Can I lose Israeli permanent residency if I live abroad?

Yes. Under Section 3 of the Entry into Israel Law 5712-1952, Israeli permanent residency is conditioned on maintaining your centre of life (merkaz chayim) in Israel. PIBA may revoke PR status if it concludes that the holder has permanently relocated abroad, typically triggered when a person spends more than two to three consecutive years outside Israel without a prior arrangement.

There is no fixed time limit written into the law. Permanent residents who need to spend extended time abroad should consult an immigration attorney before leaving and consider obtaining written confirmation from PIBA that their status will be preserved. Holders who lose PR status must re-apply from scratch; there is no reinstatement track. For more detail, see Permanent Residency in Israel: How Foreign Nationals Qualify and Apply.