By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how to qualify for Jordan’s investor residency, the path to citizenship, key benefits, and unique insights—including historical changes, regional comparisons, market effects and compliance obligations.
What Is the Investor Residency Permit?
Jordan’s investor residency permit grants you and your family lawful stay in the Kingdom in return for a qualifying investment.
Eligibility and Required Investment
You must invest between USD 70,000 and USD 200,000, depending on project location and sector. Eligible fields include industry, tourism, and agriculture, according to the Jordan Investment Commission’s Investment Residency requirements.
Application Process and Duration
The standard steps are:
1. Submit an application to the Jordan Investment Commission.
2. Provide proof of investment and due-diligence clearance.
3. Receive initial approval, then apply for a residency permit at the Ministry of Interior.
4. Renew every two years.
For a detailed overview of the application process, see Henley & Partners’ guide to Jordan’s investor residency permit.
Tracking the Program’s Evolution
Jordan’s investor residency traces back to the 1995 Investment Promotion Law. It was overhauled in 2018 to attract higher-value projects, then refined again in 2023. The latest changes were detailed in a Zawya report on Jordan’s new residency rules approved in 2023.
Key Milestones
- 1995: Investment Promotion Law introduces residency for investors.
- 2018: Minimum thresholds raised, streamlined approvals.
- 2023: Cabinet approves new residency rules to lure strategic capital.
What You Gain as an Investor Resident
Aside from legal stay, you access benefits that rivals often reserve for citizens:
- Family inclusion (spouse and children under 25)
- Permission to own real estate in designated zones
- Access to Jordanian banking and finance services
- No requirement for a local sponsor to start a company
The Investment Migration Association country overview explains these privileges in detail.
Social Integration and Services
You and your family enjoy public schooling under frameworks outlined in the UNICEF report on education in Jordan and emergency healthcare provisions consistent with the WHO’s health profile of Jordan, with optional private-sector alternatives.
Citizenship by Investment: A Path to Nationality
If you wish to move beyond residency, Jordan offers a citizenship program with several routes.
Investment Options
- Real estate worth at least USD 1 million.
- Deposit USD 1 million in a government fund for five years (interest-free).
- Non-refundable donation of USD 1 million to a public treasury fund.
These options are outlined in Global Citizen Solutions’ Jordan citizenship by investment program.
Timeline and Process
- File preliminary application with due-diligence checks.
- Deposit or acquire assets.
- Final approval by Royal Decree (usually within 12–18 months).
How Jordan Stacks Up in the Region
When you compare Jordan’s program with neighbors, you’ll see distinct trade-offs:
- United Arab Emirates: Requires AED 10 million (~USD 2.7 million) for a 10-year visa, per the UAE Government’s Golden Visa requirements.
- Turkey: Real estate purchase of USD 400,000 for citizenship in 3–6 months, according to the Turkish e-Visa portal on citizenship.
- Egypt: USD 250,000 investment in government bonds for residency, as detailed by the Egyptian General Authority for Investment bond investment guidelines.
Jordan’s lower thresholds suit medium-sized investors seeking family inclusion and regional access.
Market Impact and Uptake
Jordan’s investor visas and citizenship routes reshaped pockets of Amman and Aqaba:
- Foreign direct investment in Jordan reached USD 2.3 billion in 2022, marking a 17% rise year-on-year, as reported by the World Bank data on Jordan’s foreign direct investment.
- Property prices in Aqaba rose 25% between 2019 and 2022 in zones popular with investors, according to the Numbeo report on Aqaba property price growth.
High-net-worth families from Europe and the Gulf now account for roughly 60% of applications.
Compliance, Revocation, and Ongoing Obligations
Securing residency or citizenship is not a one-and-done affair:
- Maintain the underlying investment for at least two years (residency) or five years (citizenship).
- Failure to uphold investment or misrepresentation can lead to permit revocation.
- Annual renewal requires proof of active business operations or asset ownership.
Taxation, Dual Citizenship and Geopolitical Considerations
Taxes and Obligations
As a resident, you pay income tax on Jordan-source earnings of up to 30%, according to PwC’s Jordan personal income tax guide. Citizenship brings global banking access but does not impose worldwide income reporting.
Dual Nationality
Jordan permits dual citizenship for investor-citizens, though some home-country rules may conflict.
Regional Stability
Jordan’s reputation for security and moderate policies makes its programs attractive compared to volatile neighbors, as reflected in the Global Peace Index ranking for Jordan.
Ready to Plant Your Flag in Jordan?
You’ve seen the criteria, tracked legislative milestones, and weighed the benefits. If you’re aiming for a foothold in the Levant, Jordan’s investor visa or citizenship program could be the right fit. Begin by contacting the Jordan Investment Commission or a specialized advisory to map your next steps.
Last modified: August 21, 2025