Israel: Recognition of foundations and foreign trusts in Israel

Abstract Recognition of foreign trusts and foundations has been an issue in Israel for many years. Having immigrants from many countries speaking foreign languages and having a legacy of foreign laws and cultures has contributed to the extensive use of foreign trusts in Israel. The Trust Law, and later the Tax Ordinance, as revised in connection with trusts, have endorsed the use of foreign trusts and foundations by non-Israelis investing and doing business in Israel and by Israeli families investing overseas with a requirement for tax and estate planning. In this article, the authors explore the recognition and use of foreign trusts in Israel and give an overview of the respective taxation of trusts.