Short answer: if a person left assets in Israel, heirs usually need either an Israeli probate order, when there is a will, or an Israeli succession order, when there is no valid will. Foreign heirs can often begin the process remotely, but the application must be prepared carefully so Israeli banks, the Land Registry, tax authorities and other institutions can rely on the order.

This article adapts a Hebrew guide from Aviv Galman Law Firm for English-speaking heirs in the U.S., U.K., Australia and other countries who need to deal with an Israeli estate without turning the process into a flight itinerary.

Probate order vs. succession order in Israel

An Israeli probate order gives practical legal effect to a will after death. It does not rewrite the will; it allows heirs, executors and institutions to act according to it.

An Israeli succession order is used when the deceased did not leave a valid will, or when no will is located after reasonable checks. In that situation, the estate is distributed under Israel’s Succession Law according to the family relationship of the heirs.

Choosing the wrong route can lead to delays, additional document requests and sometimes a fresh filing. For families living abroad, that mistake can become especially costly because every missing signature, translation or notice may take weeks to fix.

When foreign heirs usually need the Israeli order

The order is commonly needed before heirs can complete meaningful estate actions in Israel, including:

• transferring rights in an Israeli apartment or land registry file;
• dealing with Israeli bank accounts, investment accounts or pension-related funds;
• selling, renting or managing inherited Israeli property;
• responding to tax, municipality or utility issues connected with the estate;
• proving authority to an Israeli institution when the heirs live abroad.

For real-estate matters, the order often connects directly with the practical steps described on the firm’s Israeli inheritance and probate service page and, where property is involved, the Israeli real-estate representation page.

Can the application be handled online from abroad?

In many cases, parts of the process can be handled online or through remote coordination. That does not mean the file is automatic. The Israeli system still requires the correct application, supporting documents, proper notices to relevant family members, and sometimes translations, affidavits, apostilles or consular/notarial steps.

The remote-work issue is not only technical. It is strategic: the lawyer should understand what the foreign heirs actually need to do next — sell an apartment, release bank funds, register inherited rights, or resolve a disagreement — and prepare the application with that next step in mind.

Documents to prepare before starting

Every file is different, but foreign heirs should usually collect:

• the death certificate and, when relevant, an apostille or official confirmation;
• the original will or the best available copy, if a will exists;
• identity details and contact information for all relevant heirs and beneficiaries;
• Israeli asset information, such as an apartment address, block and parcel details, bank information or company records;
• information about any prior estate orders, foreign probate proceedings or family disputes;
• documents needed for signature verification or representation, including a suitable power of attorney where required.

For heirs who cannot sign documents in Israel, the related issue is often notarial or consular signing. See also the firm’s page on Israeli notary and power of attorney services for people abroad.

Common delays in Israeli inheritance files involving people abroad

Unclear family structure

Second marriages, children from different relationships, relatives living in different countries and missing contact details can all affect notices and declarations.

Foreign documents that are not usable in Israel yet

A document may be valid abroad but still require translation, notarization, apostille or additional explanation before it is useful in an Israeli proceeding.

Starting with the bank or buyer before obtaining authority

Heirs sometimes negotiate with a buyer, bank or tenant before they have the Israeli order that proves who may act. That can create unnecessary pressure and missed deadlines.

Ignoring tax and registration consequences

Inheritance itself and later sale or transfer of inherited property are not the same legal event. When Israeli real estate is involved, inheritance, registration and sale planning should be coordinated early.

Practical checklist for heirs abroad

1. Confirm whether there is a will and where the original is kept.
2. Map the Israeli assets and the immediate practical goal: bank release, property registration, sale, management or dispute prevention.
3. Collect death, identity and family documents before filing.
4. Check whether foreign documents need translation, apostille or notarized certification.
5. Decide who will coordinate the file and sign where needed.
6. Obtain the Israeli probate or succession order before relying on informal family agreements.
7. After the order is issued, complete the next Israeli step: bank, Land Registry, tax, municipality or sale documents.

FAQ: Israeli probate and succession orders for foreign heirs

Do heirs need to fly to Israel to apply for a probate or succession order?

Not always. Many files can be prepared with remote coordination, but some signatures, original documents or institutional requirements may still require local, consular or notarial handling.

What if there is a will abroad and assets in Israel?

The will must be reviewed for Israeli use. Depending on the facts, the file may require translation, authentication and careful presentation to the Israeli inheritance authorities.

Can heirs sell an Israeli apartment before receiving the order?

Usually, a formal order is needed before heirs can complete registration and sale steps. Preliminary planning is possible, but final authority should not be assumed.

What if the heirs disagree?

A disagreement may change the matter from a routine application into a contested estate file. Early advice can help preserve rights and avoid procedural mistakes.

How should a foreign heir start?

Start by collecting the will, death certificate, heir details and Israeli asset information. Then request an initial legal review of the correct route and document requirements.

Request Initial Consultation

If you live outside Israel and need to handle an Israeli estate, property transfer or inheritance document, you can contact Aviv Galman Law Firm at office@aviv-law.co.il. The consultation is intended to identify the correct Israeli process, required documents and next practical steps.

General information only; not legal advice. Israeli inheritance, real-estate and tax consequences depend on the documents, family structure, assets and jurisdictional facts of each case.