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🇯🇴 Jordan

Moving Guide

Moving to Jordan is straightforward compared to many Middle Eastern destinations. The country is welcoming, bureaucracy is manageable with patience, and the expat community is established enough to provide support.

$2,500–$5,000

Shipping Container

20ft, from Europe/US

$300–$600

Flight (Europe)

One-way to Amman

$3,000–$5,000

First Month Budget

Including deposit and setup

4–8 weeks

Work Permit Time

Employer-sponsored

Apostilled degree

Key Document

Required for work permit

Overview🏙️Amman🏖️Aqaba
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Overview

Moving to Jordan is straightforward compared to many Middle Eastern destinations. The country is welcoming, bureaucracy is manageable with patience, and the expat community is established enough to provide support. Key steps include securing a work permit, finding housing, and navigating the registration process for residency and utilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Work permit: your employer should initiate this 6–8 weeks before your planned arrival
  • Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) — 35 minutes south of Amman; airport taxi or Careem to the city
  • Apartment hunting: use OpenSooq, AqarCircle, Facebook groups, and direct landlord relationships
  • Shipping costs: 20ft container from Europe $2,500–$4,000; from US East Coast $3,500–$5,000; from Asia $2,000–$3,500
1

Before You Arrive

Preparation before your move to Jordan centres on documentation, visa arrangements, and understanding what to expect. Your employer or relocation service (if applicable) will handle much of the work permit paperwork.

  • Work permit: your employer should initiate this 6–8 weeks before your planned arrival
  • Apostille or attest your educational certificates — required for work permit and professional registration
  • Health certificate: you will need a medical clearance in Jordan, but having recent health records speeds the process
  • Jordan Pass: purchase online before arrival to waive visa-on-arrival fee and cover tourist sites
  • International driving permit: recommended if you plan to drive — required alongside your home licence for the first year
  • Research neighbourhoods: Abdoun and Sweifieh for premium, Jabal Amman for character, Tlaa al-Ali for value
  • Join expat groups: InterNations Amman, Amman Expats (Facebook), Couchsurfing Amman for connections
2

Your First Week in Jordan

The first week focuses on residence registration, SIM card, temporary accommodation, and orientation. Amman is walkable in the central areas, and ride-hailing apps make navigation easy.

  • Arrive at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) — 35 minutes south of Amman; airport taxi or Careem to the city
  • Temporary accommodation: book a serviced apartment in Abdoun or Jabal Amman for 1–2 weeks while apartment hunting
  • SIM card: buy a prepaid Zain, Orange, or Umniah SIM at the airport for immediate data and calls
  • Medical test: complete the required HIV/TB/hepatitis screening at an approved centre within 30 days
  • Ministry of Interior: begin residence permit (iqama) process with your employer's administrative team
  • Bank account: visit Arab Bank or Housing Bank with passport and employment letter to open an account
  • Explore your neighbourhood: walk Rainbow Street, visit Souq Jara, and orient yourself to local shops and restaurants
3

Settling In (First Month)

The first month is about securing permanent housing, setting up utilities, and building your social network. Jordan's welcoming culture makes integration smoother than in many Middle Eastern countries.

  • Apartment hunting: use OpenSooq, AqarCircle, Facebook groups, and direct landlord relationships
  • Lease signing: negotiate 1-year lease with quarterly or semi-annual payment; budget JOD 300–640/mo for 1-BR
  • Utilities: register electricity (JEPCO/EDCO), water (WAJ), and internet (Orange/Zain/Umniah) — need rental contract and ID
  • Driving licence: apply to convert your home licence at the Licensing Department — need IDP, residency, and eye test
  • Social Security registration: your employer registers you with the Social Security Corporation
  • Explore beyond Amman: visit the Dead Sea (1 hour), Jerash (1 hour), and Madaba (30 minutes) on weekends
  • Language: start basic Arabic — 'Ahlan' (hello), 'Shukran' (thank you), 'Inshallah' (God willing) go a long way
4

Shipping Your Belongings

Shipping to Jordan is manageable but subject to customs inspection. Many expats ship only essential items and buy furniture locally, given the affordable local prices.

  • Shipping costs: 20ft container from Europe $2,500–$4,000; from US East Coast $3,500–$5,000; from Asia $2,000–$3,500
  • Transit time: 2–4 weeks by sea from Europe; 4–6 weeks from the US
  • Customs clearance: at Aqaba port or dry port in Amman; import duties may apply on new goods
  • Personal effects: used household goods typically duty-free with proper documentation (residence permit, inventory list)
  • Restricted items: alcohol (limited quantity), pork products, and certain medications — check Jordanian customs regulations
  • Electronics: bring laptops, monitors, and work equipment — same voltage (220V) as Europe, UK-style plugs (Type G)
  • Alternative: buy furniture locally at IKEA Amman, local shops, or second-hand via OpenSooq — often cheaper than shipping
FAQs

Common Questions — Moving Guide in Jordan

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🏙️ Amman🏖️ AqabaBack to Jordan Overview