Jordan – Work Permits and Working Legally

Do expats need a work permit to work legally in Jordan?

A work permit is an absolute requirement for any foreign national seeking lawful employment in Jordan. The obligation covers every industry and job type — there is no minimum hours threshold or earnings floor below which a non-Jordanian worker is automatically exempt. Any individual who is not a Jordanian citizen and intends to take up paid work must secure a work permit before doing so, regardless of the sector involved.

The process is fundamentally employer-driven. Rather than placing the entire administrative burden on the individual — as certain independent visa schemes in other countries do — Jordan requires the hiring organisation to take the lead in initiating and submitting the permit application. Employers serve as formal sponsors for the foreign workers they engage, which means filing the permit application on the employee’s behalf, ensuring that all regulatory conditions are satisfied, and remaining responsible for ongoing labour law compliance throughout the duration of employment.

To work legally in Jordan, foreign nationals require both a work visa and a work permit. Although these two terms are sometimes conflated, they serve different functions: a work visa grants entry to Jordan for the purpose of employment, while a work permit — which is issued by the Ministry of Labour — provides formal authorisation to carry out work once inside the country. Following arrival, the worker must also obtain a residency permit through the Public Security Directorate, either concurrently with or shortly after the work permit is issued.

Certain occupations are closed to foreign workers and reserved solely for Jordanian nationals. The Ministry of Labour maintains and periodically updates a Closed Professions List, which currently includes roles such as sales positions, most teaching roles (except rare specialities), haircutting, security guarding, and clerical and administrative functions. Prospective expat employees should confirm which occupations remain open to non-Jordanians before accepting any offer of employment. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) operates under a distinct framework: the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority has authority to issue its own work permits and visas, which simplifies procedures for companies and foreign workers based there, and businesses within ASEZ are permitted to employ a workforce that exceeds the 70% foreign worker threshold that applies elsewhere.

There is no regional free-movement arrangement comparable to the European Union’s single market that would automatically allow workers from neighbouring Arab countries to be employed in Jordan without a permit. Nevertheless, the fee structure does differentiate between Arab and non-Arab workers, with lower charges applying to Arab nationals, and Jordanian law gives hiring preference to Arab workers over those from other regions. Bilateral labour agreements — particularly with Egypt — also impose specific procedural requirements on how workers from those countries are recruited.

What types of work permit are available in Jordan?

The Ministry of Labour offers several distinct work permit categories, each designed to accommodate different employment circumstances. The appropriate category depends on the nature and duration of the work, together with the skill level of the worker.

Temporary Work Permit: Valid for up to one year, this permit is designed for foreign nationals undertaking short-term work assignments or training placements in Jordan. Temporary Work Permits may be issued for a period of six months and cannot be renewed. This makes them well suited to project-based assignments or intracompany training rather than ongoing, long-term roles.

Resident Work Permit: Valid for three years and renewable for further three-year periods, this permit is intended for foreign nationals who will be employed in a defined position with a particular employer over the long term. It represents the primary route for expats entering sustained employment in Jordan.

Non-Resident Work Permit: Valid for up to one year, this category applies to foreign nationals who will be working in Jordan without establishing permanent residence there. It is well suited to cross-border workers or those fulfilling shorter rotational contract arrangements.

Specialised Skills Work Permit: Issued for periods of three or six months with the possibility of renewal, this permit targets highly skilled professionals whose expertise is not readily available within the local labour market. Ministry of Labour guidance specifies that workers may be upgraded from a lower-skilled permit category to a higher-skilled category, but the reverse — downgrading from a higher to a lower category — is not permitted.

Work permits are generally valid for one year and are subject to annual renewal. Certain sectors, including agriculture and construction, may be subject to quota systems or sector-specific guidelines. Employers are required to demonstrate that recruiting a foreign national is genuinely necessary and that no suitably qualified Jordanian candidate is available — this labour market test forms a central part of the approval process for most permit categories.

Jordanian law offers limited pathways to permanent residency for foreign nationals. Rather than being granted automatically after a set number of permit renewals, long-term residency is typically available only to individuals who have lawfully resided in Jordan for a substantial continuous period — often 15 years or more — and who can demonstrate good conduct, financial stability, and a clean criminal record.

Jordan does not currently offer a dedicated visa category for digital nomads. Those intending to stay in Jordan without formal employment typically enter on a tourist visa, which may be valid for up to three months depending on the individual’s nationality.

How do you apply for a work permit in Jordan, and how long does it take?

The overall process involves entering Jordan on an appropriate visa, after which a work permit and residency permit must be secured once employment has been confirmed. Unlike systems in which the worker submits their own authorisation application before leaving their home country, Jordan’s framework places the employer firmly in the lead role. The key steps are set out below.

1. Secure a job offer. A confirmed offer of employment from a legally registered Jordanian employer willing to act as sponsor is a prerequisite for obtaining a work visa and permit. No application can proceed without this.
2. Employer conducts a labour market test. The employer must advertise the position and make genuine efforts to recruit locally before turning to a foreign candidate. Only once it can be demonstrated that no suitably qualified Jordanian applicant is available can the employer approach the Ministry of Labour for a work permit. Given Jordan’s relatively high unemployment rate, satisfying this requirement can be challenging, as the government actively prioritises local hiring.
3. Employer submits a justification letter. The company must provide a formal written statement setting out the specific reasons why the position cannot be filled by a Jordanian national and why a foreign worker is necessary.
4. Gather required documents. All necessary paperwork must be assembled, including a valid passport, employment contract, medical and police clearance certificates, evidence of relevant qualifications, and proof of health insurance. The employer must also supply company registration documents and social security records.
5. Submit the application to the Ministry of Labour. The employer lodges the work permit application — along with the supporting documentation — either electronically via the Ministry of Labour’s website or in person at Ministry offices. The online system allows applicants to monitor the progress of their application at each stage.
6. Security clearance (where required). Certain applications — particularly those involving sensitive sectors — require clearance from security agencies before a decision can be made, which may extend processing times.
7. Await approval and obtain the work permit. Once approved, the work permit is issued and the employee may legally commence work in Jordan.
8. Apply for residency permit. Following work permit approval, the employee must apply for a residency permit at the General Directorate of Residency and Borders.
9. Apply for entry visa if required. Applicants who have not yet entered Jordan must apply for a work visa at the Jordanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence once permit approval has been granted.

Work permit applications in Jordan typically take between 30 and 60 days to process. The actual duration depends on how complete the submitted documentation is, the specific sector involved, and the applicant’s nationality. Because the approval process spans several government agencies, any inaccuracies or missing documents can cause significant delays or outright rejections. There is currently no widely available fast-track or priority processing option for standard work permit applications. Employers are strongly advised to begin the process well ahead of the intended start date to allow for unforeseen delays.

For certain regulated professions, additional sign-off from the relevant professional body is required before the Ministry of Labour will grant approval. Engineering professionals, for example, must obtain prior clearance from the Engineers Association, and medical professionals face comparable requirements from their designated regulatory authority.

What documents do expats need to apply for a work permit in Jordan?

Work permit applications in Jordan require documentation from both the prospective employee and the sponsoring employer. The precise list may vary depending on the permit type, the sector, and the applicant’s nationality. Always confirm the current requirements directly with the Ministry of Labour before filing.

Documents the employee must provide:

• A passport with a minimum of six months’ validity remaining beyond the intended period of employment.
• A formal job offer or employment letter from the Jordanian employer, specifying the role, contract duration, and agreed salary.
• A health certificate from a clinic approved by the Ministry of Health, confirming that the applicant does not carry any communicable diseases.
• A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of origin, showing a clean criminal record.
• Documentary evidence of relevant educational qualifications and professional experience applicable to the position.
• Proof of a valid health insurance policy that covers the full duration of employment.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• A copy of the applicant’s entry visa and entry stamp, if they are already present in Jordan.

Documents the employer must provide:

• Company registration documents confirming that the employer is a legally recognised entity in Jordan.
• A labour contract signed by both the employer and the employee.
• Evidence that all existing employees are registered with the Social Security Corporation. All foreign nationals must be enrolled under the sponsoring employer’s Social Security Corporation account before a work permit can be issued.
• A justification letter demonstrating that no suitable Jordanian candidate was identified for the position.
• Financial and operational company documents, which may include trade licences or vocational licences depending on the industry.

Copies of the employee’s academic certificates and professional qualifications will typically need to be officially authenticated. This usually means obtaining an apostille or equivalent attestation from the relevant authorities in the applicant’s home country, followed by legalisation at the Jordanian embassy. Delays in document authentication are among the most common reasons for hold-ups in the overall process, so expats should begin gathering and certifying their paperwork as early as possible. The Ministry of Labour reserves the right to request additional documentation depending on the specific case or profession.

What does a work permit cost in Jordan?

When the Ministry of Labour issues or renews a work permit for a non-Jordanian employee, it collects a fee from the sponsoring employer, which is paid into the national treasury. Jordan’s fee structure is tiered according to the worker’s nationality and the sector in which they will be employed, making it somewhat more differentiated than systems that apply a uniform flat rate.

As of 2025, the published fee schedule (as reported across multiple sources — verify current figures with the Jordan Ministry of Labour) is as follows:

Under Jordanian labour law, the employer bears responsibility for paying the work permit fee. Employers are also expected to cover any associated costs and to maintain the worker’s legal status for the duration of employment. Passing the permit cost on to the employee is not standard practice and does not align with the legal framework. Workers should be alert to any employer who attempts to charge them for the permit, and independent legal advice should be sought if this situation arises.

Beyond the government fee, additional costs may include:

• Document translation and notarisation fees
• Medical examination fees at a Ministry of Health-approved clinic
• A stamp duty of approximately 5% applied to the monthly salary, along with a two JOD work permit certification fee
• Legal or immigration consultancy fees, if the employer engages a specialist to manage the process

Fee levels are established by the Ministry of Labour and may change over time. They should always be confirmed with the relevant authorities or an in-country expert before any payment is made. The most reliable source for the current official fee schedule is the Ministry of Labour website.

Can expats change jobs or employers while on a work permit in Jordan?

Work permits in Jordan are tied to a named employer — an arrangement sometimes described as employer-tied or sponsor-tied immigration. This is quite different from portability-based systems found in certain other countries, where a permit holder can move between employers within the same occupational category without formal approval. In Jordan, any change of employer requires formal involvement from the Ministry of Labour.

Work permits are also typically location-specific, and any change of job may require prior Ministry of Labour approval. Should an expat wish to move to a new employer, the incoming company must either initiate a permit transfer or submit a fresh application. Employing a non-Jordanian worker for any employer other than the one named on the existing permit — without having obtained prior authorisation from the competent authority within the Ministry — constitutes a breach of labour law.

Ministry of Labour guidance specifically addresses the rules for workers on specialised skills permits who wish to change employers or renew. Where such a worker has previously paid the specialised skills permit fee and seeks to renew with their current employer or transfer to a new one, they remain eligible for renewal at the same fee level. While upgrading from a lower-skilled permit category to a higher-skilled one is permitted under ministry rules, the reverse transition is not allowed.

It is also worth noting that employing a foreign national in an occupation other than the one specified on their permit — even within the same organisation — constitutes a separate violation. Taking on substantially different duties or moving into a different sector with the same employer may therefore still require a new or amended permit. Expats are advised to inform their employer and obtain Ministry of Labour approval before their role changes in any material way.

Sponsorship transfers are possible under Jordanian immigration rules, but they require formal approval and a fresh permit process. Expats navigating this situation are strongly encouraged to engage an immigration lawyer or to contact the Ministry of Labour directly, ensuring every step is completed correctly before separating from their existing employer.

What are the penalties for working illegally in Jordan?

Working in Jordan without a valid permit, or operating outside the conditions set out in an existing permit, carries serious consequences for both employees and employers. Jordan’s Labour Law establishes financial penalties and administrative sanctions, and violations can have lasting implications for an individual’s ability to live and work in the country.

Penalties for employers: Any employer who engages a foreign worker without first securing a work permit is liable to a fine of between 100 and 150 Jordanian Dinars for each month of non-compliance, until the employer remedies the situation and meets all legal requirements. Employing a non-Jordanian without a valid permit is treated as a breach of the Labour Law. Additional violations include employing a worker in an occupation or through an employer not specified on the permit.

Penalties for illegal facilitation: Anyone found to have acted as an intermediary to unlawfully facilitate the employment of workers inside or outside Jordan faces a minimum fine of JOD 500, with the maximum penalty not exceeding a JOD 1,000 fine, imprisonment for more than six months, or a combination of both.

Deportation and re-entry bans: The Minister of Labour is empowered to order the deportation of any worker found to be working illegally, with the cost of deportation borne by the employer. A worker deported on these grounds is barred from re-entering Jordan for employment purposes for a period of three years from the date of their departure — a significant consequence that can permanently affect career plans in the region.

Beyond the immediate penalties, a record of non-compliance can affect future visa applications in Jordan and may create complications when seeking entry to other countries. For employers, violations can lead to business restrictions and damage to their standing with the Ministry of Labour. Anyone who suspects they may be working outside the conditions of their permit should seek legal advice without delay, rather than waiting for enforcement action to be taken.

Where can expats find reliable and up-to-date information on work permits in Jordan?

Jordan’s work permit regulations are revised on a regular basis. The Ministry of Labour’s comprehensive procedural guide for work permits has been amended on multiple occasions, including by Resolution No. 35/2024 on 17 September 2024 and Resolution No. 18/2025 on 7 April 2025. As a result, information published on unofficial third-party websites and online forums can quickly become outdated. The safest course is always to verify details directly through official channels.

Key official sources:

• Jordan Ministry of Labour: www.mol.gov.jo — the principal authority on work permits, fee schedules, the Closed Professions List, and official procedural guidance. The Ministry publishes a comprehensive procedures guide in English on its website, and applications can now be submitted and tracked electronically through the same platform.
• Public Security Directorate / General Directorate of Residency and Borders: Responsible for handling residency permit applications once a work permit has been approved.
• Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA): For those working within the Aqaba zone, ASEZA has authority to issue its own work permits and visas — including visitor and residency visas — which streamlines procedures for businesses and foreign workers operating in that area.
• Jordanian embassies and consulates: For applicants located outside Jordan, the relevant Jordanian diplomatic mission in their country of residence is the appropriate point of contact for entry visa requirements and pre-departure guidance. Specific requirements and procedures can be confirmed directly with the embassy or consulate.
• Ministry of Labour hotline: The Ministry operates a free hotline handling enquiries related to labour law matters and is committed to upholding the rights of all workers in Jordan.

Expats are advised to treat fee and processing time information on third-party immigration consultancy websites with caution, as these figures change frequently. For complex cases, engaging a qualified immigration lawyer with current in-country knowledge is often the most effective way to ensure that documentation is accurate and that the application progresses without unnecessary delays. Because the approval process involves coordination across multiple government agencies, precision in documentation preparation is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start work in Jordan before my work permit is approved?

The employer must submit the permit application and receive approval before the employee begins work. Commencing employment prior to permit issuance is a direct violation of Jordanian Labour Law and may result in fines for the employer and deportation for the worker. Always wait until you have received formal written confirmation of approval before taking up any duties.

Does my employer or I pay for the work permit?

Under Jordanian labour law, the employer bears legal responsibility for paying work permit fees. Workers should treat with caution any arrangement in which an employer seeks to pass this cost on to them. If you are uncertain about how costs are being handled in your situation, seek guidance from the Ministry of Labour or a qualified legal professional.

How long does a Jordanian work permit last, and can it be renewed?

Standard work permits are typically issued for one year and are renewable on an annual basis, subject to the approval of labour and immigration authorities. Employers should begin the renewal process at least one to two months before the permit expires to ensure there is no gap in the employee’s legal status. Resident work permits may be issued for three years at a time and are likewise renewable for further three-year periods.

What happens to my work permit if my employer terminates my contract?

Because a Jordanian work permit is linked to a specific employer and role, having your employment contract terminated will directly affect the validity of your permit. You would need to identify a new sponsoring employer and restart the permit application process. Your residency permit status would also need to be reviewed, as the two documents are interconnected. If your contract ends unexpectedly, seek legal advice as promptly as possible.

Are there any jobs in Jordan that are reserved exclusively for Jordanian nationals?

Yes. The Ministry of Labour’s Closed Professions List restricts access to a range of occupations, including medical professions, engineering professions, administrative and accounting roles, clerical and secretarial positions, sales work, haircutting, decoration, most teaching roles (except rare specialities), drivers, and security guards. This list is subject to revision, so always check the current version directly with the Ministry of Labour before accepting any offer.

Do I need a work permit if I am self-employed or a freelancer in Jordan?

Independent contractors follow a different process from those employed by a registered company and do not require employer sponsorship. However, this does not mean that foreign self-employed individuals can operate without any formal authorisation. As of 2025, Jordan does not offer a dedicated freelancer or self-employment visa, and the rules governing this category are complex. Contact the Ministry of Labour directly for current guidance on obtaining authorisation for self-employed work.

Can my family members work in Jordan if they accompany me on a dependent visa?

Dependants of a work permit holder are generally admitted to Jordan on a family residency basis. This status does not automatically confer the right to work. A spouse or other dependent family member who wishes to take up employment must apply for their own separate work permit through a sponsoring employer, following the standard process. Verify the precise requirements with the Ministry of Labour or the Public Security Directorate, as conditions may vary.

Is there a minimum wage for foreign workers in Jordan?

The tripartite committee established under the Ministry of Labour set the minimum wage in Jordan at JOD 260 per month for Jordanian employees and JOD 230 per month for non-Jordanian employees, effective from 1 January 2021. These figures are reviewed periodically through tripartite negotiations and may have been updated since — confirm the current minimum wage directly with the Ministry of Labour before entering into an employment contract.