Families often discover unclaimed property in Israel when a relative passes away, especially if the deceased owned real estate, maintained bank accounts, or left behind financial rights that were never transferred. Because many individuals have experienced immigration, name changes, or economic transitions, it is common for assets to be forgotten or overlooked.

These assets remain legally protected, but they require a structured legal process before heirs can access them. For heirs living abroad, the process may seem unfamiliar or overwhelming, yet Israeli law provides a clear pathway to reclaim what rightfully belongs to the estate.

Filing a claim for unclaimed property involves several steps. The steps we will cover below, with all necessary details, are: gathering documentation, confirming asset existence, identifying heirs, obtaining the appropriate legal orders, and submitting formal claims to the relevant authorities.

Each stage must be completed accurately, as government offices, banks, and land authorities will not release property without proper documentation. By following a careful, organized approach, heirs can recover assets even many years after the owner’s death.

What Counts as Unclaimed Property in Israel

Before beginning the claim process, heirs must understand what qualifies as unclaimed property. Unclaimed property generally refers to assets left behind by a deceased individual that remain untransferred or unused.

These assets may be held by banks, pension providers, insurance companies, government offices, or property registries. Often, families do not realize these assets exist until years later, when documents surface or financial institutions send notifications.

The most common types of unclaimed assets include:

• Real estate, such as homes, land parcels, apartments, or commercial units, remains registered in the deceased’s name.
• Dormant bank accounts left unused for long periods still contain funds.
• Banks or investment houses hold investment assets such as shares, mutual funds, and bonds.
• Pension rights or severance funds associated with past employment.
• Insurance claims from policies that were never processed or distributed.
• Government-held assets are transferred to the Administrator General due to inactivity or lack of heirs.

A different institution manages each Israeli asset, so heirs must approach each institution separately. A structured process helps ensure nothing is missed.

The Process of Filing a Claim for Recovering Your Unclaimed Property in Israel

Step 1: Collect Basic Information About the Deceased

The first step in filing a claim is assembling the basic information needed to identify the deceased and initiate searches. Even if the heirs do not have complete information, gathering what is available can significantly expedite the process. This stage focuses on establishing a foundation for subsequent steps.

Heirs should begin by collecting:

• Full name of the deceased, including Hebrew and English variations if applicable.
• Date of birth and date of death are required for all official searches.
• Identification numbers such as Israeli ID (Teudat Zehut), passport numbers, or immigration documents.
• Past addresses and known places of residence within Israel.
• Employment history, which may help locate pensions or insurance rights.
• Family records, such as marriage or birth certificates, help establish heirship.

This initial information is used to search government databases, property registries, and financial institutions. Even partial details can lead to valuable discoveries, as many agencies maintain historical records dating back decades.

Step 2: Locate Relevant Personal and Property Documents

The next step is to collect any documents related to property or financial accounts. These documents help verify the existence of assets and confirm the deceased’s ownership. Even historical papers, partially damaged documents, or informal notes can be helpful. Many families store documents in multiple locations, so heirs may need to check files, storage boxes, email accounts, or family records.

Helpful documents to locate include:

• Property deeds or land registry extracts.
• Bank books, statements, or account numbers from Israeli banks.
• Investment account summaries or notices from financial institutions.
• Pension statements issued by employers or pension funds.
• Insurance policy numbers or premium statements.
• Municipal tax bills indicate ownership of real estate.
• Receipts or agreements that mention real estate or financial accounts.

It is common for families to locate limited documentation, especially when the estate is old. Missing papers do not prevent the claim; they simply mean additional research, which can be successfully managed.

Step 3: Identify Potential Heirs Under Israeli Law

Before filing a claim, heirs must determine who is legally entitled to the assets. Israeli inheritance law identifies heirs based on blood relationships or legal documentation such as marriage, birth, or adoption. If a will exists, it dictates the distribution. If no will is found, the estate is distributed under Israel’s intestate laws.

Heirs usually fall to:

• Spouse – Usually inherits a significant portion of the estate.
• Children – Share the remaining portion equally.
• Parents – Inherit if no spouse or children exist.
• Siblings – Inherit when closer relatives are not present.
• Extended relatives – Inherit in the absence of the immediate family.

Identifying the correct heirs early in the process helps avoid complications later, especially when multiple family members live in different countries. Once the heirs are identified, the next step is to obtain legal documentation establishing heirship.

Step 4: Conduct Searches to Verify the Existence of Assets

After gathering personal and family information, the next step is to verify whether the deceased had any unclaimed assets in Israel. Since different institutions hold different asset types, searches must be conducted across multiple systems. This stage is critical because it reveals which claims must be filed and what documentation is needed.

Asset searches may include:

• Land Registry (Tabu) checks for property still registered under the deceased’s name.
• Israel Land Authority records for land held under long-term state leases.
• Municipal records for properties linked to tax bills.
• Bank inquiries to locate dormant accounts or safe deposit boxes.
• An investment house searches for shares, mutual funds, or bonds.
• Pension and insurance companies request identification of unpaid retirement benefits.
• Administrator General’s database searches for assets transferred to state custody.

Institutions rarely release detailed information without proper legal orders, but they can often confirm whether an account exists and outline the steps required to proceed. This helps heirs prepare the necessary documents for the next stage.

Step 5: Determine Which Legal Order Is Required

Before any unclaimed property can be accessed or transferred, heirs must obtain a legal order from Israeli authorities. This order formally recognizes the heirs and authorizes them to claim the estate. Different situations require different orders.

The two primary orders are:

• Succession Order – Used when the deceased did not leave a will. It lists all heirs in accordance with Israeli law.
• Probate Order – Used when a valid will exists. It confirms the will’s authenticity and names the beneficiaries.

To determine the required order, heirs must confirm whether a will exists and whether it meets Israeli legal standards. If no will is found, the estate is processed under intestate laws. Once the appropriate order is identified, heirs can begin preparing the official application.

Step 6: Prepare the Application for the Legal Order

Once the appropriate inheritance order has been identified, the next major step is preparing a complete and accurate application. This application is submitted to the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs or, in some cases, directly to the Family Court in Israel. The application serves as the official request for legal recognition of the heirs. Because every detail must be precise, this stage requires careful attention.

To prepare the application, heirs must assemble the following:

• Death certificate of the deceased, translated into Hebrew and apostilled if issued abroad.
• Identification documents for each heir, such as passports or ID cards.
• Affidavits confirming the family relationship between heirs and the deceased.
• Any wills or estate documents, if they exist.
• Application forms required by the Registrar or the court.

If heirs live abroad, they typically sign affidavits before a notary and obtain apostille certification. All documents must meet Israeli standards to avoid rejection. Once complete, the application is submitted, along with the required government fees. The Registrar may request additional information, and heirs must respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 7: Submit the Application and Notify All Potential Heirs

After preparing the application, the next step is to submit it to the appropriate authority. The Registrar of Inheritance Affairs will review the application and open a file for the estate. Israeli law requires that all potential heirs be notified of the application to ensure everyone has an opportunity to object or provide additional information.

The notification process typically includes:

• Sending formal notices to all known heirs.
• Publishing public announcements in official online registries.
• Confirming delivery of the notification to the relevant parties.

If an heir has passed away or is unresponsive, the Registrar will determine the appropriate legal steps. In most cases, the process proceeds without objection, especially when heirs agree on the estate’s distribution.

Step 8: Receive the Succession or Probate Order

After the Registrar completes the review and no objections are filed, the legal order is issued. This document is the key to unlocking the estate. It names all heirs and assigns each one their legal share. Without this order, no institution in Israel will release funds or transfer ownership of any property.

The legal order may take several weeks to several months to issue, depending on workload and any follow-up inquiries. Once granted, the order becomes an official document usable across all financial, property, and government systems.

Step 9: Submit Claims to Relevant Institutions

With the legal order in hand, heirs can formally approach each institution that holds property or funds in the deceased’s name. Each institution has its own process for reviewing claims. Submitting claims correctly ensures smoother and faster asset release.

To submit a claim, heirs usually provide:

• A certified copy of the succession or probate order
• Identification documents
• Any account or property information discovered earlier
• Signed forms required by the institution

Examples of institution-specific processes include:

• Banks may request original signatures, notarized declarations, or additional verification checks.
• Land Registry offices require official forms to update ownership records.
• Pension funds typically require beneficiary declarations and proof of identity.
• Insurance companies may request documentation proving entitlement to benefits.

Each institution reviews the submitted documents and determines whether any additional steps are required before releasing the assets.

Step 10: Release of Funds, Property, or Financial Rights

Once institutions confirm the claim’s validity and the legal documentation, they release the assets. This stage varies by asset type, but it marks the moment when heirs receive the assets left behind.

For financial assets, such as bank accounts or investments, the release process may include:

• Transferring funds to the heirs’ bank accounts;
• Closing dormant accounts;
• Redeeming bonds or selling investment holdings;
• Issuing checks or wire transfers for larger amounts.

For Israeli real estate, the process typically includes:

• Transferring ownership to the heirs’ names in the Land Registry;
• Clearing outstanding taxes or administrative issues;
• Updating municipal tax records;
• Registering long-term lease rights with the Israel Land Authority.

In some cases, the Administrator General will release assets from government custody upon verification of the legal order. This step is common when financial institutions transfer the property due to inactivity.

Step 11: Resolving Complex Cases or Missing Information

Not all claims move smoothly. Some estates involve complications such as unclear ownership, lost documents, inconsistent names, or institutional mergers that obscure account information. When complications arise, additional steps may be required to resolve the claim.

Typical issues include:

• Multiple name variations due to immigration or Hebrew-English differences.
• Unclear family records requiring affidavits or supplementary documentation.
• Unregistered real estate needing historical searches or legal reconstruction.
• Old bank accounts that no longer exist due to mergers.
• Competing claims that require legal clarification or negotiation.

Heirs may need to obtain additional certificates, submit special requests to financial institutions, or file supplemental legal petitions. While these steps may extend the timeline, they ensure accurate and lawful asset distribution.

Step 12: Completing the Transfer and Protecting the Heirs’ Rights

The final stage of the process involves completing all administrative updates and ensuring heirs have full access to their newly transferred property or funds. This includes updating tax records, closing outdated accounts, and confirming that all financial or property rights are now legally held by the heirs.

Once the transfer is complete, heirs may choose to:

• Retain real estate and manage it as an investment
• Sell the property and divide the proceeds among the heirs
• Consolidate financial accounts for easier management
• Update estate plans to avoid future unclaimed property

Completing these final tasks prevents future complications and ensures the estate is organized adequately for subsequent generations.

How Aharoni Law Firm Helps with the Claim Process

Our Israeli law firm offers comprehensive assistance to heirs seeking unclaimed property in Israel. For heirs living abroad, the process can be challenging, especially when dealing with documents, institutions, and legal requirements in a foreign language. The firm streamlines the entire process by handling every step on the heir’s behalf.

The firm provides support, including:

• Conducting asset searches across property, financial, and government systems
• Preparing and submitting inheritance applications
• Coordinating communication with government ministries, banks, and pension funds
• Resolving complications related to documentation or record inconsistencies
• Ensuring assets are transferred, registered, and released correctly
• Representing heirs abroad through a notarized and apostilled power of attorney

In the last two decades, we have helped hundreds of families recover their Israeli assets. With professional guidance, heirs can navigate the process confidently and recover what their loved ones left behind.

Contact Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions About Israeli Unrecovered Assets

Do heirs need to travel to Israel?

No. A properly executed power of attorney allows a lawyer to handle all steps locally.

Is there a time limit to claim unclaimed property?

No. Israeli law allows heirs to claim assets even decades after the owner’s death.

What if the deceased had no will?

A succession order determines the legal heirs and enables the claim process.

Read more in our article below:

Will vs. No Will in Israel

Can a claim be filed without original documents?

Yes. Searches, affidavits, and supplementary records can fill in missing details.

What if multiple heirs disagree?

A lawyer can assist in coordinating signatures or resolving disputes legally.

Contact Our Firm for A Complimentary Consultation

If you need help filing a claim for unclaimed property in Israel, Aharoni Law Firm can guide you through every step of the process. To speak with an attorney experienced in recovering property and financial assets, call us at 888-923-0022 or use our online form to schedule a no-cost consultation.