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Practical legal guide
Notarized Copies in Israel: When Foreign Residents Need Them and How the Process Works
Learn when and why foreign residents need notarized copies in Israel, how the process works, and key considerations for legal documents like property deeds or powers of attorney.
Why Foreign Residents Need Notarized Copies in Israel
If you live abroad but own property in Israel, manage Israeli assets, or handle legal matters like probate or power of attorney (POA), you may need notarized copies of critical documents. Israeli institutions—such as the Land Registry (Tabu), banks, or courts—often require notarized copies to verify authenticity without submitting originals. This is especially important for documents such as:- Property deeds or Tabu extracts
- Succession orders or probate orders
- Powers of attorney (POA) for property transactions
- Academic or medical records
- Business contracts or corporate documents
What Is a Notarized Copy Under Israeli Law?
A notarized copy (also called a “certified true copy”) is a duplicate of an original document that a notary public has verified as identical to the source. Unlike a simple photocopy, a notarized copy carries legal weight and is accepted by Israeli authorities, including:- The Land Registry (Tabu) for property transfers
- Courts for probate or succession proceedings
- Banks for account management or loan applications
- Government agencies for tax or regulatory filings
When Do You Need a Notarized Copy?
Common scenarios where foreign residents require notarized copies include:- Property transactions: Submitting a notarized copy of a Tabu extract or deed to avoid sending the original to the Land Registry.
- Probate or succession: Providing a notarized copy of a succession order or probate order to Israeli courts or banks.
- Power of attorney (POA): Using a notarized copy of a POA to authorize a representative in Israel to act on your behalf (e.g., selling property or managing assets).
- Business or tax matters: Filing notarized copies of contracts or corporate documents with the Israel Tax Authority (e.g., for purchase tax exemptions or disputes).
- Medical or academic records: Submitting notarized copies of diplomas or medical reports to Israeli institutions.
How the Notarized Copy Process Works in Israel
The process for obtaining a notarized copy in Israel involves the following steps:- Present the original document: The notary must physically examine the original to confirm its authenticity. If the original is damaged, illegible, or unavailable, additional evidence (e.g., witness testimony or supporting documents) may be required.
- Verify the document’s language: The notary must understand the language of the original document. For documents in English or Hebrew, most Israeli notaries can assist. For other languages, a notarized translation may be necessary.
- Create the copy: The notary makes a photocopy of the original and certifies it as a true copy by affixing their official seal and signature.
- Pay the notary fee: Notary fees in Israel are regulated by law.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When obtaining notarized copies for Israeli legal matters, foreign residents often encounter these pitfalls:- Assuming a regular photocopy suffices: Israeli institutions typically reject uncertified copies for legal or financial transactions.
- Ignoring language requirements: If the original document is not in Hebrew or English, a notarized translation may be required before certification.
- Submitting damaged or illegible originals: If the original is unclear, the notary may refuse to certify the copy without additional evidence of authenticity.
- Overlooking attachments or liens: For property documents, ensure the notarized copy includes all relevant details (e.g., attachments, liens, or receivership orders) to avoid delays in transactions.
- Using an unauthorized notary: Only a licensed Israeli notary can certify copies for use in Israel. Foreign notarizations may not be accepted without further authentication.
When to Seek Israeli Legal Guidance
While notarized copies are a routine part of Israeli legal processes, foreign residents may face complexities, such as:- Documents in languages other than Hebrew or English.
- Originals that are lost, damaged, or held abroad.
- Transactions involving multiple parties (e.g., property sales with co-owners).
- Disputes over document authenticity or validity.