. Employers must withhold tax at source. If present 183+ days, worldwide income may be taxable under the residency presumption. Tax treaties may provide relief. Social security contributions (Bituach Leumi) apply.
Visa for students enrolled in recognized Israeli academic institutions, yeshivas, or Hebrew language programs (ulpan). Valid for up to 1 year with renewals.
A/2 student visa holders are not permitted to work in Israel. The visa is strictly for academic study at a recognized Israeli institution. Any employment, including remote work, is not authorized under this visa category.
Students on A/2 visas are generally not considered Israeli tax residents if they maintain their centre of life abroad and stay under 183 days. However, students staying the full academic year (365 days) may trigger the 183-day presumption. Foreign income remains untaxed for non-residents. Scholarship income may have specific tax treatment.
Temporary residency for those eligible under the Law of Return (Jewish heritage) who wish to experience Israel before committing to full citizenship (Aliyah).
A/1 temporary resident visa holders have full work rights in Israel without needing a separate work permit. They receive a Teudat Zehut (ID booklet) and can work for any employer or be self-employed, including remote work for foreign or domestic clients.
A/1 holders eligible under the Law of Return receive significant tax benefits as new immigrants (Olim Chadashim): 10-year exemption on foreign-sourced income (active and passive — dividends, interest, rental income, capital gains on foreign assets). From January 2026, new olim must report worldwide income but the exemption on foreign income still applies. Israeli-sourced income is fully taxable. First-year acclimation period available: can request exemption from Israeli resident tax status within 90 days of arrival.
One-year working holiday visa for young adults (18-30) from countries with bilateral agreements. Allows work and travel in Israel.
The Working Holiday Visa permits employment in Israel (max 3 months per employer). Remote work for foreign clients is not explicitly addressed — the visa is designed for local employment experience. Working remotely for non-Israeli employers likely falls in a grey area.
Working holiday visa holders are subject to Israeli income tax on earnings from employment in Israel. Employers must withhold tax. Income earned from foreign remote work while in Israel may also be taxable if you become a tax resident (183-day rule). Social security (Bituach Leumi) contributions may apply to local employment income.
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025