Israel Sees Sharp Rise in Wealthy, Mid-Career Citizens Leaving Country

The Israeli Tax Authority revealed a significant shift in the economic profile of citizens emigrating from Israel, showing they are now wealthier, earning higher incomes, and predominantly in their peak career years. The number of emigrants increased by approximately 50%, while the total income tax paid by these individuals before leaving surged by over 150%, reflecting their higher salaries. The average annual income of those leaving rose from about 125,000 shekels during 2015-2019 to around 200,000 shekels in 2024, marking a real increase of roughly 60%.

Tax revenue from emigrants also jumped from 500 million shekels in the year before departure (up to 2019) to about 1.2 billion shekels in 2024. Sector-wise, departures from the high-tech industry grew by approximately 150%, and from the healthcare sector by over 100%, while changes in education and industry sectors were much smaller. Additionally, the demographic profile shifted from mostly young emigrants to primarily individuals in their 40s and 50s.