Notarial Declaration Under Oath (Affidavit) in Israel
A notarial declaration under oath — in Hebrew, תצהיר נוטריוני, and in English, Affidavit — is an official legal document in which a person states certain facts and confirms their truthfulness under the threat of criminal liability for false testimony. Under Israeli law, such a declaration is equivalent to testimony given personally in court.
The office of attorney and notary Elena Gomelski (גומלסקי ילנה), located in Tel Aviv (Jaffa), provides services for drafting and certifying declarations under oath for Israeli and foreign authorities, taking into account all procedural requirements for 2026.
Why is a declaration under oath needed?
An affidavit is required in situations where government authorities or a court need confirmation of facts that cannot be proven with standard certificates. The most common cases include:
- Misrad HaPnim — the Israeli Ministry of Interior. Declarations from a couple and their friends to confirm the sincerity of the relationship during the step-by-step procedure for legalizing the status of a spouse (STUPRO).
- Court proceedings. Submission of written testimony from witnesses or parties in civil and family cases before the courts — Beit Mishpat.
- Inheritance matters. Confirmation of the fact of cohabitation with the deceased, for civil partners, or confirmation that there are no other heirs.
- Foreign jurisdictions. Providing testimony for courts in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, as well as for foreign banks and immigration authorities, in formats such as Affidavit of Support, Affidavit of Single Status, and others.
How does the procedure work?
Unlike simple signature certification, signing a declaration under oath includes a mandatory stage of warning about criminal liability. The process consists of the following steps:
- Identity verification. You personally come to our office in Tel Aviv. The notary checks your Teudat Zehut or Darkon.
- Checking understanding of the text. The declaration must be written in a language you fully understand. If the text is written in English or Hebrew and you do not speak these languages, the notary will explain its meaning to you.
- Legal warning. Notary E. Gomelskaya officially warns you, with this recorded in the notarial act, that you are obligated to tell the truth only.
- Signing. You sign the document. Please note that this procedure follows the same strict rule as notarial signature certification: personal presence is absolutely mandatory.
- Notarial act. The document is bound with a red ribbon, sealed with the notary’s stamp, and entered into the register.
Requirements for the Affidavit text
- The text must be written in the first person: “I, [First Name Last Name], passport number [Number], declare the following…”
- The wording must be clear, without emotional judgments or ambiguity.
- If evidence is attached to the declaration, such as photographs, screenshots, or receipts, it must be labeled as Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on, and physically bound by the notary together with the main text.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the notary draft the text of the declaration herself?
Yes. As a licensed attorney, Elena Gomelski can not only certify the declaration but also professionally draft its text in Hebrew, Russian, or English, taking into account the requirements of the authority to which it will be submitted.
Is an Apostille required for a declaration under oath?
If the Affidavit is intended for use outside Israel, an Apostille must be placed on the notarial act at the Magistrate’s Court. If the document is submitted to Israeli authorities, an Apostille is not required.
Can the declaration be signed by video call?
No. Israeli law prohibits remote administration of an oath. You must be physically present before the notary.
Need to draft and sign a declaration under oath?
Contact the office of attorney and notary Elena Gomelski in central Tel Aviv for fast and professional document preparation.
Phone: 03-375-1178
Online request: You can leave your contact details through the contact form on this page.
