How to Search for Lost Assets and Unclaimed Funds in Israel
A Complete Guide to Finding Dormant Bank Accounts, Forgotten Pension Funds, Unclaimed Property and Inheritance
Many people are unaware that assets may remain unclaimed in Israel. This applies to Israelis, expatriates, new immigrants and heirs living abroad. The assets may be in their own name or in the name of a deceased relative. They include dormant bank accounts, forgotten pension and provident funds (keren pensia, kupat gemel), insurance policies, tax refunds, National Insurance entitlements, deposits, real estate and inheritance. If you are looking for lost assets in Israel, unclaimed funds, an unclaimed inheritance, or the assets of a deceased relative or Holocaust victim, this free guide can help. It lists the official Israeli bodies where such assets can be searched for and claimed, together with direct links.
1. Office of the Custodian General (Ministry of Justice) – Search for dormant bank accounts, securities, assets of deceased persons and other unclaimed assets transferred to the Custodian General – https://www.gov.il/he/departments/the_custodian_general
2. Capital Market, Insurance and Savings Authority (gov.il) – Search service for pension funds, provident funds and insurance policies held in your name or in the name of a deceased relative – https://www.gov.il/he/departments/capital_market_insurance_and_savings_authority
3. Mislaka – Pension Clearing House – Consolidated information on pension and provident fund balances held with the various institutional bodies – https://www.mislaka.co.il
4. Israel Tax Authority – Checking and claiming tax refunds, credits and balances in your account – https://www.gov.il/he/departments/israel_tax_authority
5. National Insurance Institute – Checking entitlements and benefits, including benefits of a deceased person and amounts due to insured persons – https://www.btl.gov.il
6. Registrar of Inheritance and wills registry (Ministry of Justice / Family Courts) – Checking whether a will or a probate or inheritance order has been registered for a deceased person – https://www.gov.il/he/departments/ministry_of_justice
(search for the Registrar of Inheritance)
7. Israel Land Registry (Tabu) – Checking registered rights in real estate, including land and apartments registered in the name of a person or a deceased relative – https://www.gov.il
(search for Land Registry – Tabu)
8. Israel Land Authority – Checking leasehold and other rights in state-owned land and related balances or entitlements – https://www.land.gov.il
9. Custodian of Absentee Property – Information regarding property classified as absentee property and its administration – https://www.gov.il (search for Custodian of Absentee Property)
10. Registrar of Companies and the Execution Office (Hotzaa LaPoal) – Checking holdings in companies and corporations, and checking funds held in execution files and enforcement proceedings – https://www.gov.il (search for Registrar of Companies or Execution Office)
11. Courts Administration – Checking deposits made with the courts, such as funds deposited in court proceedings – https://www.court.gov.il
12. Israel Postal Company / Postal Bank – Checking dormant postal bank accounts and unclaimed postal balances – https://www.israelpost.co.il
13. Commercial banks – Direct inquiry regarding dormant accounts, safe deposit boxes, savings plans and securities; the banks’ websites include, for example, https://www.leumi.co.il, https://www.bankhapoalim.co.il, https://www.discountbank.co.il, https://www.mizrahi-tefahot.co.il and https://www.fibi.co.il
14. Hashava – Company for Location and Restitution of Holocaust Victims’ Assets – Locating and claiming assets of Holocaust victims in Israel – https://www.hashava.co.il
15. Israeli municipalities and local authorities – Refunds of overpaid property tax (arnona), water and other municipal charges, and deposits; contact the relevant municipality directly through its website, or see the Center for Local Government at https://www.masham.org.il
Please note that links, services and procedures may change from time to time, so verify the details on the official websites. Where a link leads to a general government portal, use its search function to reach the relevant service.
Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only as a public service, it does not constitute legal advice, and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
The author, Adv. Oz Shoshan, offers assistance through his law practice. He can help you deal with these bodies, and also trace and claim assets. In addition, he can prepare documents and handle the procedures on your behalf. You are welcome to make contact by phone at +972-3-7315665, or by email atinfo@shoshan-law.com