Cancelling a property purchase in Israel: penalties, purchase tax refund and pitfalls to avoid
Cancellations of residential sale agreements are multiplying in Israel: according to the Chief Economist Department of the Ministry of Finance, they have jumped by around 41% year on year. Many English-speaking buyers then discover that a contract signed in Israel is rarely undone without consequence. Here is what Israeli law actually provides, and how to limit the damage. I. Why so many cancellations in 2026? The phenomenon is directly linked to the financing structures that spread over recent years, notably the well-known 20/80: the buyer pays 20% on signature and the balance on delivery,...
Read MoreEnforcement in Israel of French Criminal Convictions: France’s New Strategy Toward French Nationals Residing in Israel
A major development, albeit one not without risks, in criminal cooperation between the French and Israeli authorities For several months, the French judicial authorities appear to have adopted a particularly stringent approach toward individuals convicted by French courts who are now residing in Israel. For many years, pursuant to the 1957 European Convention on Extradition, the preferred procedure consisted of requesting the extradition of wanted individuals. This process, however, was particularly burdensome and complex, involving lengthy processing times, numerous appeals, and extensive...
Read MorePolish Citizenship by Descent: A Strategic Legal Right in an Uncertain International Context
Interest in European citizenships is currently accelerating significantly. Among them, Polish citizenship holds a particular place, since it does not arise from any discretionary mechanism, but from the recognition of a transmissible right, founded on consistent legislation and on an administrative practice that is now well established. In the present context, this step goes well beyond a mere question of identity: it forms part of a logic of anticipation, security and long-term planning. I. A geopolitical context that has become an incentive Recent developments in the international...
Read MoreThe exequatur in France of a divorce pronounced in Israel
The growing number of Franco-Israeli marriages and the international mobility of families have led to a significant increase in divorces involving a foreign element. Where a divorce is granted in Israel, the question of its recognition and effectiveness in France becomes a central concern for the spouses involved. Contrary to a widespread belief, an Israeli divorce does not automatically produce effects in France. In the absence of any specific bilateral convention between the two States regarding the recognition of divorce decisions, the matter is governed by the French general law of...
Read MoreLegal Framework in the Context of a Second Marriage
Marriage Contract, Will, and Lasting Power of Attorney Beginning a second chapter in life—after divorce or widowhood—does not only mean turning a new page emotionally, but also rebuilding a home, trust, and partnership. Whether it concerns a married couple or partners living together under the same roof, it is essential to establish a solid legal framework for the relationship in order to protect the rights of the spouses themselves, the children from previous marriages, and the assets accumulated over the years. To this end, three essential documents should be put in place: a marriage...
Read MoreReal Estate Acquisition in Israel: How to Invest Using Funds from a French SCI
When planning a real estate project in Israel, the available paths are numerous but often appear complex. Between the general characteristics of such transactions, tax optimization, legal structures, and banking regulations, many investors feel discouraged in their approach.However, one strategic question frequently arises: is it possible to acquire real estate in Israel using funds from a French SCI (Société Civile Immobilière)?Whether you wish to purchase in your personal name or through your company, solutions do exist. Proper legal guidance is essential to transform such a project into...
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