Guide to Jordan's Golden Visa
Jordan offers two distinct pathways for investment-based immigration: a residency program requiring $280,000 in real estate investment and a citizenship program starting at $750,000.
Jordan offers two distinct pathways for investment-based immigration: a residency program requiring $280,000 in real estate investment and a citizenship program starting at $750,000. Following significant reforms in 2025, both programs have become more accessible to international investors seeking stability in the Middle East.
The Jordan Investment Commission oversees both programs, which have attracted over 500 investors since launching in 2018. Operating under the Investment Environment Law No. 21 of 2022 and the Jordanian Nationality Law of 1954, these programs offer legitimate routes to long-term residence or full citizenship in a country that serves as a stable anchor in an otherwise volatile region.
Program overview and legal framework
Jordan's investment immigration system comprises two separate but related programs. The Golden Visa residency program grants five-year renewable residence permits to property investors, while the Citizenship by Investment program provides direct citizenship through various economic contributions. Both programs emerged from Jordan's broader economic liberalization efforts aimed at attracting foreign capital and expertise.
The legal foundation rests on multiple legislative instruments. The Jordanian Nationality Law No. 6 of 1954, last amended in 1987, provides the constitutional basis for naturalization through investment. The Investment Environment Law No. 21 of 2022, which replaced the previous Investment Law No. 30 of 2014, established the current regulatory framework. This newer legislation consolidated investment promotion under the Ministry of Investment, which absorbed the former Jordan Investment Commission's duties in 2021.
The programs operate under strict oversight from multiple government bodies. The Ministry of Investment serves as the primary regulatory authority, supported by the Investment Council chaired by the Prime Minister. Additional committees handle incentives, exemptions, and investor grievances. This multi-layered governance structure ensures transparency while maintaining security standards essential for a country in Jordan's geopolitical position.
Since launching in February 2018, the citizenship program has approved over 500 investors, primarily from Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon. The government maintains an annual cap of 500 citizenship approvals, reflecting a balanced approach between economic benefits and demographic considerations. Recent performance data shows 531 investors granted citizenship in 2024 alone, indicating strong program momentum despite regional challenges.
Investment requirements across both programs
The investment landscape for Jordan's programs reflects careful calibration between accessibility and economic impact. Recent reforms in July 2025 eliminated passive investment options like bank deposits, emphasizing active economic participation through job creation and business development.
For the residency program, investors must purchase real estate worth at least 200,000 Jordanian Dinars (approximately $282,000). Properties must undergo official appraisal by the Department of Land and Survey before purchase, and investors must maintain ownership for five years without sale, mortgage, or other disposal. This straightforward path appeals to investors seeking regional residence without the complexities of business operations.
The citizenship program offers multiple investment routes with varying thresholds. Business investments outside Amman require $750,000 and creation of 10 jobs for Jordanians, while investments within the capital demand $1 million and 20 jobs. Large projects investing $2 million anywhere in Jordan or $1.5 million outside Amman must create 20 jobs but benefit from streamlined processing.
Company share purchases require $1.5 million invested in Jordanian securities for three years under regulatory supervision. The government recently introduced an employment-only pathway requiring no minimum investment but demanding creation of 150 jobs in Amman or 100 jobs elsewhere. This innovative option recognizes that job creation often delivers greater economic impact than passive capital deployment.
All investments must originate from legitimate sources verified through comprehensive due diligence. The Central Bank of Jordan confirms deposits and transfers, while the Jordan Securities Commission oversees share purchases. Investment funds must flow through official banking channels, with full documentation of source and purpose. The Jordanian Dinar's stable peg to the US Dollar at 1.41:1 since 1995 provides currency certainty for long-term investors.
Eligibility criteria and documentation
Jordan's programs maintain no nationality restrictions, welcoming investors from all countries subject to standard international sanctions compliance. Main applicants must be at least 18 years old with no upper age limit. The inclusive approach extends to family members, with provisions for spouses, children under 18, unmarried daughters of any age, dependent parents, and even male children up to age 30 for investments exceeding $2 million.
Background verification forms a critical component of the application process. All applicants undergo comprehensive due diligence lasting two to three months, including international database checks, financial source verification, and professional background investigation. Clean criminal records from countries of origin, current residence, and any location where applicants lived for the past five years are mandatory. Serious criminal convictions result in automatic disqualification.
Health requirements remain relatively minimal compared to other investment migration programs. Applicants must obtain good health certification from approved physicians and undergo basic medical examinations. While Jordan maintains HIV/AIDS restrictions for general entry, these don't appear to categorically exclude investment program applicants. No language requirements exist for either program, though document translation into Arabic is necessary.
Financial solvency documentation extends beyond investment funds. Applicants must provide six months of bank statements, comprehensive asset verification, tax compliance records from home countries, and detailed source of funds documentation. The emphasis on legitimate wealth sources reflects Jordan's commitment to international anti-money laundering standards while protecting program integrity.
Required documentation includes passports valid for at least six months, birth certificates for all family members, marriage certificates, any relevant divorce or death certificates, police clearances, medical certificates, bank statements, tax returns, professional references, and passport photographs. Investment-specific documents vary by route but typically include property appraisals, investment agreements, company registration papers, employment plans, bank confirmations, and share purchase agreements.
Application process and timelines
The application journey differs between residency and citizenship programs, though both follow structured procedures with multiple verification stages. For the residency program, investors begin by submitting applications to the Jordan Investment Commission before property purchase. Following property identification and official appraisal, initial due diligence takes 30-45 days. Upon investment execution, final approval and visa issuance complete within two to four months total.
The citizenship program involves more extensive vetting. Pre-qualification assessment and document preparation precede formal application submission. The due diligence phase alone requires two to three months, during which authorities conduct thorough background investigations. After investment route selection and execution, applications undergo government committee review before final Cabinet-level approval. Total processing typically spans three to six months, though complex cases may extend longer.
Both programs require mandatory in-person interviews at Jordan Investment Commission offices in Amman. These interviews, conducted in Arabic with translation provided, cover investment plans, personal background, and future intentions. Family members may also face interviews. Biometric data collection for all applicants aged 14 and above includes fingerprinting and digital photography for identity document issuance.
Approval rates reveal program selectivity, with approximately 50% of citizenship applications approved. Common rejection reasons include incomplete documentation, inadequate source of funds proof, criminal background issues, insufficient investment amounts, expired documents during processing, failure to meet employment creation requirements, and non-compliance with holding periods. The high rejection rate underscores the importance of thorough preparation and professional guidance.
Processing improvements in recent years have streamlined procedures without compromising security. The establishment of technical committees within the Ministry of Investment has reduced bureaucratic delays, while clearer documentation requirements help applicants prepare comprehensive submissions. Nevertheless, the multi-stage review process reflects Jordan's careful balance between attracting investment and maintaining program integrity.
Benefits, rights, and comparative advantages
Residency program benefits center on long-term residence rights through five-year renewable permits. Holders enjoy unrestricted entry and exit from Jordan, though the visa becomes invalid after six months' continuous absence. Family inclusion covers spouses, children under 24, parents, and up to three domestic helpers. Property rental income provides potential returns while maintaining the required five-year ownership period.
The citizenship program delivers substantially greater benefits through full Jordanian nationality. New citizens receive passports enabling visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to approximately 51 countries, including Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Malaysia, and various Arab League members. While this falls short of Western passport mobility, it provides valuable regional access and serves as insurance against political instability in investors' home countries.
Citizenship conveys complete civil rights including property ownership without restrictions, business establishment in any sector, access to public services, voting rights, and eligibility for government positions. Jordan permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to maintain existing nationalities. No ongoing residency requirements apply after citizenship grant, though investments must be maintained for specified periods.
Work rights differ significantly between programs. Residency holders require employer-sponsored work permits through the Ministry of Labor, with certain professions restricted to Jordanian nationals. Citizens face no employment restrictions and receive priority in hiring decisions. Business establishment rights favor citizens, though foreign investors enjoy substantial freedoms in most economic sectors.
Educational access includes public schools teaching primarily in Arabic and extensive private international school options. Jordan's healthcare system, ranked first in the MENA region by the World Bank, provides high-quality medical services at competitive prices. The country serves as a regional medical tourism hub, generating over $1 billion annually from international patients seeking specialized treatments.
Tax implications follow Jordan's territorial system, with residents taxed only on Jordan-source income. Progressive personal income tax rates range from 5% to 30%, with various exemptions for medical expenses, education, and housing costs. No wealth or inheritance taxes exist, while the standard VAT rate stands at 16%. Social security contributions total 21.75% split between employers and employees.
Program costs and financial planning
Total costs extend well beyond minimum investment amounts. Government fees for the citizenship program include $20,000 for main applicants and $10,000 per family member. Legal representation typically costs $15,000 for primary applicants plus $5,000-7,000 per family member. Additional expenses cover medical examinations ($42-141 per person), document translation and notarization ($1,000-2,000 per applicant), and standard passport issuance fees.
The residency program proves more affordable with the $282,000 property investment as the primary cost. Government processing fees remain minimal, though investors should budget for property transfer taxes, registration fees, legal representation, and ongoing property maintenance. The absence of renewal fees makes this option particularly attractive for long-term residents.
Investment structuring requires careful planning to optimize tax efficiency and ensure compliance. Professional fees for tax planning, investment structuring, and ongoing compliance vary significantly based on complexity. Investors should budget approximately 5-10% above minimum investment amounts for professional services and ancillary costs.
Currency considerations favor investors given the Jordanian Dinar's stable dollar peg. This eliminates exchange rate risk for USD-based investors while providing certainty for financial planning. However, investors from other currencies should factor potential exchange rate movements into their calculations, particularly given the multi-year investment holding periods.
For a typical family of four seeking citizenship through the minimum business investment route, total costs approximate $850,000 including the $750,000 investment, $50,000 in government fees, $35,000 in legal fees, and $15,000 in miscellaneous expenses. The residency route for the same family would total approximately $350,000 including property, fees, and associated costs.
Regional competitive positioning
Jordan's programs compete within an increasingly crowded Middle Eastern investment migration landscape. The UAE's Golden Visa program, offering 5-10 year renewable residency for $545,000, processes applications within weeks rather than months. Saudi Arabia's Premium Residency requires $1.87 million but provides access to the region's largest economy. Qatar's program starts at just $200,000 for temporary residency, while Oman offers balanced 5 and 10-year options.
Jordan's unique selling proposition lies in offering direct citizenship rather than mere residency. Only Egypt and Turkey provide comparable citizenship programs in the region, with Egypt requiring just $250,000 but offering limited passport benefits. Turkey's $400,000 program provides stronger passport mobility with 120+ destinations and potential future EU benefits, though recent currency volatility has created uncertainty.
The Jordanian passport's limited visa-free access to 51 countries compares unfavorably with the UAE's 180+ destinations or Turkey's 120+. However, for regional investors from Syria, Iraq, Palestine, or Yemen, even limited Jordanian mobility represents a significant upgrade. The program particularly appeals to those seeking stable citizenship in a constitutional monarchy with strong Western ties.
Investment thresholds position Jordan in the middle tier regionally. The $750,000 minimum exceeds the UAE's $545,000 and Egypt's $250,000 but remains below Saudi Arabia's $1.87 million. The requirement for job creation adds complexity compared to pure capital investment programs but ensures meaningful economic impact.
Processing times of 3-6 months exceed the UAE's 2-8 weeks and Qatar's 4-6 weeks but match Turkey and Egypt's citizenship programs. The annual 500-application cap constrains growth but maintains program exclusivity. This deliberate limitation differentiates Jordan from uncapped regional programs while ensuring thorough vetting of each application.
Recent developments shaping the program
February 2025 brought significant improvements to the residency program. The government abolished the $14,000 deposit requirement for foreign property owners residing in Jordan for over two years while reducing deposit requirements for non-property owners from $28,000 to $10,000. These changes reflect government recognition that excessive financial barriers deterred legitimate investors.
The July 2025 citizenship program overhaul eliminated passive investment options like bank deposits and treasury bonds, pivoting toward active economic participation. New pathways emphasizing job creation and sector-specific investments in pharmaceuticals and logistics align with Jordan's economic development priorities. The retroactive eligibility provision allows existing investors to qualify under new rules, rewarding early program participants.
Economic indicators paint a mixed picture for prospective investors. GDP growth of 2.3% in 2024 and projected 2.5% for 2025 remains modest but positive despite regional conflicts. Inflation at 2% stays well controlled, while the Central Bank's recent interest rate cuts following US Federal Reserve policy support economic activity. Public debt at 90% of GDP concerns some analysts, though the government targets reduction to 80% by 2028.
International support bolsters Jordan's stability. The IMF's $1.2 billion Extended Fund Facility through 2028 provides financial backing, while annual US aid of $1.45 billion ensures security cooperation. The World Bank's new Country Partnership Framework and UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement activated in May 2025 signal continued international confidence.
Regional conflicts pose ongoing challenges. The Gaza war's economic spillovers reduced tourism revenue and disrupted trade routes. Jordan hosts over one million Syrian refugees, straining public services and creating fiscal pressure. Weekly pro-Palestine protests, while largely peaceful, remind investors of regional tensions. Nevertheless, Jordan's skilled diplomatic balancing between competing regional powers has maintained stability for decades.
Practical living considerations for investors
Amman serves as the primary destination for golden visa holders, offering modern infrastructure, international schools, and healthcare facilities. Premium residential areas like Abdoun, Dabouq, and Sweifyeh provide security, amenities, and expatriate communities. Property prices average 500-600 JD per square meter, with premium areas commanding significant premiums.
The cost of living proves 43.4% lower than the United States overall, with housing costs 80.8% lower. A comfortable expatriate lifestyle requires approximately $1,500-2,000 monthly excluding housing. Local produce remains affordable, while imported goods carry premium prices. The absence of personal income tax on foreign-source income benefits expatriates maintaining international revenue streams.
International education options abound, with schools following American, British, Canadian, and International Baccalaureate curricula. Annual fees range from $5,600 to $21,000 depending on grade level and institution. The University of Jordan and other higher education institutions enjoy strong regional reputations, though many expatriate families prefer overseas universities.
Healthcare quality ranks among the region's best, with Jordan serving as a medical tourism hub for complex procedures. Private healthcare costs remain fraction of Western prices while maintaining international standards. Most expatriates utilize private insurance for shorter wait times and English-speaking staff, though public healthcare provides competent emergency services.
Business establishment benefits from equal treatment for foreign investors and streamlined procedures through the Jordan Investment Commission. Growing sectors include pharmaceuticals, logistics, and manufacturing. The services sector contributes significantly to GDP, while tourism typically generates 15% of economic output during peaceful periods. Digital banking and modern payment systems facilitate financial transactions.
The expatriate community, particularly in Amman, maintains active social networks and support systems. English is widely spoken in business and tourist areas, though Arabic knowledge enhances daily interactions. The conservative Muslim society expects modest dress and behavior, particularly during Ramadan. The Friday-Saturday weekend and Islamic holidays shape business schedules.
Strategic outlook and recommendations
Jordan's investment immigration programs occupy a unique niche catering to regional investors seeking stability and Western investors pursuing Middle Eastern opportunities. Recent reforms demonstrate government commitment to program improvement while maintaining security standards. The emphasis shift from passive investment to job creation aligns with national economic priorities while ensuring meaningful investor engagement.
Prospective investors should carefully evaluate their objectives against program realities. Those seeking powerful passports enabling global mobility might find Caribbean or European programs more suitable despite higher costs. However, investors prioritizing regional stability, cultural familiarity, and moderate investment thresholds will find Jordan's offerings compelling.
The residency program suits investors seeking regional bases without full citizenship commitment. The recent deposit requirement eliminations make this increasingly attractive for property investors planning long-term Middle Eastern presence. The five-year renewable terms provide flexibility while building toward potential future naturalization through standard channels.
The citizenship program appeals most to high-net-worth individuals from regional countries seeking stable second nationalities. The job creation requirements ensure economic contributions beyond mere capital deployment, benefiting Jordan's development while providing investors with operational businesses. The $750,000 minimum investment remains competitive regionally while filtering opportunistic applicants.
Future program evolution likely involves continued refinement rather than dramatic overhaul. Potential improvements might include streamlined processing, expanded visa-free agreements, or adjusted investment thresholds responding to regional competition. However, the 500-application annual cap will likely remain, preserving program exclusivity while ensuring thorough vetting.
Jordan's golden visa programs demonstrate how investment migration can balance economic development with security imperatives. While not offering the global mobility of Western passports or the processing speed of Gulf residencies, these programs provide legitimate pathways to Middle Eastern stability. For carefully selected investors with realistic expectations and regional interests, Jordan represents a compelling investment migration opportunity in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
