Can I work in Jordan on a tourist visa?

No — working on a tourist visa is illegal. You need a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour (or ASEZA for Aqaba). If caught working without proper authorization, you face fines and potential deportation. Remote work for foreign employers while on a tourist visa is a grey area — many digital nomads do this in practice, but it is not formally legal. For legal long-term remote work, register a company in the ASEZ.

How long does the work permit process take?

Typically 4–8 weeks from when your employer submits the application. The timeline depends on your nationality, industry, document completeness, and the current backlog at the Ministry of Labour. ASEZ work permits in Aqaba can be processed faster — sometimes within 2–3 weeks. Your employer's administrative team handles most of the paperwork.

What is the Jordan Pass and is it worth buying?

The Jordan Pass (JOD 70–80 depending on the Petra option) bundles your visa-on-arrival fee (JOD 40) with entry to 40+ tourist sites including Petra. If you plan to visit Petra (which has a standalone entry fee of JOD 50), the pass pays for itself immediately. You must purchase it online before arriving in Jordan and stay at least 3 nights to qualify for the visa fee waiver.

Can I bring my family to Jordan?

Yes. Once you have a valid work permit and residence permit, you can sponsor your spouse and dependent children for family residence permits. Required documents include marriage certificate (attested), children's birth certificates, and proof of accommodation. Processing takes 2–4 weeks. Dependents can access Jordanian schools and healthcare. There is no minimum salary requirement for family sponsorship, unlike some Gulf countries.

Is the ASEZ pathway suitable for digital nomads?

Yes — the Aqaba Special Economic Zone is the most practical legal pathway for self-employed expats and digital nomads in Jordan. You can register a company for as little as JOD 1,000 ($1,410), benefit from 5% corporate tax and zero customs duties, and self-sponsor a work and residence permit. Combined with Aqaba's affordable beachside living ($900–$1,500/month) and decent internet, it is an increasingly popular choice for location-independent professionals.

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🇯🇴 Jordan

Visa & Residency

Jordan's visa system is employer-sponsored for work permits, with expanding options through the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) and investor residency pathways. The process is straightforward but bureaucratic, and most expats arrive with a work permit arranged by their employer.

1 year

Work Permit

Employer-sponsored, renewable

1 year

ASEZ Work Permit

Streamlined process, tax benefits

Available

Investor Residency

Minimum JOD 50,000 investment

30–90 days

Tourist Visa

Visa-free for 100+ nationalities

JOD 175–550

Work Permit Fee

Varies by industry and nationality

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Amman 🏖️Aqaba

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Overview

Key Takeaways

Employer submits work permit application to the Ministry of Labour on your behalf
Available to employees of ASEZ-registered companies in Aqaba
Minimum investment: JOD 50,000 ($70,500) in a Jordanian company or project
Visa-free entry for GCC nationals; visa-on-arrival for EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and 100+ other nationalities
No formal freelance visa — independent work without a legal entity is technically unauthorized

Standard Work Permit

The most common pathway for expats. Your Jordanian employer acts as sponsor and applies for a work permit through the Ministry of Labour before you can legally start working. The process typically takes 4–8 weeks.

Employer submits work permit application to the Ministry of Labour on your behalf
Required documents: passport, educational certificates (attested), medical clearance, employment contract
Work permit fee: JOD 175–550 ($250–$775) depending on industry, nationality, and position
Duration: 1 year, renewable annually by employer
Medical test required: HIV, TB, and hepatitis screening at approved Jordanian health centre
Residence permit (iqama) issued by the Ministry of Interior after work permit approval
Dependents: spouse and children can obtain dependent residence permits once primary permit is issued

ASEZ Work Permit (Aqaba Zone)

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) offers a streamlined work permit process for businesses registered within the zone. Benefits include faster processing, reduced fees, and the ability to hire up to 70% foreign workforce.

Available to employees of ASEZ-registered companies in Aqaba
Streamlined processing through ASEZA — faster than standard Ministry of Labour route
Foreign workforce quota: up to 70% (vs. stricter quotas in mainland Jordan)
Reduced fees for zone-registered businesses
Same 1-year validity with annual renewal
Residence permit covers the full Aqaba zone; separate permit needed for employment in Amman
Ideal for entrepreneurs who register a company in the ASEZ and self-sponsor

Investor and Business Owner Residency

Jordan offers residency pathways for foreign investors and business owners who meet minimum investment thresholds. The programme encourages foreign capital and business formation.

Minimum investment: JOD 50,000 ($70,500) in a Jordanian company or project
Business registration through the Ministry of Industry and Trade
Investor residence permit issued by the Ministry of Interior — renewable annually
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors (some restrictions in real estate and media)
ASEZ investor pathway: register a company in Aqaba for 5% corporate tax and duty-free imports
Dependents can be sponsored under the investor's residence permit
Jordan has bilateral investment treaties with 50+ countries providing legal protections

Tourist and Visit Visas

Jordan offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to citizens of over 100 countries, making it one of the most accessible Middle Eastern countries for initial visits. The Jordan Pass bundles visa fees with tourist site entry.

Visa-free entry for GCC nationals; visa-on-arrival for EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and 100+ other nationalities
Tourist visa: single entry, 30 days, extendable to 90 days at a police station
Visa-on-arrival fee: JOD 40 ($56) — waived if you purchase a Jordan Pass before arrival
Jordan Pass (JOD 70–80): covers visa fee + entry to 40+ tourist sites including Petra — excellent value
Multiple-entry visa available for frequent business visitors
Overstaying: JOD 1.50/day fine for each day beyond the permitted stay
Tourist visa cannot be converted to work permit — you must exit and re-enter with proper work visa

Freelance and Remote Work

Jordan does not yet offer a dedicated digital nomad or freelance visa, but remote workers can operate through several legal structures. The ASEZ in Aqaba provides the most practical pathway for self-employed expats.

No formal freelance visa — independent work without a legal entity is technically unauthorized
ASEZ company formation: register a company in Aqaba for as little as JOD 1,000 ($1,410) and self-sponsor a work permit
Freelance through a registered Jordanian company: some expats register sole proprietorships in Amman
Remote work on a tourist visa: common in practice but not legally authorized for long stays
Tax registration required for anyone earning income in Jordan — register with the Income and Sales Tax Department
Digital nomads typically rotate 90-day tourist stays or register through ASEZ for longer-term legal status

FAQs