What Documents Are Needed to Open a Company in Israel?

The Israeli company registration process requires a specific set of documents. Preparing them correctly — and in the right format — is one of the most important factors in avoiding delays. This guide explains what is typically required and why.

Identification Documents for All Shareholders and Directors

Every shareholder and director named in the company must provide valid passport copies. In most cases, the key pages — the photo/biographical data page — are required. Depending on the Registrar’s requirements at the time of filing, notarisation of the passport copy may be required. We recommend confirming the current standard with your service provider before preparing documents, as requirements can vary.

Articles of Association

The Articles of Association — known in Hebrew as Takanonim — is the foundational constitutional document of your Israeli company. Under the Israeli Companies Law, it defines the company’s objectives, the structure of its share capital, the rights of shareholders, and the rules governing how the company is managed. Many foreign investors use a standard template prepared by their legal or incorporation adviser, which can be adapted as needed.

Power of Attorney

Because most foreign founders are not physically present in Israel during the incorporation process, a Power of Attorney (PoA) is typically required. This document authorises a representative in Israel — such as a lawyer or incorporation agent — to sign documents and act on your behalf before the Registrar of Companies. The PoA must generally be notarised and, depending on your country of residence, apostilled under the Hague Convention. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. For a full walkthrough of the online process, see our online incorporation service.

Proof of Address

Shareholders and directors are typically required to provide proof of their residential address. Accepted documents commonly include a recent utility bill or a bank statement — generally issued within the last three months. The specific requirements may vary, so confirm what is accepted when preparing your file.

Business Activity Description

The Registrar of Companies requires a brief description of the business activities the company intends to carry out. This does not need to be an exhaustive business plan — a clear, accurate summary of the company’s intended scope of operations is sufficient. Providing a thorough description from the outset helps avoid follow-up requests from the Registrar.

Additional Documents for Corporate Shareholders

If any of the shareholders is itself a company rather than an individual, additional corporate documents will typically be required. These commonly include the shareholder company’s Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and proof of good standing — all of which may need to be apostilled. The exact requirements depend on the jurisdiction of the corporate shareholder and should be confirmed in advance.

How We Help With Document Preparation

Document errors are one of the most common reasons for delays in Israeli company registrations. Missing apostilles, incorrect notarisations, and outdated identification documents are frequent issues. Our team reviews every document before submission to the Registrar of Companies, identifies gaps, and advises on what needs to be corrected. Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions about the process.