Employing a Foreign Caregiver: Employer Duties and Worker Rights
When a foreign caregiver joins the household, the family becomes an employer with duties set by law: wage, insurance, rest, deposits and proper living conditions. Knowing them up front prevents friction, fines and surprises.
This guide covers employer duties, worker rights, what belongs in the employment contract, work-region limits — and why employment must go through a licensed bureau.
Note: this is general information, not a substitute for legal advice.
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Employer duties
Cost components in detail: the monthly cost of a foreign caregiver. Official guidance: the gov.il employment manual.
- Wage: at least minimum wage, plus weekly pocket money of about 100 NIS.
- Medical insurance: a dedicated foreign-worker policy, at the employer's expense.
- Social deposits: severance and pension into the state's designated deposit account.
- National Insurance reporting and contributions as an employer.
- Continuous weekly rest and proper living conditions for a live-in worker.
Worker rights — and why protecting them matters
For rest days and leave coverage: the replacement caregiver guide.
- A continuous weekly rest day; many families arrange a regular rest-day replacement.
- Weekly pocket money on top of the wage, and valid medical insurance.
- Proper living conditions: a room, privacy and basic amenities for a live-in worker.
- A caregiver whose rights are respected stays long-term — care stability is the family's interest too.
The employment contract
- The parties, start date and scope (including live-in arrangements).
- Wage and its components, pocket money, and legally permitted deductions.
- Weekly rest and vacation arrangements.
- The core duties and care needs.
- Signed in a language the worker understands — consent must be real.
Work regions: where the caregiver may work
Israel is divided into three work regions: Center (Region 1), near periphery (Region 2) and far periphery (Region 3). A worker registered to a peripheral region cannot move to the center without committee approval. Orshina's system filters candidates to those legally allowed to work in your area. Status checks: the Authority's online service.
Is direct employment without a bureau allowed?
No. Foreign-caregiver employment must be arranged through a licensed private bureau authorized by the Population and Immigration Authority — even when the family found the worker themselves. What that includes at Orshina and what it costs: service fees and terms.
Frequently asked questions
What are the family's financial duties as an employer?
At least minimum wage, weekly pocket money of about 100 NIS, medical insurance, severance and pension deposits into the state deposit account, National Insurance contributions and authority fees.
Is a written employment contract required?
A written contract in a language the worker understands protects both sides: wage components, the rest day, the role's scope and living conditions. The bureau helps prepare it.
Can we employ a foreign caregiver directly, without a bureau?
No. Employment must be arranged through a licensed bureau even if you found the worker yourselves, per the Population and Immigration Authority's procedures.
Who covers the weekly rest day?
A family member, a local hourly caregiver, or a replacement caregiver through the bureau — see the replacement caregiver guide.
Last reviewed: July 17, 2026 · Orshina team · General information, not legal advice · Official sources are linked in the guide body.
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