A live-in foreign caregiver in Israel costs about ₪10,250–14,000 per month in 2026. That includes the ₪6,443.85 legal minimum wage (24/6), pension, National Insurance, health cover, and housing. One-time recruitment is usually ₪10,000–20,000. Below is every line item so you can budget before you hire.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Agency recruitment fee | 6,000–12,000 NIS |
| One-way flight ticket | 2,000–4,500 NIS |
| Annual visa fee | 1,390 NIS |
| Medical exams (country of origin) | 500–1,200 NIS |
| Total one-time | ~10,000–20,000 NIS |
| Item | Monthly Cost (April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Gross salary (legal minimum 24/6) | 6,443.85 NIS |
| Pension (minimum 12.5%) | 805 NIS |
| National Insurance (employer share) | ~400–600 NIS |
| Health insurance | 500–900 NIS |
| Housing | 1,500–3,500 NIS |
| Food (if not provided in kind) | 600–1,200 NIS |
| Total monthly | ~10,250–14,000 NIS |
Note: The minimum wage for caregiving (24/6 schedule) was updated to 6,443.85 NIS gross per month as of April 2026.
Legal minimum for a live-in caregiver (24/6 schedule): 6,443.85 NIS/month gross as of April 2026.
This covers the full 24/6 schedule. Experienced workers with specialised skills typically earn more.
Included in the minimum:
Not included:
| Item | Percentage | Monthly Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pension (employer contribution) | 7.5% | ~483 NIS |
| Pension (employee share paid by employer) | 5% | ~322 NIS |
| Severance (accrual) | 8.33% | ~537 NIS |
| National Insurance | ~6% | ~387 NIS |
| Total contributions | ~26% | ~1,729 NIS |
Legal requirement: The employer must provide a caregiver with:
Monthly cost:
Mandatory from day one of employment.
Options:
Health insurance protects both the worker and the employer — uninsured medical expenses can become the employer's liability.
| Option | Monthly Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign live-in caregiver (24/6) | 10,000–14,000 NIS | Round-the-clock, 6 days/week |
| Israeli caregiver (shifts) | 15,000–25,000 NIS | Not live-in, fewer hours |
| Nursing home | 12,000–30,000 NIS | Institutional care |
| Day care centre | 3,000–6,000 NIS | Daytime hours only |
Bottom line: For patients requiring continuous support, a foreign live-in caregiver is typically the most cost-effective solution.
Not everyone can hire a foreign caregiver — eligibility requires demonstrated functional limitations:
See: 7-step guide to recruiting a foreign worker
National Insurance caregiver benefit: Up to 2,954 NIS/month for eligible patients — significantly reduces your net cost.
Municipal grants: Some municipalities offer subsidies for elderly care — check with your local authority.
Benefits audit: Before recruiting, exhaust all caregiver benefits your loved one is entitled to.
What is the minimum caregiver salary in Israel in 2026?
6,443.85 NIS/month gross as of April 2026, for the standard 24/6 live-in schedule.
Does the employer pay for health insurance?
Yes — health insurance for the worker is the employer's legal obligation.
Is housing really mandatory?
Yes, for live-in caregivers it's a legal requirement. The room must be habitable with basic amenities.
What if the worker gets sick?
Full salary continues plus health insurance coverage. Foreign workers have the same sick pay rights as Israeli employees.
Who pays for the return flight?
The employer pays for the return flight at the end of employment — this is a legal obligation.
Can I deduct housing costs from the salary?
Yes, a small deduction for housing is permitted by law, but it's capped and must be agreed in writing.
What happens if I stop needing a caregiver mid-year?
You can end employment — but must follow the legal termination procedure: advance notice, severance pay, and return flight.
Horizon Work will help you calculate the exact cost for your specific situation. Contact us for a free initial consultation.
See also: Recruiting Foreign Workers 7 Steps | Foreign Worker Visa Check | Taagid Agency Guide