How Foreign Buyers Transfer Money to Israel
Licensed by the Israel Capital Market Authority · #57103 · Serving clients since 2013
Foreign buyers do not need an Israeli bank account to buy property in Israel. You wire funds from your home bank to Adesco, convert at transparent market rates, and pay every property obligation same-day through Adesco.
- Construction vouchers (Shovar), bank checks, tax vouchers, and bank transfers
- Same-day payout in Israel vs. 3-7 business days at your home bank
- Save up to 4,000 NIS per $100,000 transferred (up to 20,000 NIS on $500K)
- Licensed by the Israel Capital Market Authority (License 57103)
Adesco is a licensed Israeli currency specialist. You send one international wire; Adesco converts to shekels and sends each payment where your contract requires it.
Do you need an Israeli bank account to buy property in Israel?
No. Wire funds from your home bank to Adesco and pay every property obligation same-day - no Israeli bank or lawyer trust account needed.
Part of our guide to buying property in Israel.
What are the two options for transferring money to Israel?
Your home bank in the US, UK, or Europe. Can send an international wire, but with hidden exchange markups, wire fees, and 3-7 day clearing times. Cannot send Shovar vouchers, Israeli bank checks, or tax payments.
Adesco. Converts at market rates with a published spread, then pays every obligation in shekels same-day. Licensed #57103.
US, UK, or Europe
Don't take our word for it
What foreign property buyers say about Adesco
“Adesco provided the perfect solution assisting in paying for our home purchase in Israel. They were kind, quick, and efficient. They are well versed in all the legal requirements and helped us make this a very smooth process.”
“We recently needed to transfer money to Israel to purchase an apartment. Adesco made the process very convenient. We had several transactions including payments directly to the seller and to our developer. Everything went very smoothly.”
“I had an excellent experience transferring funds from Switzerland to Israel. The service was smooth, fast, and trustworthy. Céline was incredibly professional, helpful, and kind throughout the entire process.”
Buying property in Israel from abroad?
Set up your account before your first Shovar deadline. Account setup takes a few minutes online and one call with your dedicated advisor. Transfers process same-day after that.
Trusted by foreign buyers from the US, UK, and Europe since 2013.
What payments can you make using Adesco?
Every obligation during your transaction, handled through Adesco:
- Shovar payments: construction vouchers to your developer, same-day
- Bank checks: issued and delivered for resale and other property payments
- Purchase tax (Mas Rechisha): paid directly to the Israel Tax Authority
- Capital gains tax (Mas Shevach): where applicable
- Lawyer and broker fees: sent directly per contract terms, fully documented
- Madad adjustments: calculated and transferred to your developer each month
- Suppliers and contractors: paid directly from your Adesco account
How do you open an account and get started?
- 1Open your accountAccount setup takes a few minutes online and one call with your dedicated advisor. Identity verification and source-of-funds documentation handled digitally.
- 2Share your contractYour advisor reviews the payment schedule and confirms the details before any funds move.
- 3Wire from your home bankYou send funds from your bank in the US, UK, or Europe to Adesco. Live market rates, no hidden fees.
- 4Adesco handles every paymentSame-day Shovar vouchers, bank checks, tax payments, and bank transfers, with full documentation provided.
What documents do you need?
Israeli financial regulations require source-of-funds documentation for international property transfers. Adesco will review these before your first transfer:
- Passport copy
- Source of funds documentation: bank statements, property sale contracts, or inheritance papers
- Signed purchase contract for the Israeli property
Start gathering documents before your first wire - not at the payment deadline.
How much does it cost to wire money to Israel for a property purchase?
The cost has two components.
Exchange rate margin. Your home bank converts your currency to shekels at their internal rate, which includes a hidden markup. Adesco charges a smaller, published spread. Adesco's full pricing is published here.
Transfer fees. Home banks charge wire fees on international transfers. Adesco charges zero transfer fees and pays out domestically in shekels, so there are no Israeli receiving fees.
Based on typical bank margins of 2-4% above live market rate. Actual savings vary with market conditions.
What is a Shovar and why do foreign buyers need to understand it?
A Shovar is a construction payment voucher issued at each milestone. It specifies the shekel amount, deadline, and destination account. Adesco handles Shovar and bank check payments for both new-build and resale purchases.
New-build amounts may shift with the Madad index. Confirm the current amount with your lawyer before paying.
What is the most common mistake?
Waiting until the last moment. International wires take 3-7 business days to clear - often longer than the window your lawyer gives you.
Miss a Shovar deadline and the consequences are written into your contract. Set up your Adesco account before you sign.
Related property transfer guides
Everything foreign buyers need to transfer money for Israeli property - all in one place.
Foreign Buyers Transferring to Israel
Ready to set up before your first payment?
Your dedicated advisor walks you through every payment before funds move. Same-day processing once your account is set up.