Moving to Israel
When moving to Israel, the most important factor is the basis on which you are entering. New immigrants, or olim, are entitled to customs benefits that employees posted on a contract do not have. So we plan moves to Israel by checking your status first, and only then do we count boxes. In Wrocław we pack and load your goods, and clearance at the Israeli port and delivery are handled by a partner from the FEDEMAC network.
Oleh status and customs benefits
A person holding a new immigrant certificate (teudat oleh) can bring in household goods with reduced duty and taxes. The benefit applies for a set period after obtaining the status – usually up to three years – and covers a limited number of shipments. Returning residents after a longer stay abroad and some students have similar, though narrower, entitlements.
| Who it applies to | What is usually granted |
|---|---|
| Olim – new immigrants | benefits on household goods, up to three shipments during the entitlement period |
| Returning residents | benefits depending on the length of stay abroad |
| Contract employees | limited exemptions, often temporary import |
| Everyone | limits on electrical appliances – usually one appliance of each type |
The limits on electrical appliances matter in practice: a second fridge or a second television may be subject to duty. The conditions change, so we confirm them with our partner before packing.
Haifa or Ashdod
Haifa
The port in the north. Closest to Haifa, Galilee, Karmiel and Nazareth. Chosen for deliveries to the north of the country.
Ashdod
The port south of Tel Aviv. Convenient for Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Rishon LeZion and Beersheba.
A container from Wrocław usually sails from Hamburg, Bremerhaven or via a Mediterranean port. The voyage most often takes two to four weeks. The situation in the region can affect ship schedules, so we give the timing as a range and update it during shipment.
Shabbat, external lifts and delivery
- From Friday afternoon to Saturday evening there are no deliveries, and offices and ports operate on a limited basis.
- Many apartment blocks have narrow stairwells and small lifts. Large furniture is taken in through the balcony using an external lift.
- In the old quarters of Jerusalem and Jaffa the streets can be too narrow for a lorry, so belongings are moved in a smaller vehicle.
- Flats often have no built-in wardrobes, which is worth considering when deciding which furniture to take.
Preparation in Poland
We prepare the inventory in English, clearly itemising electrical appliances with their brands, so that the authorities can see straight away what qualifies for benefits. We export-pack your belongings and make sure no food or plants end up in the container. If you plan to ship in several batches, some items can wait in our storage. We describe the general course of sea shipments under intercontinental moving, and you can check an approximate volume in the calculator.
Israel – questions about your move
Do I need oleh status before shipping?
To use the benefits, the document confirming your status must be available at clearance. The container can sail earlier, but waiting at the port costs money.
Can I ship my belongings in two parts?
Yes, benefits for olim usually cover several shipments during the entitlement period. This is handy if you want to send some items once you have found a permanent home.
Are new appliances bought before departure covered by the benefits?
They can be, but quantity limits and conditions apply. It is worth checking any major electrical item before you buy it.
How long does a move to Tel Aviv take?
Usually five to eight weeks from packing to delivery, including clearance in Ashdod and arranging the delivery date.
Moving to Israel
We will check which benefits you are entitled to and prepare a free shipping quote.
Free quote