A Toshav Hozer and Katin Hozer has Valuable Rights!

This guide is an overview for importing household goods and personal effects into Israel. We do our best to offer accurate, current information but please remember, Meches (Customs - Ministry of Finance) decides all import duties and taxation.

What's My Status?

There are three catagories of hozrim as detailed below:

Toshav Hozer of 6 Plus Years:  This is an Israeli citizen who has lived outside of Israel for over 6 year AND has spent less then 120 days per year in Israel.

Toshav Hozer of 2-6 Years:  This is an Israeli citizen who has lived outside of Israel for over 2 years (1.5 years for students) and less then 6 years, AND has spent less then 120 days per year in Israel.

Katin Hozer:  This is an Israeli citizen who leaves Israel before the age of 14 together with at least one parent or joined a parent residing abroad, spent at least 4 consecutive years abroad with parent/parents and returns to reside in Israel after the age of 17.
In general, any visit by Toshav/Katin Hozer in excess of 120 days in one year will be regarded as a permanent return to Israel.  

There are exceptions to these guidlines - so be sure to talk to your Jewish Agency Shalich or consular official and check/verify your status.

Shipping Rights and Information for Toshav Hozer and Katin Hozer  

Toshav Hozer.  A toshav hozer can import 2 shipments within 9 months after returning to Israel. Shipments are taxed at 1.02% of the declared dollar value and there is no disounted storage at the port.

Items allowed to be imported tax-free:

• Clothing
• Linens
• Furniture
• Kitchen Utensils
• Pictures & Decorations
• CD/DVD/Media
• General "Household Effects"
• Two Computers
• One Television (Toshav Hozer of 2-6 Years only)
• Two Televisions (Toshav Hozer of 6 Plus Years only)
• Kitchen Appliances (one of each) - but no Dishwashers
• Washing Machine
• Dryer (Toshav Hozer of 2-6 Years only)

All items imported with rights must stay in the toshav hozer's possession for 6 years from the date of import, otherwise depreciated taxes must be paid to Meches.

Taxable imported items are as follows:

• BBQ Grills
• Outdoor Furniture and Swings
• Camping Equipment
• Sports Equipment
• Pool Tables
• Ping Pong Tables
• Fax Machines
• Building Supplies
• Non-Household Goods

The following items are prohibited to to ship to Israel.

• Firearms
• Explosives/Flammables
• Corrosive Chemicals

There are no tax-reduced discounts for shipping a car.



Katin Hozer.  A Katin Hozer has the same rights as an Oleh Hadash, except they must pay 1.02% port tax on their shipment’s declared value, and they do NOT get discounted storage at the port.

The Process:  Before Customs Clearance in Israel, you must go to your local Meches Office (Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem, Ashdod or Haifa) with your Israeli passport (if you have one), Teudat Zehut, Teudat Zchuyot, Foreign Passports and rental contract or housing agreement. Meches will enter you into the computer as having rights.