Work conditions in Israel
- Israelis generally work from 8:30h until 18:00h, Sunday through Thursday.
- Some Israelis also work Friday mornings until 12:00h.
- All workers are entitled to 36 hours of consecutive rest during the week. This is usually taken on Friday and Saturday, also in research institutions.
- Israelis follow a demanding work schedule. Even though the work week is 43 hours for full-time job, many Israelis work longer.
Salary information
If you have B-1 Visa, this info is for you:
Salaries in Israel are typically lower than in European and North American countries. At the same time, the cost of living in Israel is higher than in many other countries. However, you can still have a decent lifestyle without saving every penny.
Overtime payments
Israel has a fairly standard policy on overtime pay for wage workers. For the first two hours of overtime, employers pay you 1.25 of your hourly wage. For every hour after that, employers pay you 1.5 of your hourly wage.
Holidays and vacations
Israel observes Jewish holidays. There are nine national holidays, which include Passover and the Jewish New Year. The specific dates of these holidays change every year because the holidays are on the Jewish calendar.
Employees are entitled to 1-3 weeks of paid annual vacation. The length of time you have worked at your company determines how much paid vacation you receive.
Sick pay
Your company covers paid sick leave. You must have a doctor's note in order to receive sick pay. You typically get about 35% of your wages for the second and third day of work you miss. From the fourth day onwards, you get 75% of your wages.
Income Deductions and taxation
National insurance
Residents are required to contribute to national insurance (Bituach Leumi), which is run by the National Insurance Institute. This acts as Israel's social security system. Your employer deducts 5% of your income and pays it to national insurance.
The insurance includes pensions, unemployment payments, maternity supplements and disability payments. Employers take care of sick pay.
Health insurance
Your employer deducts an additional 5% of your income for mandatory health insurance.