While there are a few different forms of “corporate” entities in Israel, this guide will focus on companies and partnerships as these are the entities that the non-Israeli businessman is most likely to set up or invest in if they are inclined to penetrate the Israeli market directly (rather than by working through an agent, distributor, etc.). The end of the guide will take a very brief look at the other kinds of entities that exist in Israel...

Types of Business Entities -

Companies -

Israeli companies generally limit the liability of the shareholders for the debts and obligations of the company. The precise form of the limitation of liability is set out in the company’s articles of association. Normally, liability is limited to the subscription price of the shares held by the shareholders. It is possible for an Israeli company to decide not to limit the liability of its shareholders, but this is very rare and will not be considered further. There are private companies, which are companies whose shares cannot be publicly traded and public companies whose shares may be publicly traded on recognized stock exchanges, subject to applicable securities laws. The organs of an Israeli company are the general meeting of its shareholders and the board of directors. The most significant document of corporate governance for Israeli companies is the articles of association. Israeli companies formed after 1999 do not have a memorandum of association.