If you own an Israeli company from abroad — whether you're a US founder, a European VC, an Australian family office, or a UK-based holding company — there are concrete reasons you need at least one Israeli-resident director on your board.
The Israel Tax Authority determines a company's tax residency by where its "management and control" is exercised — not by where it's incorporated. If all your directors are abroad and all board meetings happen abroad, the ITA may argue your Israeli company is also tax-resident in your country, creating dual taxation.
Having a credentialed Israeli-resident director who actively participates in management and signs key documents establishes Israel as the place of management — protecting your company's tax residency status.
Israeli banks have intensive Know-Your-Customer requirements, especially for foreign-owned companies. Most major banks (Hapoalim, Leumi, Discount, Mizrahi) require at least one Israeli-resident director with full signature authority for:
Without an Israeli director, account opening can take 6+ months. With one, it's typically 4-6 weeks.
From abroad, simple things become hard: signing a tax filing, attending an emergency board meeting, responding to a regulator inquiry, executing a Yipui Koach (power of attorney). An Israeli director with full authority shortens these from weeks to hours.
If your Israeli company plans an IPO on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) — or even a dual listing on Nasdaq — Israeli law mandates two External Directors, one of whom must have Accounting and Financial Expertise. These are highly regulated positions with specific qualifications. Our managing partner meets the CPA-plus-audit-experience requirement.
Sophisticated investors — VCs, PE funds, family offices — frequently require an independent Israeli director as a condition of investment. It signals proper corporate governance and provides them with a local point of contact.
The standard role for US/EU companies with Israeli operations. We provide an Israeli-resident director with full fiduciary duties, attending quarterly (or more frequent) board meetings, signing regulatory filings, and serving as the local point of contact.
For VC-backed Israeli startups where US/EU investors require an independent local director. Brings governance expertise without conflicts of interest. Reviews financial reporting, evaluates major decisions, and represents shareholder interests broadly.
The highest-tier independent director under Israeli Companies Regulations (2005) — requires CPA credentials plus 5+ years of audit experience at significant entities. Mandatory for Israeli public companies. Eligible for senior committee roles including Audit Committee chair.
For diaspora Jewish families with Israeli holding companies, real estate vehicles, or investment entities. Provides governance, succession planning support, and acts as a trusted bridge between family members in different countries.
For Israeli LLCs (Chevra Be'am) holding real estate for foreign owners. We attend board meetings, sign on leases, manage banking, and ensure compliance with the unique Israeli rules for real estate holding companies.
For US-based charitable foundations supporting Israeli charities (Section 46 entities), or educational institutions like yeshivas, schools, and universities with American donors. Provides governance, financial oversight, and donor confidence.
Not every accountant qualifies for senior board positions in Israel — Israeli law sets specific bars. Our managing partner, Ido Cohen, CPA, qualifies for all categories:
We maintain comprehensive D&O (Directors & Officers) liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and CPA-mandated bonding. Companies we serve are added as insured parties on our policies as required.
We're not "name on paper" directors. As fiduciaries under the Companies Law (1999), we have full legal duty of care and loyalty — and we exercise it. Here's what we do:
We offer transparent, predictable fee structures based on the company's needs. All fees are quoted in USD and locked annually.
| Engagement Type | Annual Fee Range (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Director — Small Subsidiary | $25,000-$40,000 | 4 board meetings, signature authority, banking, regulatory filings |
| Resident Director — Active Operating Company | $40,000-$70,000 | Above + monthly operational input, more meetings, deeper involvement |
| Independent Director — VC-Backed Startup | $35,000-$80,000 | Quarterly meetings, board materials review, optional committee roles |
| External Director — Public Company | $50,000-$150,000 | Per Israeli Companies Law mandated rates; based on company size |
| Audit Committee Chair (additional) | +$15,000-$40,000 | Add-on to director fee for committee leadership |
| Family Office Holding Co. | $30,000-$60,000 | Bespoke based on assets, complexity, family meeting cadence |
All engagements include D&O insurance coverage, professional liability, and 24-hour response SLA. No hidden fees, no per-meeting charges, no add-ons for routine activities.
30-min Zoom call to understand the company, the role needed, and our fit. No charge, no obligation. We share our standard director services agreement.
Mutual DD: we review the company's structure, financials, and current governance. The company performs background checks on the director. References available.
Detailed engagement letter — fees, scope, term, indemnification, D&O insurance details, conflict resolution, termination terms. Signed by both sides.
Shareholders or existing board appoints us per Israeli Companies Law. Filing with Companies Registrar (Rasham Hachavarot). Banks notified. Authorities updated.
Deep dive into company history, financials, key risks, current issues. Introductions to executives, auditors, banks, lawyers. Plan for first board meeting.
Quarterly board meetings, ad-hoc calls, document review and signing, regulatory representation. Annual review of role and fees.