FAQ

Tel Aviv Global is a municipal company operated under the Mayor’s Office of Tel Aviv-Yafo, dedicated to positioning the city as a global hub for business innovation, urban tourism, and international events. It drives economic growth by attracting foreign companies, startup founders, visitors, students, and conferences to Tel Aviv. Through its Tel Aviv Tech unit, the organization bridges the city’s public sector with its dynamic tech ecosystem, offering professional training, streamlined municipal services, and support for the full range of innovation actors, from early-stage startups to multinational corporations with over 180 R&D centers in the city. Tel Aviv Global also operates tourist information centers at the Herbert Samuel Boardwalk and the Jaffa Clock Tower.

Tel Aviv earns its nickname “The Nonstop City” because there’s always something happening — day and night. With its mix of beautiful beaches, a vibrant nightlife scene, rich cultural offerings, and world-class cuisine, Tel Aviv offers endless energy and excitement for every type of traveler.

Here you can see a digital archive that showcases over a decade of Tel Aviv Global’s work to position the city as a leading international hub for innovation, tourism, and urban development. The site features key projects, strategic initiatives, and collaborations that have shaped Tel Aviv’s global presence, offering a comprehensive look at our progress and impact on the city over the years.

To the digital archive (Hebrew Only)

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You are welcome to check out our availble positions here 🙂

Tel Aviv maintains a high level of personal safety for tourists, with low crime rates compared to many major Western cities including London, New York, and Paris. The city’s restaurants, beaches, attractions, and nightlife continue to operate normally, and tours run on regular schedules across the country. Security conditions can change, so visitors should check their government’s latest travel advisory before booking. The US State Department, UK FCDO, and Canadian government provide regularly updated guidance. Israel’s Home Front Command publishes real-time safety instructions in English. Travel insurance that covers the region is strongly recommended for all visitors.

The best times to visit Tel Aviv are spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), when temperatures range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, rainfall is rare, and the city is less crowded than peak summer. Tel Aviv enjoys approximately 300 sunny days per year. Summer (June through August) brings temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity but is ideal for beach activities and the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. Winter (December through February) is mild at 15 to 20 degrees Celsius with occasional rain, offering lower hotel rates and fewer tourists. The Mediterranean coast is swim-friendly from May through October.

Tel Aviv offers a blend of culture, history, cuisine, and beaches that makes it one of the most dynamic urban destinations in the Mediterranean. Visitors can explore over 4,000 Bauhaus buildings in the UNESCO-listed White City, browse the vibrant Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel), and walk the ancient alleys of Old Jaffa with its galleries and restaurants. The city’s 14 kilometers of coastline provide beaches for swimming, surfing, and SUP. Cultural highlights include the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Nachlat Binyamin artisan market (Tuesdays and Fridays), and the Florentin neighborhood known for its street art scene. The Sarona Market offers gourmet food and local crafts, while Rothschild Boulevard is lined with cafes, restaurants, and key Bauhaus architecture. Day trips to Jerusalem (approximately one hour away) are popular for visitors using Tel Aviv as a base.

The White City is a collection of over 4,000 buildings in Tel Aviv constructed during the 1930s in the International Style, commonly known as Bauhaus. These buildings were designed by German Jewish architects who fled Europe after the rise of the Nazi regime and adapted the modernist style to the local Mediterranean climate with features like recessed balconies, horizontal windows, and raised pilotis for ventilation. In 2003, UNESCO declared the White City a World Cultural Heritage Site, recognizing it as “an outstanding example of new town planning and architecture in the early 20th century.” Tel Aviv holds the largest concentration of Bauhaus-style buildings of any city in the world. The Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv, established in 2000, documents and promotes this architectural heritage through tours, exhibitions, and publications.

Tel Aviv is marketed as a premier city-break destination through creative, dynamic international campaigns. Tel Aviv Global’s marketing team partners with international communications outlets to create engaging, informative content that highlights the city’s unique culture, innovation, food scene, and diversity — positioning it as a must-visit Mediterranean getaway.

The Tel Aviv Tourism Department promotes the city globally by collaborating with local businesses, cultural institutions, and government agencies. Its mission is to attract tourists and investors through strategic marketing initiatives and international partnerships.

Recent tourism projects include:

• The Independence Trail, celebrating Israel’s 70th anniversary and highlighting key national heritage sites.

• Sarona Visitor’s Center, which shares the story of the historic German Templar Colony through multimedia exhibits and guided tours.

• The Renovated Jaffa Tourist Information Center, featuring interactive displays, a 3D model of Old Jaffa, and 24/7 outdoor information access.

• Local Experience Tours, where residents host visitors in neighborhoods like Jaffa and HaTikva to share authentic stories and traditional food.

• Tel Aviv – You’re Home, tailored content and tours for Jewish visitors.

• The Yitzhak Rabin Memorial, which includes films and educational materials about his legacy.

You can book walking and cultural tours directly through Tel Aviv Global. The city offers a wide range of guided tours led by certified guides, covering topics such as architecture, history, street art, and culinary tastings. Tours are available in multiple languages and can be arranged for groups, organizations, or individuals.

Tel Aviv’s annual festivals and events also introduce new experiences and hidden gems across the city’s neighborhoods, ensuring there’s always something exciting to discover.

Phone: +972-3-6814466
Email: tourism@mail.tel-aviv.gov.il

• Beautiful beaches

• Vibrant urban life

• Old Jaffa’s history and charm

• A sense of fun and openness

• Strong values and inclusivity

• An international business center

• Deep national and architectural heritage

• A multicultural society

• A major transportation hub

• Proximity to Israel’s main attractions

Travelers can explore city tips, attractions, guided tours, and events through the official tourism websites:

• Visit Tel Aviv (English)

• Visit Tel Aviv (Hebrew)

• Visit Tel Aviv (Arabic)

Tel Aviv’s Tourism Vision 2030 aims to continue developing the city as a global destination while enhancing accessibility, sustainability, and cultural experiences. The focus is on balancing tourism growth with local life and preserving Tel Aviv’s distinctive character.

Visitors can stop by the Jaffa Tourism Information Center, the Sarona Visitor’s Center, or use the outdoor interactive screens available 24/7 at the renovated Jaffa center. These provide maps, guides, and updates about current events across the city.

Tourism Department

Tel Aviv Global serves as the city’s official convention and visitors bureau, providing planning support, venue sourcing, and coordination services for international conferences, corporate events, and large-scale gatherings. The organization connects event planners with Tel Aviv’s diverse venue infrastructure and local service providers. Tel Aviv Global operates tourist information centers and maintains partnerships with hotels, convention venues, and event production companies across the city. It is listed on the Cvent Supplier Network as the city’s official CVB, enabling planners to submit RFPs directly. The organization also supports international delegations visiting the city’s tech ecosystem, making it a one-stop resource for business events that combine conference programming with innovation tours and startup showcases.

Tel Aviv offers a wide range of conference and event venues accommodating groups from 10 to several thousand attendees. Expo Tel Aviv is the city’s largest convention center, featuring approximately 2,500 on-site parking spaces and direct train access via the University Station. Major hotels including the Dan Panorama, Royal Beach, and Carlton provide dedicated conference centers with multiple halls, A/V equipment, and event coordination teams. Flexible spaces are available through WeWork and other coworking providers for smaller corporate meetings. Venue setups include classroom, theater, U-shape, and banquet configurations. Many venues offer Mediterranean-view event spaces. Tel Aviv’s central location in Israel makes it accessible for attendees arriving through Ben Gurion International Airport, approximately 20 minutes from the city center.

The Tel Aviv Convention Bureau is a joint initiative between Tel Aviv Global & Tourism, the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, Expo Tel Aviv, and the Tel Aviv Hotels Association. The CVB promotes Tel Aviv as a global hub for international congresses, business events, and tech-related meetings, offering professional support, infrastructure, and incentives to ensure successful events in the city.

The CVB offers comprehensive support for conference organizers, including:

• Assistance with venue and accommodation searches

• Introductions to key local suppliers and officials

• Letters of support from civic leaders

• Pre- and post-conference tours and accompanying person programs

• Concierge desks, city maps, and guides for delegates

• International conferences held in Israel may be eligible for 0% VAT on a defined list of services for foreign participants, subject to specific criteria. There is no City Tax on accommodation in Tel Aviv. We provide information regarding these tax benefits and the requirements for eligibility.

The CVB team supports every stage of event organization, from venue selection and supplier coordination to security approvals and guest hospitality. They also connect organizers with local startups, key opinion leaders, and industry experts, ensuring your event benefits from Tel Aviv’s dynamic ecosystem.

For information about conference support eligibility or specific event inquiries, please contact:

Hagar Saad – Saad_h@mail.tel-aviv.gov.il

You can explore hotels, event venues, and production companies directly through the CVB’s online resources

• Safety and accessibility

• Visa information

• Currency, VAT, and customs

• Sustainability and freight logistics

Yes. The Tel Aviv Convention Bureau offers funding for multi-day international events with a subject-specific agenda and at least 250 foreign participants. Eligible events include congresses and corporate meetings that contribute to Tel Aviv’s position as an innovation hub. Funding applies to variable costs paid to local third-party providers.

For more information, please contact the Tel Aviv Convention Bureau team.

Tel Aviv is one of the most expensive cities in the Middle East for expats, with a single person needing approximately 11,000 to 16,000 NIS per month (roughly $3,000 to $4,400) including rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for 6,500 to 9,500 NIS per month, while a three-bedroom apartment averages around 11,000 NIS. Monthly utilities (electricity, water, internet) run approximately 500 to 800 NIS. Groceries and dining are roughly 32% above US averages. The average gross salary in Israel is approximately 14,000 NIS per month, though tech sector salaries are significantly higher. Despite the costs, Tel Aviv compensates with a high quality of life, Mediterranean climate, walkable neighborhoods, and a thriving cultural and culinary scene. Neighborhoods like Florentin and the southern parts of the city offer more affordable rental options.

Tel Aviv has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers, thanks to reliable high-speed internet, a strong coworking infrastructure (WeWork, Mindspace, and independent spaces), and an active professional community of tech founders and freelancers. The city offers a unique combination of startup culture and Mediterranean lifestyle. Israeli tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days but technically prohibit working, even remotely for foreign employers. Enforcement for remote workers serving foreign clients is minimal, though this exists in a legal gray area. Programs like Masa Israel Remote offer structured 6-week cohorts starting at $500, combining remote work with career training and networking. For longer stays, consulting an Israeli immigration attorney is recommended. Active digital nomad communities on Facebook and Meetup help newcomers connect quickly.

Opening a hotel in Tel Aviv requires navigating municipal zoning approvals, building permits, and tourism-sector regulations. The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality requires a valid urban construction plan designated for hotel use, proof of land rights (ownership or lease), and a business license application submitted to the municipal authority. Properties intended for short-term hospitality must be zoned for commercial use if rented more than 90 days per year. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism provides government incentives for hotel construction and renovation, including grants for establishing or expanding tourism enterprises. Health and safety permits, fire safety certificates, and ongoing compliance monitoring are required. The process typically involves engaging local architects, lawyers, and accountants familiar with Israeli building regulations. Tel Aviv Global’s homepage highlights hotel development as one of its four main service areas, indicating it can assist with introductions and municipal navigation for hospitality investors.

Tel Aviv is ranked 4th in the world in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by Startup Genome, making it the highest-ranked ecosystem outside of Silicon Valley, New York, and London. The city’s ecosystem is valued at $198 billion, with top global rankings in knowledge, talent, experience, and funding. Several factors drive this position: more startups per capita than any other city in the world, over 180 multinational R&D centers (including Apple, Google, Meta, Nvidia, Intel, and Microsoft), world-class research universities like Tel Aviv University and the Technion, and a culture of entrepreneurship rooted in Israel’s mandatory military service, where many young people gain advanced technical training. The city leads globally in AI, cybersecurity, and life sciences, with Israeli cybersecurity startups alone raising $4.4 billion in 2025.

Foreign entrepreneurs can fully own and operate a company in Israel with no restrictions on foreign ownership. The standard path is to incorporate a Private Limited Company (Chevra Ba’am) through the Israeli Registrar of Companies, a process that typically takes days to a few weeks when documents are in order. There is no minimum capital requirement beyond nominal share capital. Key steps include choosing a Hebrew company name, drafting Articles of Association, appointing at least one director with an Israeli ID (or a local legal representative), registering for VAT and corporate income tax with the Israeli Tax Authority, and opening an Israeli business bank account. Registration fees are approximately 2,176 NIS for the online process. Startup Nation Central, the Israel Innovation Authority, and Tel Aviv Global’s Tel Aviv Tech unit all provide resources and connections for foreign founders entering the ecosystem.

Tel Aviv provides a robust public-private support infrastructure for startups at every stage. Tel Aviv Tech, a strategic unit operated by Tel Aviv Global under the Mayor’s office, bridges municipal resources with the private sector by facilitating professional training, fast-tracking municipal services, welcoming international delegations, and connecting startups with global opportunities. The Israel Innovation Authority offers R&D grants covering 20% to 50% of eligible expenditure, incubator programs, and sector-specific funding pathways. The city hosts thousands of networking events annually, including DLD Tel Aviv and CyberWeek. Tel Aviv University and other research institutions run accelerator programs, pre-accelerators, and startup competitions. Coworking spaces from WeWork, Mindspace, and others provide flexible office infrastructure across the city.

Tel Aviv’s innovation economy is anchored by three dominant sectors: Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Life Sciences. These are supported by world-class research institutions, a mature defense-technology pipeline, and sustained international investment. In AI, Tel Aviv-based startups have attracted major acquisitions, including Apple’s nearly $2 billion purchase of Q.AI in early 2026. Cybersecurity remains a defining pillar, with 130 Israeli cybersecurity startups raising $4.4 billion in 2025 and AI-native cybersecurity companies in Tel Aviv securing over $1.15 billion in the last decade. Life Sciences grew 25% to $2.7 billion in 2024-2025. Additional strengths include DeepTech, FinTech, and AgriTech, with the ecosystem benefiting from Nvidia, Meta, Alphabet, and other global tech leaders maintaining significant operations in the city.

Israel offers a structured incentive framework for multinationals establishing or expanding R&D operations in the country. The Innovation Box regime provides a reduced corporate income tax rate of 6% on qualifying IP-generated income. The government covers up to 30% of salary costs for additional employees hired at R&D centers, and R&D grants can cover 20% to 50% of total eligible expenditure. The Israel Innovation Authority runs dedicated programs for multinational corporations, including MAGNET consortiums for collaborative R&D, MOFET programs for manufacturing R&D, and Horizon Europe joint R&D projects. Over 450 multinational innovation and R&D centers already operate in Israel, including facilities by Apple, Google, Intel, Microsoft, Amazon, Visa, Bosch, and Renault. Tel Aviv Global’s Tel Aviv Tech unit assists incoming companies with ecosystem navigation and municipal coordination.

Tel Aviv has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers, thanks to reliable high-speed internet, a strong coworking infrastructure (WeWork, Mindspace, and independent spaces), and an active professional community of tech founders and freelancers. The city offers a unique combination of startup culture and Mediterranean lifestyle. Israeli tourist visas allow stays of up to 90 days but technically prohibit working, even remotely for foreign employers. Enforcement for remote workers serving foreign clients is minimal, though this exists in a legal gray area. Programs like Masa Israel Remote offer structured 6-week cohorts starting at $500, combining remote work with career training and networking. For longer stays, consulting an Israeli immigration attorney is recommended. Active digital nomad communities on Facebook and Meetup help newcomers connect quickly.