🇮🇱 How a U.S. Citizen Can Obtain an Israeli Special Power of Attorney (SPA)

🇮🇱 How a U.S. Citizen Can Obtain an Israeli Special Power of Attorney (SPA)

A Complete Step-by-Step Legal Guide

✅ What Is an Israeli Special Power of Attorney?

A Special Power of Attorney (SPA) in Israel—known in Hebrew as ייפוי כוח מיוחד—is a legal document that authorizes another person (an “agent” or “proxy”) to act on your behalf for a specific and limited legal matter, such as selling real estate, handling immigration matters, managing a bank account, or attending court hearings.

This is not the same as a general or durable power of attorney. It only applies to specific legal actions listed in the document.

🧾 Common Use Cases for Israeli Special Power of Attorney

U.S. citizens—especially those with business, real estate, or family ties to Israel—commonly need a SPA for:

• 🇮🇱 Selling or buying real estate in Israel

• 🏛 Filing or handling legal cases in Israeli courts

• 🏦 Managing an Israeli bank account or financial matter

• 📄 Representing someone before Israeli government offices, including the Tax Authority or Land Registry

• 🛂 Filing immigration or aliyah applications with the Jewish Agency or Ministry of Interior

• 👪 Handling family law matters, such as child custody or divorce proceedings

• 📝 Notarizing documents in the U.S. for Israeli use

🏛 Is a U.S. Notarized Power of Attorney Valid in Israel?

Not directly. Israel requires foreign powers of attorney to be notarized and apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention, which both the U.S. and Israel are members of.

Once apostilled, the SPA is typically recognized in Israel, especially if it’s drafted in Hebrew or accompanied by a certified translation.

📋 Step-by-Step: How to Prepare and Use an Israeli Special Power of Attorney in the U.S.

✅ Step 1: Determine the Legal Matter and Scope

Clarify exactly what legal authority you want to grant. Common SPA types in Israel include:

• Real estate transaction SPA

• Court representation SPA

• Immigration/legal status SPA

• Bank access SPA

You must clearly define the scope, as the document is only valid for those actions.

If you’re not sure, consult an Israeli attorney:

🔗 Israel Bar Association – Find a Lawyer

✅ Step 2: Draft the Power of Attorney

You may either:

• Hire an Israeli attorney to prepare the Hebrew SPA (recommended), or

• Use an SPA template (real estate and legal SPA templates are available online)

The document should include:

• Full name and ID/passport details of the principal (you) and the agent

• A clear and specific description of the authorized action(s)

• A notarization clause

• Place and date

• Optional: An expiration clause

📄 Example Template for Real Estate:

🔗 Israel Real Estate SPA Sample (PDF – Hebrew)

✅ Step 3: Sign the SPA Before a Notary Public

If you’re in the U.S., you must sign the SPA in front of:

• A U.S. Notary Public, or

• An Israeli Consular Officer at your nearest Israeli consulate

Preferred Option for Israel:

A notarized Hebrew SPA signed in front of an Israeli notary or consulate officer is ideal for real estate and legal matters in Israel.

📍 Find your nearest consulate:

🔗 Israeli Consulates in the U.S. – List

✅ Step 4: Apostille the Document (if notarized in the U.S.)

If you signed your SPA before a U.S. notary, it must be:

1. Notarized

2. Apostilled by the Secretary of State in the state where the notary is commissioned

🔗 Apostille Info – U.S. Department of State

🔗 Example: California Apostille Services

✅ Step 5: Translate the SPA into Hebrew (If Needed)

If the SPA was written in English, many Israeli institutions will require an official or sworn Hebrew translation.

Your options:

• Ask your Israeli attorney to provide the SPA in Hebrew

• Hire a certified translator who can attach a notarized affidavit of accuracy

✅ Step 6: Send the Documents to Israel

You may email scanned copies first to your agent or attorney in Israel, but official institutions may require original hard copies via FedEx, DHL, or courier.

Include:

• Original SPA

• Apostille certificate (if applicable)

• Hebrew translation (if applicable)

✅ Step 7: Submit the SPA to the Relevant Authority in Israel

Your agent or attorney will present the SPA to:

• Land Registry Office (Tabu) – for real estate

• Israel Tax Authority – for financial/legal representation

• Ministry of Justice or Courts – for legal proceedings

• Bank – for financial or account management

• Population & Immigration Authority – for visa or immigration processes

Some entities may require:

• The agent’s ID card copy

• A copy of your passport

• Notarized verification by an Israeli notary

📄 Israel Land Authority Forms (Hebrew)

🧾 Sample Scenarios

🏠 Real Estate: Selling Your Apartment in Tel Aviv

• You live in Los Angeles and want to sell your property in Israel.

• Your Israeli real estate lawyer drafts a Hebrew SPA giving them the right to sign contracts and transfer ownership.

• You notarize and apostille the SPA in California and FedEx it to your lawyer.

• Your lawyer submits the SPA to the Land Registry and proceeds with the sale.

🏛 Court Representation: Divorce Case in Family Court

• You live in New York and need someone to represent you in a family case in Israel.

• You issue an SPA to your attorney in Israel.

• The SPA is accepted by the Israeli family court as authority to represent you.

🛂 Using the Israeli Consulate to Sign an SPA

If you want the fastest and most officially recognized SPA, schedule an appointment with your nearest Israeli consulate and sign the SPA in person before a consular officer.

Advantages:

• No apostille needed

• No translation needed if done in Hebrew

• Direct recognition by Israeli authorities

🔗 Book Appointment – Israeli Consulate Services

❗ Legal Notes and Tips

• Real estate SPA in Israel must be notarized by an Israeli attorney/notary. Many U.S.-based Hebrew-speaking Israeli notaries can assist.

• Some banks or agencies may only accept SPAs signed in Israel or at the consulate.

• A special POA expires after the specific action is completed or within a set time period—include an expiration date if needed.

• Power of Attorney in probate matters may require court approval.

📚 Official Resources and Backlinks

🧠 Final Thoughts

A Special Power of Attorney is a critical tool for U.S. citizens managing legal affairs in Israel from abroad. Whether you’re selling property, handling family law, or managing bank accounts, understanding the requirements, legal format, and apostille process is key to ensuring your SPA is legally valid in Israel.

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