How to Buy or Rent Land From the Government in Israel
In Israel, the government owns almost all of the land. Since the Jewish people generally consider the land holy, it is philosophically not available for sale. It can only be leased for a limited number of years. When you buy or rent land in Israel, you actually obtain the right to lease the land from the Israel Land Administration for 49 or 98 years, depending on the agreement. Leasing land in Israel is only available to citizens of Israel or foreigners who are Jewish.
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Instructions
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Become a citizen of the state of Israel. According to Israeli law, the Israel Land Administration can't lease land to individuals who are not citizens of Israel. Go to the Interior Ministry and apply for Israeli citizenship. Complete the process and obtain an identity card showing that you are an Israeli citizen. This process can also be completed at an Israeli embassy.
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Bring proof that you are Jewish. You may be able to lease land if you provide proof that you qualify as a Jew, according to the law of Israel. Provide your parents' marriage certificate, since an Orthodox Jewish Rabbi will only perform a marriage for two people whose status as a Jew is confirmed. Bring your birth certificate or your mother's birth certificate, which can be used to confirm that you are Jewish.
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Write a letter to the Israel Land Administration, which oversees all land ownership in Israel (see Resources for more information). Request to begin the process of renting land, completing necessary paperwork. Hire the services of a lawyer who understands Hebrew to help you with these procedures.
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Join together with others who want to buy or lease land in Israel. Read local newspapers and ask your friends to find out where new communities are being started. You may be able to skip over some of the bureaucracy by joining a group of purchasers who have already received authorization to reserve a plot of land for a new community.
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Tips & Warnings
Visit Israel first before buying land there to get a feel for the country and a better idea where you want to buy property.
Israel is well known for its cumbersome bureaucracy. You need tremendous patience and fortitude to navigate and complete the process necessary to buy land in Israel.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit israel flag image by Alexey Hlibov from Fotolia.com
