Business help needed: Moving from US to Israel

[OneHeartJewelry]

I would like to find out what, if any, business rules there might be for an American citizen living in Israel and operating an Etsy shop.

I will be relocating in November and don't know if I can keep my shop open during the three years I will be living in Israel. I haven't the faintest idea where to find information of this sort and can't plan or pack unless I understand how to go about setting up shop first.

A few things that come to mind is tax issues and business operating guidelines, plus fees. I'm used to this kind of set-up in the states, and I'd rather not assume it's any different there.

I'm prepared to have to make the decision not to continue my Etsy shops while there. I would then have to find out if it's possible to suspend my shop until I return.

I'm very open to learning if there is anything else I need to know or be aware of. Thank you so much ahead of time for anyone's input.

Peace ~
Debi

Change is exciting...but a lot of work too :-)

[OneHeartJewelry]

Anyone out there? :-)

[Former_Member]

Hi Debi

I'm afraid I don't have any advice sorry, but I just wanted to say a big good luck to you with your move of country! I did it 4 years ago from England to Canada, it's exciting for sure but so much work and not to mention heartbreaking leaving family behind! All our family are still over there and we hope to move back one day and I intend on keeping my shop over there, so the all best to you, I hope you can continue your shop! Dionne.

[Former_Member]

As long as you are following the laws of the country you are living in, I don't see that there would be any problem.

Have you asked the Etsy Israel team?

[Former_Member]

crochetgal is right I think - and that's exactly what I was about to post. Sharona of www.etsy.com/shop/raisinlike is (or maybe was) leader of the israeli team and is a lovely lady, very helpful!

[OneHeartJewelry]

I did post there....five days ago.

I would like to know what the rules are so I CAN follow them :-)

Thanks for all the well wishes. I will be missing family! But I'll be coming back home, I'm sure.

[Former_Member]

oh dear - I guess it's another fault of the new-style forums, nobody can find anything. I'd suggest contacting a leader of one of the many new Israel teams direct and ask for advice. good luck.

[TigersandDragons]

Perhaps you could find the info. online here, or at least find some contact numbers to speak to Israeli government officials:
http://www.gov.il/firstgov/english

[Addy]

As an American citizen you are required to file taxes, even if you are earning money in another country. The US is, I believe, the only Western country that has this law. It applies to earned income and there is an exclusion where you don't have to pay any US taxes if you earn less than $80,000 ish. It sounds a lot but depending on the exhange rate and where you are (London for me and it was about £45,000 because of the exchange rate last year) it could be a barely slightly higher than average wage.

So that's the US side of things! For the Israel side of things, I imagine it depends on why you are over there and what type of visa you have. Is there a visa forum on the internet anywhere? I imagine they can help with the rules and laws.

[Former_Member]

Yes, the important thing is going to be what kind of visa you have and if you're allowed to work. It might be worth calling or emailing the US embassy there to ask about self employed people and the work restrictions - I had to do that for Germany once and they were very helpful.

[OneHeartJewelry]

Thank you all. Very good suggestions and help!

I will follow up.

Have a great day!