The question to answer first
Whether service in Israel is valid for a foreign case depends mainly on the rules of the court where the case is heard. Before arranging service, confirm what method that court accepts and what proof of service it needs.
The Hague Service Convention
Israel is a party to the Hague Service Convention. A request for service can be sent through the Israeli Central Authority, which arranges service and returns a certificate. This route is formal and widely accepted, and a translation of the documents may be required.
Personal service by an agent
Where the foreign court accepts it, documents can be served in person by an agent in Israel. The agent delivers the documents to the recipient, or to a company at its registered office, and then signs an affidavit of service describing when, where, how and on whom the documents were served.
Proof that will be accepted abroad
An affidavit of service used abroad may need to be signed before a notary and certified with an apostille. The affidavit should follow the format and include the details the foreign court expects.
Companies and individuals
Individuals are usually served at their home or place of work. Companies are served at their registered office, as it appears in the records of the Registrar of Companies, which can be checked before service is attempted.
