What Is Tofes 4 in Israel?

Tofes 4 (טופס 4), formally an occupancy permit, is the official certificate issued by a local planning and building committee confirming that a building has been constructed in accordance with its approved building permit and is safe to occupy.

Under Israel's Planning and Building Law, 1965 (חוק התכנון והבנייה, תשכ"ה-1965, section 157א), it is a criminal offense to occupy or use a new building before Tofes 4 has been issued. This applies to new construction and significant renovations requiring a building permit — it does not apply to standard interior renovations of an existing apartment.

Before issuing Tofes 4, the local committee's inspector confirms the construction matches the approved plans, that electrical, water, and gas systems have been checked and certified safe, and that there are no unauthorized deviations from the permit. The process typically takes two to four weeks from application, though timelines vary by municipality.

Why this matters for a buyer: a property without a valid Tofes 4 cannot legally be occupied and cannot be connected to standard utility rates — without it, electricity is billed at a significantly higher uncertified rate. A property without Tofes 4 is also typically difficult or impossible to sell or mortgage through standard channels.

Tofes 4 is distinct from a final completion certificate (Teudat Gmar, sometimes called Form 5), which is requested separately, typically within a year of receiving Tofes 4, and represents final, unconditional confirmation that all building conditions have been fully satisfied.

Source: Planning and Building Law, 1965, Section 157א; Planning and Building Regulations (Permit Applications, Conditions and Fees), 1970