Daniel Berg, a 34-year-old software architect from Seattle, built his career deliberately outside traditional employment structures. After completing his computer science degree at Stanford, he rejected multiple offers from tech giants to instead launch a specialized consulting firm developing secure payment systems for international clients. By age 30, his business had become entirely location-independent, allowing him to embrace digital nomadism while serving clients across North America, Europe, and Asia.
A three-month working stay in Tel Aviv—initially planned as just another stop on his global journey—unexpectedly transformed his perspective. The city’s vibrant tech ecosystem, Mediterranean lifestyle, and the subtle sense of belonging he felt as a Jew (albeit a secular one who had drifted from organized religion in adulthood) led him to consider making Israel his permanent base.
However, his application for aliyah presented the immigration authorities with an unusual profile. Unlike most applicants, Daniel had:
- No intention of seeking local employment
- Income that fluctuated significantly month-to-month (sometimes varying by 300% between quarters)
- No formal business registration in Israel
- Clients exclusively outside Israel, creating complex tax considerations
- No traditional employment documentation
- A history of changing residences every 3-6 months for several years
The turning point came when his case was evaluated under the “Lieberman Directive” of 2018, named after a similar case involving a Canadian blockchain developer. Daniel’s attorney presented comprehensive evidence of financial stability despite irregular income patterns:
- Financial Sustainability Evidence
- Five years of tax returns showing consistent average annual income above 150,000 USD
- Bank statements demonstrating liquid savings sufficient to cover two years of living expenses
- An investment portfolio with diversified assets
- Absence of significant debt
- Professional insurance coverages that would remain valid during transition
- Business Continuity Plan
- Client contracts demonstrating long-term relationships (3+ years) with major companies
- Testimonials from five enterprise clients indicating intention to continue working with him regardless of location
- Technology infrastructure designed for secure, location-independent operations
- Membership in international digital nomad business associations
- Analysis of potential tax implications prepared by specialists in both U.S. and Israeli tax law
- Integration Strategy
- Enrollment in an intensive Hebrew language program
- Lease for a two-year apartment rental in Tel Aviv’s technology district
- Membership in a technology co-working space with substantial Israeli client networking opportunities
- Connections with local startup accelerators interested in his expertise
- Preliminary discussions with Israeli educational institutions about guest lecturing
After a comprehensive five-month review, authorities approved Daniel’s application, citing that “the applicant has demonstrated exceptional financial stability through his remote business model, with consistent historical income significantly exceeding the threshold for self-sufficiency. While his income patterns diverge from traditional employment, the documented savings, client relationships, and business infrastructure satisfy concerns about economic sustainability.”
Daniel successfully made aliyah in 2022, establishing his home in Tel Aviv while maintaining his international client base. In an unexpected development, his specialized expertise in financial security systems attracted interest from Israeli cybersecurity firms, leading to collaborative projects that added an Israeli dimension to his previously all-international business. He joined a synagogue for the first time in a decade and has become an informal advisor to other digital professionals considering aliyah.