|
 |
מדריך למשפחות היוצאות ל-Relocation
|
Going on Relocation Check List
Relocation may be a wonderful experience...
When starting to plan your move it often seems that there is no end for the things you should consider. Our relocation checklist makes it easier for you to review your tasks step by step. The checklist is designed for Israeli Expats and their family leaving Israel for a mission abroad.
This report does not refer to inner company's relocation policy and procedures.
Table of Content - General Planning
Three Months before Moving
Visa & Passport
Income Tax
Health Insurance
Destination Services
Pre-Destination Trip
Home Search
Education/Schools
Spouse Activity
Providers' Letters
Temporary Housing
Apartment Sell/Rental
Household Goods Move
Plan Your Relocation Time Line
Car Arrangements
Pets
Last Will and Testament
One Month before Moving
Securing and preparing the new house
Education/Schools Registration
Flight Reservations
Temporary Housing
Bank, Money and Credit Card
Insurance and Pension Issues
National Insurance/Social Security
Change-of-Address Update
Start packing boxes
Disconnecting Utilities and Canceling Memberships
Inform Israeli Authorities
Inform Host Country Authorities
International Driving License
Two Weeks before Moving
Rental Car
Vital Documents
New House Cleaning
One Week before Moving
What goes in the plane with you?
Travel Arrangements for your Pets
|
Three Months before Moving
|
| Visa & Passport |
Make sure your Visa application is in process. It may take few weeks up to several months to issue a Visa according to the location.
Make sure your Passport expiration date meets with destination immigration regulations (Usually, the passport needs to be valid for more then a year after the end of the assignment).
Make sure all your family members have a valid passport according to the same conditions.
To renew passport during the assignment you will need to go the Israeli Consulate in the host country.
|
| Income Tax |
Every relocation assignment has many implications on your income tax payments both in Israel and in the destination country. An effective tax-planning program can save you a considerable amount of taxes (and vice versa...). Make sure that you will receive a professional tax consulting in both countries ahead of time in order to allow you and your company to take the appropriate steps to ensure optimal tax planning.
|
| Discus your Health Insurance issues at the destination with your HR department |
In some countries you will need to get immunizations. Call the health office to get more details. It is very important to take out an international health insurance able to cover you and your family in any case (even in short term missions of several days). Do not forget vaccination requirements for travelers of all ages. Some vaccines must be given several weeks before leaving.
Ask your, dentist, ophthalmologist and any other specialists to renew all your prescriptions so that you can continue your treatment abroad. Do not forget to ask for your medical files.
In case you need major dental treatment it is recommended you complete the treatment before relocating.
Find out what is the health insurance program that will cover you and your family at the destination place. Some programs do not cover (or cover partially) certain treatments and prescriptions. You need to be aware of any limitation that might constitute a problem to you and to your family in order to consider the implications ahead of time.
|
| Destination Services at the new location: Home Finding, Area Orientation |
Discuss your home finding trip with your HR department.
Consider identifying a relocation company to assist you with your homefinding needs.
Obtain information about your destination area.
Find out about residential options and living conditions.
Find out about schools and childcare facilities in your destination area- Find out what the new school requirements are? (report cards, grades, list of textbooks etc.).
|
| Pre-Destination Trip |
Discuss your pre-destination trip with your HR department.
Plan the agenda of your pre-destination trip.
Identify resources (colleagues/HR Manager at the destination area, real-estate agents, etc.) you can consult for your pre-destination trip.
Obtain information about your destination area.
|
| Home Search |
Find out about residential options and living conditions.
Learn the real estate terminology and terms in your destination area.
Define the specifications of the accommodation you are looking to rent/buy (location, budget, type, number of rooms, etc.).
Be prepared to invest a significant amount of time and energy in the home search process. In some destination areas there is a low availability in qualified accommodation options. In other areas the lease contract process involves intense negotiations and can take several weeks. In most destination areas landlords are not available on weekends and all meetings need to take place during regular weekdays.
|
| Education/Schools |
Find out about schools and childcare facilities in your destination area.
Find out what the new school requirements are (report cards, grades, list of textbooks etc.).
Note that international schools and high-level public schools are often full and have no vacancies. Secure your child place as early as possible.
|
| Spouse Activity |
It is important to start planning for your spouse's activity (employment, education, volunteer activity, etc.) as soon as possible.
In select countries it is possible to receive a spouse a work permit for your spouse. Some companies will apply for a work permit for your spouse. However, it is up to you and your spouse to do the job search in those countries. Take into consideration the applicable professional requirements. Receiving a certification for certain professions (like medical professions) can take a long time and require a great deal of preparation.
In many cases, the relocation period is an excellent opportunity for your spouse to fulfill long-standing dreams. We know of a teacher who took a sculpture training and became a sculpture; of a police officer that went to a chef's school and became a chef; a social worker who finally completed her MA and training and became a psychologist. The sky's the limit - and this can really be the right opportunity.
|
| Providers' Letters |
Letters from providers might be required when opening a bank account, establishing a credit history (in the U.S.), leasing an accommodation, buying a cellular phone and buying insurance. It is recommended to ask for letters from the following service providers:
Bank (reliable customers, high standard of payment).
Credit card (reliable customers, high standard of payment).
Utilities providers: electricity, phone, cellular phone (reliable customers, high standard of payment).
Landlord (in case you are currently leasing an accommodation).
Car Insurance agent (lack of claims for the last 3 years).
|
| Is there a need for temporary housing in the new location? |
In case you would need a temporary housing solution (either in your country of origin or in your destination area) for a period of more than a few days it is advisable to start looking for such a solution at this stage. Suitable temporary housing solutions for a period of several weeks (especially for families with children) are usually scarce (especially in high-seasons).
|
| Start the process for your current apartment rent |
Should you plan to rent your apartment it is recommended to consider adding a diplomatic clause to the contract. You may use this as a template "The Land Lord is entitled to announce the termination of the contract and its annulment at any time and for any reason by providing the tenant with a minimum of two months notice. The termination and annulment of the contract in this manner does not entitle the Tenant to any compensation, except for rental of one months rent". However, such wording might have an impact on your residency in Israel for tax purposes. It is recommended that you consult a tax advisor.
|
| Plan your Household Goods Move |
Following is the process for moving your Household Goods:
- A professional mover will send you an estimator to visit your home in order to determine the size of your shipment, including your packing requirements. He/she will then be able to tell you the cost of the shipment.
- You need to coordinate with the moving company in order to receive boxes for packing your goods.
- Plan and schedule the packing date according to the time it will take the goods to get to your new home. The period of time for door-to-door international sea cargo ranges from 4 to 10 weeks.
Discuss Household Goods move with your HR department
Are you going to ship the goods with you (furniture, appliances)? - Find out if you will be able to use your appliances in the host country or if it is customary to have them already installed in rented properties.
Make a list of the goods you are going to ship and measure furniture
Check with your shipping company that your belongings are insured and covered for transportation
Make a list of goods you are going to leave behind - are you leaving it in your apartment? Selling it? Donating it or putting it in storage while you are away?
Make a list of goods you are going to take with you on the plan (jewelry, camera, items with sentimental value, etc.).
Prepare a copy of your passport (each and every page) to provide the movers.
Clearly mark and set aside items you do not want to ship.
Schedule the packing day
|
| Plan your Relocation Time Line |
Pre-view trip dates
Searching for a home and securing it.
When do you intend to leave Israel?
When do you intend to pack and ship your belongings?
When do you intend to arrive to the new site?
When do you intend to get into your new home?
|
| Car Arrangements |
Selling your car - keep in mind that selling a car may take longer then expected. DO NOT FORGET to change the ownership of the car to the new owner (It will avoid you getting un-necessary tickets...).
Storing the car - Have your car tuned up and prepared for the long storage.
|
| Pets |
When moving overseas with pets have a look on the Internet for quarantine rules and medical restrictions for the country you are moving to. To travel by air your pet will need to be in good health and be up-to-date with all of its shots and vaccinations. Your pet will need to have a rabies shot prior to traveling. If you are considering tranquillizers for your pet you may want to request some expert medical advice on the risks to your pet.
Remember, a "relocating pet" will be confused, frightened or even become sick. If the pet has a bed used regularly at your old home take it with you so your pet will be more comfortable.
Find out what are the destination regulations for bringing a pet into the country: health certificates, identification tag, license, vaccinations and quarantine time if needed.
Make an appointment for your pet to be examined by your veterinarian. Vaccinations should be up-to-date (especially rabies).
|
| Last Will and Testament |
It is recommended to write a will and to leave a copy in Israel. It is also recommended to appoint someone as a legal guardian for your children in case something happens to you during your assignment (some countries appoint the local authorities as the temporary guardian for orphans in case there is no will specifying the guardian).
|
|
One Month before Moving
|
| Secure your New Home |
If you are planning on renting, sign an agreement with new landlord and obtain a post office box or full address for future mail. It is recommended to add a diplomatic clause to the contract. You may use this as a template "The Tenant is entitled to announce the termination of the contract and its annulment at any time and for any reason by providing two months notice. The termination and annulment of the contract in this manner does not entitle the Land Lord to any compensation, except reimbursement for one months rent"
Register and secure a place for your child at the new school or childcare facility.
Take with you translated school records.
Note that International schools are often full and have no vacancies. Secure your child place as early as possible.
Arrange for any repairs in your new house.
|
| Education/Schools |
Register and secure a place for your child at the new school or childcare facility.
Take with you translated school records.
|
| Flight Reservations |
Order your flight tickets and make reservations.
|
| Temporary Housing |
Where will you stay at your new destination until your house is ready with your belongings?
Make reservations for temporary housing.
Are you going to use your Israeli appliances? Will you rent appliances or purchase them locally?
Where are you going to stay in Israel until your flight and after your belongings are packed and shipped?
|
| Bank, Money and Credit Card |
Notify your bank and take care of your accounts:
- Cash Account
- Savings
- Stocks
Arrange and prepare for transferring your accounts to the new destination.
Arrange for an International credit card. Without credit card in many countries you are a "nobody".
Make sure you have enough cash for expenses: rent, insurance, rental car, deposits etc.
|
| Insurance and Pension Issues |
Bituch Menahalim - find out your company policy. If your company will stop to contribute it share, it is recommended to continue the contribution of the appropriate amount for continuation of the "risk" components (life insurance and long term disability insurance) of the managerial insurance.
Health and Luggage Insurance - make sure you and your effects are covered and insured for the trip to your destination and for the first period of your stay until your permanent insurance will be in place.
House and Belongings Insurance - Find out about the insurance options for your new house and the content of the house (your belongings).
Car Insurance in the host country - in some countries your driving history and experience will not be considered and you will be treated as a new driver. In some countries this insurance would be 3-4 times more expensive then the regular insurance in case you will choose to use an international drivers license instead of a local one. Please consult with the locals at your office to find a good insurance agent and rates. In some cases it would be recommended to replace the insurance company after 6 months when you will have an established history. At this point you can receive the regular fees. Ask your Israeli insurance company to provide you with a formal letter (in English) proving your insurance history. It may help you in the host location.
Discuss with your pension consultant/insurance agent your status during the assignment. In most cases it is possible to keep the RISK elements of your pension fund and/or managerial insurance program for a period of 2 to 4 years.
|
| National Insurance/Social Security |
National Insurance (Bituch Leumi) - Determine your preferred status while on assignment (temporary assignment or immigration). Inform the office close to your home about your status. In case of a temporary assignment you would need to pay the minimum rate (an unemployment rate) of the National Insurance (137 Nis per month).
In case the destination country has a Totalization Agreement (Double Social Security treaty) with Israel (Great Britain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Finland, Uruguay and Italy) ask your company about the policy in this issue. In addition, you will need to pay Israeli National Insurance minimum rate according to the Israeli law (86 Nis per month in case of a Totalization Agreement).
In case you will stay on an Israeli payroll during your assignment, and the assignment period is less than 5 years, and your company will need to continue the regular contributions to National Insurance and Health Tax:
In case you are being employed abroad you will need to make National Insurance contributions according a passive income rate (over 15% up to the National Security and Health Tax contribution ceiling).
|
| Change of Address Update: |
Friends and family
Banks
Insurance companies.
Credit card companies.
Magazines and newspapers - cancel local newspaper delivery.
Doctors, dentists and other providers - transfer drug prescriptions.
Post office Follow Me services is limited for other Israelis addresses only - Fill out a post office Follow Me form if needed.
|
| Start packing boxes |
Mark boxes clearly as to contents and room to be placed in. Mark "Open First" clearly on boxes containing important items to be unpacked first:
Dishes
Pots and pans
Alarm clock
Bedding
Special toys
Towels
Plates
Tools - hammer, pliers, screwdriver
|
| Disconnecting of Utilities and Memberships |
Phone Line - inform Bezeq and ask them to disconnect your phone line or freeze it (this is valid for two years). Make sure the last bill is sent to a familiar contact in Israel.
Long Distance Calls Company - inform the long distance call company of your move and close your account.
Electricity - inform the electricity company and ask them to disconnect your apartment/house. In case new tenants take over your apartment/house make sure that meters are read and bills paid accordingly.
Water - inform the water company/municipality and ask them to disconnect your apartment/house. In case new tenants take over your apartment/house make sure that meters are read and bills paid accordingly.
Cables/Satellite - inform the cables/satellite supplier and ask them to disconnect the apartment/house. Return the cables/satellite box and request refund.
Municipality fees - inform the municipality and close your account.
Gas - inform the gas company and close your account. Shut down the main switch.
Internet provider - inform the Internet provider and ask to disconnect the services.
Other -clubs, gym, mineral water, Newspapers and Magazines etc.
|
| Inform Israeli Authorities |
Bituch Leumi (see previous paragraph "National Insurance/Social Security").
Army Unit - make sure your unit adjutancy will stamp your passport with "Ishur Yetziah" Confirmation to leave Israel.
Broadcast Authority
In case you are holding a weapon - deposit it at the police station close to your home.
|
| Inform Host Country Authorities |
Make sure you have all the relevant information about the Host Country's registration requirements (social security registration, municipal registration, police registration, etc.).
Make sure you take all the required steps to apply to the Host Country's registration requirements. In some cases, missing the registration due date may cause severe legal actions up to immediate deportation from the Host Country.
|
| Issue an International Driving License |
Find out what are the driving licensing procedures and rules in your destination and make sure you have all the documents needed to issue a local driving license. To issue an international driving license you need to go to MMSI on the Harakevt 20 St. in Tel Aviv phone number 03- 5641121. Please take with you:
- your Israeli driving license
- ID card
- 6 passport photos
Remember to find out for how long can you use the International Driving License in the host location before it will expire.
In the US your driving license is your ID card. Have one with you at all times.
|
|
|
One Week before Moving
Until you and your family arrive at your apartment, you will be living in temporary housing and dependent on what you brought in your suitcases. It is recommended to use light but strong suitcases with locks. To avoid loss or delays try not to send the suitcases to the final destination but take them with you even when you have long flights with transits.
|
| Plan what goes in the plane with you: |
Toys and games for kids
Passports, important documents and records
Change of clothes and toiletries for your first day
Clothes for the first weeks that will fit the climate at the destination
Bathroom kit - tooth brushes, tooth paste, soap
Toilet paper / tissue
First aid kit / medications
Food kit with bottled water
|
| Make travel arrangements for your pets (in case they will relocate as well). |
|
|
|
