Can I Get the Name I Want for My New Israeli Company?
When opening a limited company in Israel, selecting a name is a crucial step. Let’s explore one aspect.
Many business owners wonder if they can name their company in English, and the good news is yes—you can have an English legal name alongside the Hebrew name. However, there are specific rules you need to follow, and understanding these requirements can help you avoid delays and complications.
Bilingual Naming Rules
You are allowed to have a company name in English, so long as it also has a Hebrew name, but it’s essential to note a few key points:
Hebrew Names: Your Hebrew name cannot include any English characters.
English Names: Similarly, your English company name cannot include Hebrew characters. For instance, you can’t mix Hebrew and English in the same name, like “Cars אוטו Ltd.”
Moreover, the English name must correspond to the Hebrew one in either of the following ways:
Phonetic Transcription: Translating the Hebrew name into how it sounds in English (e.g., “שמש בע”מ” would be “Shemesh Ltd.”)
Literal Translation: Directly translating the meaning of the Hebrew name (e.g., “שמש בע”מ” becomes “Sun Ltd.”)
Accuracy is key—names need to also match precisely across languages. For example, if your Hebrew name is “אקסלנט תשתיות בע”מ” (“Excellent Infrastructure Ltd.”), it can’t be translated as “Excellent Facilities Ltd.” The translation must reflect the exact meaning.
Special Characters and Limitations
You may want to add symbols or characters to your company name, but most special characters like $ @ * % # + and even Roman numerals aren’t allowed. There is a limited set of characters that are permitted, such as commas, periods, colons, hyphens, parentheses, and ampersands.
If your company is a limited liability company, it’s mandatory to include “Ltd” as a suffix in both the Hebrew and English names (without periods between the letters).
What to Avoid When Choosing a Company Name
Among other regulations, it’s important to make sure that your chosen name is unique and doesn’t closely resemble existing company names. The registrar will reject names that are too similar to others to prevent confusion or trademark conflicts. Further information on this matter is available (in Hebrew) on the Israeli Companies Registry website, by following this link.
Conclusion
Choosing the right name for your new Israeli company involves more than just creativity—it requires adhering to legal guidelines set by the Companies Registrar. Whether you’re translating from Hebrew to English or deciding which characters to include, understanding these rules will help ensure your company’s name gets approved swiftly. Don’t hesitate to consult professionals to streamline the process and ensure that everything is compliant.
For further assistance in registering your company or navigating the complexities of name approval, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!
