Property rights in Israel are the same for foreign spouses as for Israelis, who ensure fair and equal treatment unless otherwise dictated by a prenuptial agreement or particular structuring of the purchase agreement.

• Jointly Owned Property: A property purchased during the marriage is typically registered in equal shares (50/50 ownership) for each spouse, regardless of nationality.
  • If one of the spouses purchased the property before the marriage, it is generally considered separate property under Israeli law. This means that the spouse who purchased the property retains sole ownership and control over it, regardless of the subsequent marriage to a foreign national.
• Inheritance: If one spouse passes away, their 50% share in the property will be distributed according to their will. If there is no will, the inheritance will be determined by Israeli intestate succession laws, which take into account the surviving spouse, children, and other relatives.
  • If the foreign spouse purchases property before marriage, upon the death of the spouse who owns the property, the foreign spouse may have inheritance rights under Israeli law, depending on the presence of a will or the application of intestate succession rules.

Read more about What Happens If Someone Dies Without A Will In Israel (Intestate).

Additional Things You Need to Know About Property Rights of Foreign Spouses in Israel

• Prenuptial Agreements: It’s crucial for couples, especially foreign spouses with different cultural expectations or legal systems, to consider drafting a prenuptial agreement. This document outlines how property will be divided in case of divorce or death, thereby protecting individual rights.
• Foreign Laws: In some cases, the laws of the foreign spouse’s country may also have implications for their property rights in Israel, particularly about inheritance. We advise you to consult with an Israeli lawyer at Aharoni Law Firm who is familiar with both Israeli and foreign laws to fully understand the potential complexities, ensuring you have the support and guidance you need.

Aharoni Law Firm specializes in Israeli real estate law and can provide expert advice on property rights for foreign spouses, prenuptial agreements, and other related legal matters.

Contact us for a free consultation and get peace of mind. We’re confident in our expertise that we offer a no-risk guarantee.

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I contacted Rahav about a property we inherited in Israel. He responded immediately. For a very reasonable fee, he handled the entire transaction, referred me to someone to do an official translation of the documents for the Israeli consulate. While I expected all of the above, Mr. Aharoni made several follow up calls to be sure the process was completed. I have worked with many attorneys but have never had such complete, wonderful service. It’s also important to note that I contacted Mr. Aharoni through a Google search. So I had no idea how this would go. I highly recommend this law firm.

– Dave Fink, Chatsworth, CA