Registering for Municipal Services in Israel: A Newcomer’s Guide
So, you’ve made the exciting decision to move to Israel—mazal tov! Whether you’re here for work, study, or a new adventure, one of the most essential steps to settling into your new life is registering for municipal services. While the process can seem a bit daunting at first, with the right information, it can be much smoother than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about registering for municipal services in Israel, including how to get started, what services you’ll need to access, and a few tips to make the process easier.
1. Why Registering for Municipal Services is Important
When you move to a new city or town in Israel, registering for municipal services is a crucial part of becoming a local resident. Municipal services (also known as iriyah services) cover everything from water, waste management, property taxes (known as arnona), and social services to community programs, local schools, and libraries.
Without registering, you may miss out on essential services or face delays in accessing important amenities. Moreover, many services, such as applying for a parking permit or registering your children for school, are only available to residents who have officially registered with their local municipality.
Example: If you’ve moved to Tel Aviv, you’ll need to register with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality (Iriyat Tel Aviv-Yafo) to ensure you receive water services, pay your municipal taxes, and can take advantage of the city’s cultural and social programs.
2. Registering for Property Taxes (Arnona)
One of the first things you will likely hear about upon moving to Israel is arnona, the municipal property tax. Whether you’re renting or buying a home, you are required to pay this tax, which is used to fund local services such as sanitation, road maintenance, and public spaces.
How to Register for Arnona
When you move into a new apartment or house, it’s important to register for arnona as soon as possible. Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Contact the Municipality – Each city has its own procedure for registering for arnona. You can usually do this online through the municipality’s website or visit the local municipal offices in person.
- Step 2: Provide Necessary Documents – You will need to provide proof of residency, such as a rental contract or property deed, and your Israeli ID number (Teudat Zehut). New immigrants (olim) or temporary residents may also need to show their visa or Teudat Oleh (New Immigrant Certificate).
- Step 3: Check for Discounts – Many municipalities offer discounts on arnona for new immigrants, young couples, students, and senior citizens. Make sure to inquire about these when registering!
Example: In Jerusalem, new immigrants are eligible for a 70% discount on arnona for the first year, provided they apply within 90 days of moving in.
3. Setting Up Utilities: Water, Electricity, and Gas
After registering for arnona, the next step is setting up your utilities. In Israel, utilities are not provided by the municipality but by separate companies. However, it’s still crucial to make sure you are registered and paying the correct rates.
Water
Water services are typically managed by local water corporations. For instance, if you live in Tel Aviv, your water provider will be Mei Avivim. You will need to register your name and account details with the local water company when you move in.
- Documents Required: Similar to arnona, you’ll need a rental agreement or proof of ownership and your Israeli ID.
- Bill Frequency: Water bills are generally issued bi-monthly and can be paid online, via bank transfer, or at post offices.
Electricity
Israel’s electricity supplier is the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC, or Hevrat Hashmal). You’ll need to contact the IEC to register for an account in your name. The IEC offers an easy-to-use online portal where you can manage your account, pay bills, and even report issues.
- Tip: Consider setting up automatic payments (hora’at keva) through your bank to ensure you never miss a bill!
Gas
Many homes in Israel use gas for cooking and heating water. Depending on your building, you may have a centralized system managed by your building’s management company, or you may need to register with a private gas company. Popular gas providers include Amisragas and Supergas.
Example: If you rent an apartment in Haifa, you might find that gas services are provided centrally through the building. In such cases, you’ll need to register with the building’s management for gas services, rather than a private company.
4. Accessing Social and Educational Services
Israel places great emphasis on social services, including healthcare, education, and community support. Once you’ve registered your address with your local municipality, you can take advantage of these services.
Healthcare Registration
While healthcare is nationalized in Israel and provided through one of the four Health Funds (Kupot Holim), registering your address with the municipality ensures you are linked to local services like family health centers (Tipat Halav), where young children receive vaccinations and checkups.
School Registration
If you have children, registering for a local school is high on your priority list. Municipalities usually handle school registration, especially for public schools. Be sure to check deadlines for school enrollment, as they can vary between cities.
- Documents Required: Proof of residence, your child’s birth certificate, and Israeli ID numbers for both the child and parents.
Example: In Rishon LeZion, new residents can register their children for local schools via the municipality’s online platform, which opens registration a few months before the school year begins.
Conclusion: Welcome to Your New Community!
Registering for municipal services is an essential part of settling into life in Israel. While the process may seem overwhelming at first, it’s a key step in ensuring you receive all the services you need—from utilities to social services and beyond. Remember that each municipality might have slightly different procedures, so it’s always a good idea to check your local council’s website or visit their office for specific instructions.
By taking the time to register for these services, you’ll not only make your transition smoother, but you’ll also begin to truly feel like part of your new community. Welcome to Israel, and here’s to a smooth and successful start!