Filing a Claim with the Execution Office

You did the work you were asked to do, supplied the goods, sent the invoice – but the money never arrived in your account. Chasing debtors is one of the most exhausting and frustrating challenges for any business owner or private individual. The good news is that you don't always have to rush to court and pay a fortune for litigation. By filing a claim with the Execution Office, contractual debts of up to NIS 75,000 can be collected without first obtaining a judgment.

Table of contents

• Filing a claim with the Execution Office - step by step
• Step 1 - Checking whether you can apply directly to the Execution Office
• Step 2 - Choosing the right type of file
• Step 3 - Sending a warning letter before opening the file, where required
• Step 4 - Preparing the documents and the application
• Step 5 - Opening an Execution Office file
• Step 6 - Opening the file and sending a warning to the debtor
• Step 7 - The debtor's response after receiving the warning
• Step 8 - Application to stay Execution Office proceedings
• Step 9 - Taking collection proceedings against the debtor
• Step 10 - Continuing to handle the file when the debt is not collected
• Step 11 - Paying the debt in full and closing the file
• FAQ about filing a claim with the Execution Office

Filing a claim with the Execution Office - step by step

For the debt collection process to go smoothly and without bureaucratic delays, it is important to act exactly by the book.

Step 1 - Checking whether you can apply directly to the Execution Office

To determine whether you can apply directly to the Execution Office or must first go through the court, you need to examine the legal characteristics of the debt. Applying directly to the Execution Office, without a judgment, significantly shortens the process, but it is possible only in certain cases defined by law.

Is there a judgment?

If legal proceedings took place and there is a judgment (or another court decision), you can apply directly to the Execution Office to enforce it. If there is no judgment, applying directly to the Execution Office depends on the type of document.

Is it a bill or a cheque?

Bounced cheques and promissory notes can be enforced directly at the Execution Office just like a judgment, without first filing a claim in court..

Is it a debt that can be filed as a liquidated claim?

A liquidated claim makes it possible to bypass the court by applying directly to the Execution Office, but only if the debt meets all the threshold conditions cumulatively:

· A fixed amount (as opposed to a claim for general compensation or damage not yet proven).
· A contractual cause of action and written evidence (a debt arising from a contract or an explicit undertaking, backed by a document or prima facie written evidence).
· An amount ceiling (the amount of the claim does not exceed NIS 75,000).

When must you first go to court?

There are cases in which you must file a regular claim in court or in the Labor Court and obtain a judgment before applying to the Execution Office:

· A debt without written evidence
· When the amount of the debt exceeds NIS 75,000.
· Tort or compensation claims.

Step 2 - Choosing the right type of file

After the preliminary check, once it is clear that you can apply to the Execution Office, the next step is to choose the type of file suited to the case. This is a significant decision, since each file has its own forms, different fees and a completely different legal track if the debtor decides to defend against it.

Application to enforce a monetary judgment at the Execution Office

This track is intended for cases in which legal proceedings took place and a decision was given in favor of the creditor (who is the one applying to enforce the judgment at the Execution Office). Here there are two types of file - an application to enforce a monetary judgment and an application to enforce a non-monetary judgment.

An application to enforce a monetary judgment concerns cases in which a court or labor court ruled that a person or company owes the "creditor" an exact sum of money, and they are not paying the debt voluntarily, so the application is filed with the Execution Office.

An application to enforce a non-monetary judgment is intended for court decisions that do not involve money, such as a judgment to evict a holdover tenant from an apartment, a mandatory injunction or a prohibitory injunction.

In applications to enforce a judgment, the Execution Office registrar does not sit as an appeals court, and the debtor cannot appeal the judgment itself before them (for that, they must go to the court of appeal). The main argument available to them at the Execution Office is the "I have paid" plea – that is, proving that they have complied with the judgment or are no longer required to comply with it.

Liquidated claim at the Execution Office

This is a unique track that allows you to apply directly to the Execution Office for debts that are not backed by a cheque or a judgment but are backed by official documents. This claim is intended for debts of up to NIS 75,000 based on written evidence (a signed contract, an unpaid invoice, etc.) where the amount is fixed and exact. 30 days before opening the file, the creditor must send the debtor a warning letter.

The debtor may object to enforcement of the claim, and if they do – collection proceedings are stayed automatically and the file is transferred to the Magistrates' Court to be heard as an ordinary civil claim in every respect.

Application to enforce a bill at the Execution Office

The Execution Law gives bills a strong legal status, effectively equivalent to a court judgment. Opening an Execution Office file to enforce bills is intended for collecting bounced cheques or signed promissory notes (a security note signed as part of a rental agreement, etc.).

In the case of an application to enforce a bill at the Execution Office, the debtor has the right to file an objection to the enforcement of the bill within 30 days. If an objection is filed, the Execution Office file is stayed automatically and the case moves to the Magistrates' Court.

Step 3 - Sending a warning letter before opening the file, where required

One of the most important and sensitive stages in filing a claim with the Execution Office is sending an official warning letter to the debtor. In some tracks, sending the letter is not a recommendation but a mandatory threshold condition under the law, without which the Execution Office will refuse to open the file.

What is a warning letter before opening an Execution Office file?

This is an official letter sent to the debtor (usually by registered mail with delivery confirmation) containing an unequivocal demand to pay the debt within a set period (usually within 30 days). The letter must include an exact breakdown of the amount of the debt and how it arose, an explicit warning that if the debt is not paid on time an Execution Office file will be opened, and a statement that opening the file will entail additional fees, interest and legal fees to be borne by the debtor.

In which tracks is a warning required?

The obligation to send a warning letter applies in the liquidated claim track. In this track, a warning letter must be sent by registered mail 30 days before the claim is filed with the Execution Office. If the debtor has not paid the debt or reached an arrangement by the end of this period, the file can be opened. When opening the file, a copy of the letter and the registered mail confirmation must be attached.

In the track of an application to enforce a bill/cheques, there is no legal obligation to send a warning letter, but it is highly recommended.

What is the significance of the warning before opening the file?

Apart from the fact that in liquidated claims it is a legal obligation, and without serving a warning letter a claim cannot be filed, a warning letter has two main implications – legal and financial.

Legal protection against the debtor's claims - if a file is opened without a warning, the debtor may claim they did not know about a bounced cheque or an unpaid debt and that had they known, they would have paid it. In such a case, the Execution Office registrar may accept their argument, close the file and order the creditor to pay legal costs. Sending a warning letter in advance prevents, in this case, the ability to claim "good faith".

Financial significance – in many cases, the very act of sending a warning letter leads the debtor to pay the debt, which saves the fees and the financial outlay involved in filing a claim with the Execution Office.

Step 4 - Preparing the documents and the application

This is the practical stage of opening the Execution Office file. It includes preparing the documents, filling in the application and calculating the amount of the debt. It is important to note that the Execution Office is very strict about how documents are submitted, so any omission or mistake may lead to the application being rejected.

Debtor and creditor details

In the file-opening form, you must fill in the details of the creditor and of the other party (the debtor) accurately. The creditor's details include full name, ID number, current mailing address, phone number and bank account details. The debtor's details include full name and ID number if the debtor is a private individual, and company number if it is a company.

In addition, you must attach a registration extract from the Population Registry or the Companies Registrar verifying the debtor's identification number and official address.

Judgment, bill or documentation of the debt

You must attach to the claim the original document (or a certified true copy) that forms the basis for opening the file – the source of the debt, according to the type of file chosen (a certified judgment, original cheque or promissory note, signed contract and unpaid invoices, etc.).

Delivery confirmations where required

Delivery confirmations and warning letters show that the creditor acted properly and that the debtor is aware of the debt they owe. In a liquidated claim there is an obligation to send a warning letter, so in this case you must attach to the claim a registered mail confirmation showing that at least 30 days have passed since the letter was sent.

Calculating the amount of the debt

The amount of the debt is stated in the Execution Office file-opening form. This amount is not always the original amount shown on the cheque or in the contract. The calculation includes the principal (the original unpaid amount), plus interest and linkage from the date the debt arose, and payment of costs or fees if awarded in a judgment.

Step 5 - Opening an Execution Office file

After gathering all the documents and calculating the debt as of the date of filing, you can open the file in the Enforcement and Collection Authority's system and pay the required fee.

Can the file be opened online?

The Israeli Execution Office system is almost entirely digital. Opening an Execution Office file online is the recommended, fastest and most efficient way to open a file. Filing online saves you having to go to the office in person and wait in line.

How is the application actually submitted?

The application can be submitted to the Execution Office in two ways: online or in person.

Opening an Execution Office file online

Log in to the Enforcement and Collection Authority's personal area, identify yourself through the national identification system, choose "Open a new file" and mark the relevant type of file (judgment, bills or liquidated claim). Then fill in all the required fields (debtor and creditor details, bank account details for receiving funds and the amount of the debt). Next, upload all the documents as PDF files and then go to the secure payment page. After paying the fee a temporary file number is received.

Sending an online form (without registering for the personal area)

You can use the online service for contacting the Execution Offices through a dedicated form for sending documents, to which all the appendices are attached.

Going to the Execution Office in person

You can go in person to one of the Execution Offices around the country by booking an appointment in advance. You must bring all the documents printed.

Cost of opening an Execution Office file

Opening the file involves paying a mandatory fee, which varies according to the type of file and the amount of the debt.

Bills file – the fee is 1.25% of the debt (as of 2026) or a minimum of NIS 184.

Monetary judgment – the fee is 1% of the debt (as of 2026) or a minimum of NIS 103).

Non-monetary judgment – a fixed fee (application for return of movables – NIS 109, mandatory injunction – NIS 218).

It is important to note that ultimately the debtor is the one who funds the fee. After the fee is paid, this amount is automatically added to the principal of the debt in the file, and the debtor will be required to repay it together with the original debt.

Step 6 - Opening the file and sending a warning to the debtor

After the fee has been paid and the file opened, the system moves to a critical stage in which the law gives the debtor a last opportunity to act before sanctions and draconian collection measures are taken against them. This stage is called sending a warning to the debtor.

What is a warning at the Execution Office?

A warning is an official document from the Execution Office sent to the debtor as soon as the file is opened. The document informs the debtor that a collection file has been opened against them and that they must pay the debt or take legal action within 30 days of receiving it. It is made clear to the debtor that if they ignore the notice and do not act as required, the creditor will have full right to impose restrictions and attachments on them.

How is the warning delivered?

The warning is delivered to the debtor by Israel Post. By default, the Execution Office sends the warning by registered mail with delivery confirmation to the debtor's official address.

If the mail is returned with a note such as "unclaimed" or "wrong address", the creditor may (and sometimes must) carry out personal service. That is, they must go in person to the debtor's home or workplace (either themselves or through a courier) and hand the envelope to the debtor, having them sign a "delivery confirmation".

What is the significance of delivering the warning?

Proper service of the warning (by signature or confirmed delivery) is what starts the file's clock. During the 30 days from delivery, the debtor is protected and the creditor cannot request attachments or other sanctions. These days are intended to allow the debtor to defend themselves, request a payment plan or object to the file.

If 30 days have passed and the debtor has neither paid nor filed a legal application, their protections lapse. From that day, the creditor can begin actively collecting the money through direct attachments (bank account, salary and property) and later – if the debt is not paid – also impose personal restrictions such as a stay of exit from the country or restriction of a driving license.

Opening an Execution Office file without a warning

As a rule, the law protects the debtor's rights and therefore prohibits taking proceedings before a warning has been delivered. However, Section 7(e) of the Execution Law allows an attachment to be imposed before a warning, as soon as the file is opened. This procedure is reserved for extreme situations in which there is a real, proven concern that the debtor will smuggle or transfer assets once they learn that the file has been opened.

Step 7 - The debtor's response after receiving the warning

Once the debtor receives the warning – the legal clock starts ticking. During the 30 days available to them, the debtor must decide how to respond and act. The debtor's response at this stage will determine whether the file is closed quickly, moves to a court hearing or escalates into financial sanctions.

What options does the debtor have after receiving the warning?

Ultimately, the debtor has four main options: paying the debt at the Execution Office, filing an objection at the Execution Office, filing an application on an "I have paid" plea, or ignoring it.

Paying the debt at the Execution Office

The debtor can admit the debt and pay it – the payment is transferred directly to the file's account at the Execution Office and the file is closed automatically. Another option is to admit the debt and ask to pay it in installments, according to their financial ability.

Filing an objection at the Execution Office

The debtor may file an objection to the enforcement of a bill or an objection to a liquidated claim, and argue that they do not owe the money, that the document is forged or that consideration was not given. In this case, collection proceedings in the file are stayed automatically and the matter moves to the court.

Filing an application on an "I have paid" plea

This option is relevant to files based on a judgment given by a judge. The debtor cannot file an objection, since the case has already been decided in court, but they can argue that they have paid the debt. In this case, the matter will be heard before the Execution Office registrar, and the burden of proof will be on the debtor.

Ignoring the warning after receiving it

Once the 30 days of the warning have passed, the debtor is considered to be refusing to cooperate with the law, and the creditor may file active applications to impose various sanctions in order to force them to pay.

Step 8 - Application to stay Execution Office proceedings

An application to stay Execution Office proceedings is effectively a temporary "freeze order" that prevents the creditor from carrying out attachments and freezes existing proceedings until a legal decision is made.

In which cases can a stay be requested?

When the debtor files an objection in bills or liquidated claim files – the proceedings are stayed automatically when the file is transferred to the court.

In judgment files, too, debtors can request a stay of proceedings for a hearing on an "I have paid" plea before the registrar, or apply to the court for a stay of execution in order to file an appeal.

Another option for requesting a freeze of proceedings is in cases of entering insolvency proceedings. Under the Insolvency Law, collection proceedings against a debtor for whom an order to open proceedings has been issued are frozen and stayed across the board.

Who may submit the application?

In the vast majority of cases, the debtor is the one who applies for a stay of proceedings, with the aim of protecting their assets and freedom while they fight a legal battle over the very existence of the debt.

In exceptional cases, the creditor may request a stay of proceedings of their own accord – for example, where they have reached an out-of-court arrangement with the debtor and want to allow them to pay without harming them, but also without closing the file completely.

What does a stay of proceedings mean?

A stay of proceedings means preserving the status quo – the creditor cannot take new sanctions against the debtor. However, a stay of proceedings does not automatically cancel actions already taken; therefore, if the debtor's bank account has already been attached, the attachment will not be removed simply because of the stay (unless the registrar orders otherwise).

Step 9 - Taking collection proceedings against the debtor

Execution Office proceedings offer a wide range of tools and sanctions designed to put real pressure on debtors to pay their debts.

Attachments - attachment of a bank account, salary, vehicle, third-party attachments and more.

Restrictions – imposing various restrictions on the debtor, such as a restriction on holding a passport or a driving license, or a restriction on initiating and establishing a corporation.

Additional collection proceedings – in certain cases, and subject to the limits of the law, other steps can be taken, such as obtaining information about the debtor's assets from various sources and even issuing a bring order (arrest warrant).

Step 10 - Continuing to handle the file when the debt is not collected

What can you do when the debtor does not pay? When the file becomes active, attachments and further restrictions are imposed, but the debt is still not paid – the law provides tools for ongoing monitoring, investigation and continuous pressure.

What happens when no assets or funds are found to attach?

If no assets or funds are found to attach, the law assumes two possibilities – that the debtor is in financial collapse, or that they are smuggling and hiding assets. In such a situation, you move from a track of automatic attachment to a track of investigation and disclosure.

Here, the creditor may demand a means examination before the Execution Office registrar. In this examination, the debtor is required to disclose all their income and expenses and those of their household.

If the debtor is summoned to the examination or required to pay and does not appear, the registrar may declare them a 'debtor with means who is evading payment of their debts' – a declaration that allows a series of personal restrictions to be imposed on them (such as restriction of a driving license or a stay of exit from the country).

What further steps may be available to the creditor?

When the creditor is unable to collect the debt, even through the various sanctions, further steps can be taken, such as piercing the corporate veil and attaching the assets of related companies, or initiating insolvency proceedings against the debtor.

How do you continue to manage the file over time?

When there is no activity in the file for two years, the Execution Office system may close it on grounds of "inactivity". To prevent this, it is advisable to take at least one small action in the file every few months. It is possible and advisable to renew attachments periodically (since some attachments lapse after a certain period) and to keep existing pressure restrictions in place (such as a stay of exit from the country or a driving license restriction).

Step 11 - Paying the debt in full and closing the file

Closing an Execution Office file properly and in an orderly manner is important for both parties, to prevent continued accrual of interest or restrictions mistakenly remaining in force.

What happens after the debt is paid in full?

When the debtor pays the full debt through the Execution Office's payment system, the computerized system identifies the payment and moves to close the file. If the debtor paid the debt directly to the creditor, the creditor must report it to the Execution Office within a week.

When can the file be closed?

An Execution Office file is closed in one of these three scenarios:

1. Automatic closure by the Execution Office after the debt is paid.
2. Closure at the creditor's request if they reached an out-of-court settlement with the debtor.
3. Closure at the debtor's request where the debt was paid directly to the creditor but the creditor did not update the Execution Office.

What should be checked after the file is closed?

After the file is closed, the creditor must make sure that all the money paid into the office's account has actually been transferred to their bank account. In bills and cheques files, the creditor must return the original bill or cancel it, and the debtor must make sure that the original cheque has been marked as cancelled or destroyed, to prevent double claims or negotiation to a third party.

FAQ about filing a claim with the Execution Office

In which cases can an Execution Office lawyer help?

Execution Office proceedings involve complex bureaucracy, strict deadlines and financial and emotional consequences. Mistakes at the file-opening stage, from choosing the right file to gathering the documents, can lead to the file being closed, financial costs and disappointment. A lawyer specializing in debt enforcement can help at all the stages before the claim is filed (drafting and sending a warning letter, choosing the right type of file, filling in the required forms and more). Later in the life of the file, the lawyer can help in dealing with the debtor and the Execution Office in order to collect the debt.

Can you open an Execution Office file without a lawyer?

Yes, you can definitely open and manage an Execution Office file without a lawyer. The Enforcement and Collection Authority allows unrepresented creditors to manage the proceedings themselves. However, there are complex cases in which legal representation is needed (for example, when the debtor files an objection and the file moves to court). Therefore, although it is possible, it is advisable to consult a lawyer before filing the claim.

How long does it take to open an Execution Office file?

Opening an Execution Office file online involves filling in forms and submitting documents and takes about half an hour. After the application is sent, it is reviewed by the Execution Office secretariat, and after about 3-10 business days the file is approved for opening. When you go to the Execution Office in person, the file may be opened the same day or within a few days.

After the file is opened, a warning is sent to the debtor, and before collection proceedings can be taken you must wait for the warning period to pass (30 days from proper service on the debtor), which allows the debtor to pay the debt or defend themselves.

Can you open an Execution Office file against someone whose full details you don't have?

An Execution Office file cannot be opened without the debtor's full details. You need an ID number (for a private individual) or a company number (for a company). An application based only on a name will be rejected immediately.

What happens if the debtor cannot be found to deliver the warning?

If the debtor refuses to sign or cannot be located at their official address – the collection process does not stop. The law allows steps such as posting the warning on the debtor's front door (after several visits) or applying for 'substituted service', which allow the warning to be deemed properly served.

Can costs and legal fees be added to the debt?

Yes, definitely. The Execution Office system adds to the debt the fees paid and legal fees according to the rate set in the rules, and these are ultimately collected from the debtor.

Can an Execution Office file be cancelled after it has been opened?

The law allows the creditor (the applicant) to cancel or close an Execution Office file at any stage of the proceedings. The creditor, as the one who opened the file, has the right to withdraw and request its closure at any moment.