Notarial Life Certificate
A notary is authorised to certify that a particular person is alive (section 7(6) of the Notaries Law, 5736-1976). Under section 16 of the Notaries Law, a notary shall not certify that a person was alive on a particular day unless that person appeared before him on that day and was identified.
Who needs a life certificate
- Pensioners receiving a pension or benefit from a fund or institution abroad that asks for such a certificate periodically, usually once a year.
- Insurance companies and national insurance institutions in other countries.
- Any other body that requires official confirmation that a person was alive on a particular date.
The process
Send the form
If the requesting body has sent you a form, send it to us in advance for review.
Book an appointment
The person concerned comes to the office. If they cannot leave home, a home visit can be arranged.
Identification and certification
The notary identifies the person and certifies that they appeared before him on that day.
Translation and apostille, if required
If the body abroad requires the certificate in English or with an apostille, these can be added in the same process.
What to bring
- Valid identification: an Israeli ID card or a passport. It is best to bring the document recorded in your file with the requesting body.
- The form sent by the requesting body, if any.
- Your file number or pension number with the requesting body, if any.
- A person in hospital or confined to bed: a medical certificate in the form set out in the First Schedule to the Notaries Regulations, 5737-1977, issued on the day of signing. In the certificate, the doctor confirms that the person is fully conscious, of sound mind and competent to perform an act before a notary (regulation 4(e) of the Regulations).
Timing and cost
Timing: An appointment can usually be arranged for the same day or the next day. The certificate is given at a single meeting and handed to you as soon as it ends. If an apostille is required, it is usually added within one further business day.
Cost: The notary fee for a life certificate is fixed by regulation: NIS 197. The amounts follow the 2026 tariff under the Notaries (Service Fees) Regulations, plus VAT. For an exact calculation for your service, see the notary fee calculator.
If it is not possible to come to the office, you can ask for service at home, in hospital or in a care home. Under the regulations, a surcharge of NIS 645 then applies for the first hour, plus travel expenses.
Life certificate vs authentication of a signature
| Certificate | What the notary certifies |
|---|---|
| Life certificate (section 16 of the Notaries Law) | That the person was alive on a particular day, because they appeared before him on that day and were identified. |
| Authentication of a signature (section 11 of the Notaries Law) | That the person signed a particular document before the notary. |
Some forms require both certificates, for example where the pensioner must also sign the form. Each certificate is then priced separately under the regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Can a life certificate be obtained remotely?
No. Under section 16 of the Notaries Law, the person must appear before the notary on that day and be identified.
The person is housebound or lives in a care home. What can be done?
The notary can come to them. If it is not possible to come to the office, you can ask for service at home, in hospital or in a care home. Under the regulations, a surcharge of NIS 645 then applies for the first hour, plus travel expenses. If the person is in hospital or confined to bed, a medical certificate dated the day of the life certificate is required, in the form set out in the First Schedule to the Notaries Regulations (regulation 4(e) of the Notaries Regulations, 5737-1977).
How often is a life certificate needed?
As the requesting body requires. Pension funds and benefit providers abroad usually ask for it once a year.
Does a life certificate need an apostille?
That depends on the body requesting the certificate and on the country, so it is advisable to confirm it with them. If one is required, the office also handles the apostille.
Related pages: Certified translation | Apostille | Notary fees 2026
Contact us
The office is at 17 Tzahal Street, Ness Ziona, in an area with easy access and parking on site. Most notarial services are also available online, without coming to the office.
- Phone and WhatsApp052-5927592
- Email[email protected]
- Address17 Tzahal Street, Ness Ziona, parking nearby
- Opening hoursSun-Thu 09:00-19:00, Fri 09:00-12:30
Getting here
17 Tzahal Street, Ness Ziona. Parking near the office, with service on the ground floor. The office is a short drive from Rehovot, Rishon LeZion and Yavne.
Get directions in Google MapsNot sure which certificate you need? Let's start with a conversation
Tell us which authority the document is intended for and for what purpose, and we will tell you exactly which notarial certificate you need, whether an apostille is required and in what order, and how much it will cost under the regulations.