Country overview
Jordan offers a remarkably stable and cosmopolitan quality of life compared to its regional neighbours, with Amman emerging as a hub for tech, education, and regional business. The country has world-class archaeological sites, good private healthcare, and a highly educated population. Cost of living is moderate by Middle Eastern standards, and the expat community — bolstered by regional refugees and international NGO workers — is large and well-integrated.
Tax overview
Personal income tax ranges from 5–20% on a progressive scale, with a generous exemption threshold of JOD 9,000/year. Corporate tax is 20% (banks at 35%). There is no capital gains tax on most assets. Jordan has an extensive tax treaty network covering 30+ countries.
Safety
Good — Jordan is consistently ranked among the most stable and safe countries in the Middle East. Amman and tourist areas like Petra and Aqaba have low crime rates; border regions require standard awareness.
Healthcare
Jordan is a regional medical tourism hub with hospitals ranked among the top in the Middle East. Amman's private hospitals — Jordan Hospital, Specialty Hospital — deliver care comparable to EU standards at a fraction of the cost.
Education
Jordan has the highest literacy rate in the Arab world and hosts several internationally accredited universities. Private international schools in Amman follow British, American, and IB curricula.
Investment routes
Jordan introduced its Investment Residence program to attract foreign capital. Qualifying investments include real estate, deposits, or business investments meeting minimum thresholds, leading to permanent residency and, under certain conditions, citizenship.
Investment Residence — Real Estate
PR → Citizenship possibleInvestment required
JOD 200,000 (~USD 280,000) in registered property in Amman; JOD 100,000 (~USD 140,000) outside Amman
Residency timeline
Permanent residency within 3–6 months of investment
Citizenship timeline
Citizenship possible after 10 years of residency (extraordinary citizenship possible via royal decree for exceptional investors)
Property must be retained. Residency is renewable annually; no physical stay requirement.
Investment Residence — Bank Deposit
PR → Citizenship possibleInvestment required
JOD 750,000 (~USD 1.06M) in a Jordanian bank (3-year fixed deposit)
Residency timeline
Permanent residency within 3 months
Citizenship timeline
Citizenship under royal prerogative for qualifying investors
Deposit earns interest and is returned after 3 years. Considered the most liquid of Jordan's investment routes.
Business Investment
PR → Citizenship possibleInvestment required
JOD 150,000 (~USD 210,000) in a registered Jordanian business
Residency timeline
Residency within 3–6 months
Citizenship timeline
Standard 10-year naturalisation path
Business must remain operational and employ Jordanian nationals.
Jordan's citizenship-by-investment path is longer and less certain than Caribbean programs; it is better classified as a residency program with a citizenship option.
Work permits
Jordan operates a work permit system regulated by the Ministry of Labour. Foreign workers typically require employer-sponsored permits, with quotas applied by industry sector. Key exceptions exist for investment visa holders and Free Zone employees.
Regular Work Permit
Standard employer-sponsored permit for foreign nationals. Valid for 1 year, renewable. Sector quotas apply — most industries permit a maximum of 25–50% foreign workforce.
Investor Residence Permit
For investors meeting the CBI or Investment Law thresholds. Provides residency without requiring employer sponsorship; permit to work is included.
Min. salary: No minimum — investor status
Aqaba Special Economic Zone Work Permit
Simplified permit for workers in the Aqaba SEZ, with reduced quota restrictions and faster processing.
Skills migration
Jordan does not operate a formal points-based skills migration system. Employment-based immigration is employer-driven. However, Investment Law exceptions allow skilled entrepreneurs to establish companies and self-sponsor residence.
In-demand professions
Economic opportunity
Jordan's economy punches above its resource-poor weight through services, education, healthcare, and IT. Amman has emerged as a genuine tech hub — home to over 100 funded startups and several regional corporate headquarters. The country's strategic location between Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria makes it a resilient logistics and services corridor.
GDP
$50B (2024)
Unemployment rate
~21%
Key industries
The Aqaba SEZ offers 0% income tax, 0% import duties, and streamlined business licensing. Amman's tech ecosystem has produced regional unicorns (Careem, Souq) and benefits from a young, highly educated Arabic-English bilingual talent pool.
Who this programme suits
Jordan's CBI program attracts investors who value regional stability, strategic location, and the ability to access both Western and Arab markets from a well-regarded address. It is most popular with Arab diaspora, South Asian professionals, and investors with regional business interests.
Arab diaspora investors seeking to establish a stable Middle Eastern base with EU-comparable healthcare and education
Tech entrepreneurs attracted by Amman's growing startup ecosystem and regional connectivity
Medical and education professionals drawn to Jordan's strong sector demand and cost-effective lifestyle
Investors who want a liquid bank deposit route (USD 1M) to a legitimate Middle Eastern residency
Common origin countries
Intelligence on this programme
At a glance
Region
Middle East
Programme type
Passport rank
#84
52 visa-free destinations
Tax summary
Personal income tax ranges from 5–20% on a progressive scale, with a generous exemption threshold of JOD 9,000/year. Corporate tax is 20% (banks at 35%). There is no capital gains tax on most assets. Jordan has an extensive tax treaty network covering 30+ countries.
Ready to explore Jordan?
Our verified advisors specialise in this programme. No obligation.
Get advice →Browse intelligence →