preface

2.5. INFRASTRUCTURE
BDO Israel
DOING BUSINESS IN ISRAEL
Israel offers a broad and solid infrastructure to entrepreneurs, investors and
business people in all sectors. The Israeli banking system is modern,
automated, highly computerized and a well-established component of the
international banking system.
All services required by businesses, such as insurance, legal, temporary
manpower, communications; IT systems etc. are available in the most advanced
formats.
Israel offers an advanced domestic and international transportation system,
with an extensive inter-urban highway network. New highways are constantly
being built to enable fast and safe mobility throughout the country. Israel is
linked to the rest of the world via air and sea.
2.6. WORKING IN ISRAEL
In order to work in Israel, a non-resident is required to obtain a work permit
(usually B-1 visa) or hold a status other than “tourist”. To obtain work permits,
Israeli employers are required to apply to the Ministry of Labor and Social
Affairs and, where applicable, to the Investments Center as well.
According to the “Law of Return”, immigrants are entitled to a “permanent
resident” status, or an A-1 visa, which grants the immigrant a “temporary
resident” status.
2.7. BUSINESS HOURS
Full time work hours are generally 40-45 hours per week in a 5-5.5-day week.
The work week begins on Sunday and ends on Thursday, or Friday at noon.
Work hours in administrative offices are generally from 8:00-9:00 am to
4:00-5:00 pm. Banks are open from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm from Sunday through
Thursday and from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on two afternoons.
Stores are regularly open until 7:00 pm or later. On Saturday (the Jewish
Sabbath) almost all businesses and offices are closed.
Legal holidays are determined in accordance with the Hebrew calendar. On the
eve of Jewish holidays, business usually ends in the early afternoon.
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