Jordan – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Jordan?

To enter Jordan, your passport must be valid for at least six months and contain a minimum of two blank pages. Whether you need to arrange a visa before departing will depend on your nationality — certain travellers enjoy visa-free access for brief visits, a broad range of nationalities can receive a visa upon arrival, while others must secure one in advance through a Jordanian embassy or consulate.

Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council member states, Lebanon, and Turkey are permitted to enter Jordan without a visa for a maximum of three months within any given six-month window. Citizens of Egypt, Russia, and Uzbekistan, along with residents of the Palestinian Authority, benefit from visa-free access for stays of up to one month within a six-month period.

Visa on arrival is available to passport holders from more than 120 countries, including the United States, Canada, and EU member states. Entry visas are issued by Jordanian immigration officers upon arrival at Amman’s Queen Alia International Airport, the Sheikh Hussein crossing in the north along the Israeli border, the Eilat/Wadi Araba crossing near Aqaba, and the majority of other border posts. One significant exception is the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge land crossing, where visas on arrival are not available.

Nationals of certain countries are ineligible for a visa on arrival; however, some of these individuals may still qualify if they hold a valid residence permit from an EU member state, a Gulf Cooperation Council country, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, or if they are holders of a US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

It is essential to note that tourist visas and visas on arrival are intended solely for short visits. Any foreign national wishing to work legally in Jordan must hold a work permit. Those intending to reside, work, or study in Jordan on a long-term basis will need to transition to a formal residency permit. Since visa eligibility is nationality-dependent, you should always confirm your specific requirements with Jordan’s Ministry of Interior or the nearest Jordanian embassy or consulate prior to travel.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Jordan?

Jordan provides a range of visa and residency categories to accommodate different circumstances. For those planning a permanent or extended relocation, the most pertinent options are work visas and residency permits, alongside dedicated pathways for investors, retirees, and the relatives of Jordanian nationals.

Tourist and short-stay visas: Tourist visas are obtainable in several forms, including visas on arrival, e-visas, or through Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad. A double-entry visa is typically valid for up to three months and permits two entries, while a multiple-entry visa covers a six-month period and allows the holder to enter and exit multiple times. These visas are well suited to those wishing to explore Jordan before committing to a permanent move, but they do not grant permission to work.

Work visa and work permit: A work/entry visa is the appropriate category for individuals arriving in Jordan with the intention of taking up employment. It functions as the initial entry clearance that then enables the holder to apply for work and residency permits after arrival. The application process is largely employer-led, meaning the prospective employer shoulders much of the administrative responsibility. This represents the most frequently used route for expats moving to Jordan for work. It is worth noting that, unlike many countries where a single visa covers both entry and the right to work, Jordan requires you to obtain both a work permit through the Ministry of Labour and a separate residency permit through the Public Security Directorate.

Investor / real estate residency: Jordan operates an investment-linked residency pathway. Under this programme, investors must purchase real estate valued at a minimum of 200,000 Jordanian Dinars (approximately USD $282,000). On 26 February 2025, the Jordanian Cabinet approved a significant overhaul of residency policy, removing or reducing the financial deposit requirements associated with residency permits in a bid to draw foreign investment and stimulate real estate activity. Specifically, the revised policy eliminates the JOD 10,000 deposit previously required from foreign property owners who have resided in Jordan for over two years, and for non-property-owning residents, the deposit for a five-year residency has been cut from JOD 20,000 to JOD 10,000.

Retirement residency: Jordan’s retirement residency programme allows foreign nationals to settle in the country provided they can satisfy the applicable self-sufficiency requirements. This route broadly mirrors retirement visa schemes in countries such as Portugal and Thailand, where demonstrating a reliable pension or steady passive income is central to eligibility. Prospective applicants should verify current income thresholds directly with the Ministry of Interior, as these figures are subject to revision.

Family residency: Foreign nationals who are married to Jordanian citizens or who live with dependent Jordanian family members may apply for a family residency permit. Applications are typically sponsored by the Jordanian family member and processed through the Ministry of Interior.

Citizenship by investment: Jordan also maintains a citizenship-by-investment programme. Two distinct investment-based immigration pathways are available: a residency route requiring a real estate investment of approximately $280,000, and a citizenship pathway beginning at $750,000. Reforms introduced in July 2025 removed passive investment options such as bank deposits, redirecting the focus towards active economic engagement through job creation and business development.

How do I apply for a visa for Jordan?

The route you follow will depend on whether you are seeking a short-stay entry visa or a longer-term residency permit, as well as your nationality. The following step-by-step outline covers the principal application methods available.

1. Determine your eligibility and visa type. Establish whether you qualify for a visa on arrival or e-visa based on your nationality — some nationalities must obtain prior approval before travelling. Refer to the Ministry of Interior’s restricted and non-restricted nationalities list for the latest guidance.
2. Apply online (e-visa route). Jordan operates an electronic visa (e-visa) system that allows eligible travellers to apply before departure. To do so, fill in the online application form, upload the necessary supporting documents — including a passport-sized photograph and a scan of your passport — and submit payment through the secure portal. The e-visa system is administered via the Ministry of Interior’s e-services platform. Note that nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nigeria, and Syria are not eligible to apply for the e-visa.
3. Apply at a Jordanian embassy or consulate (for those requiring a pre-approved visa). Some nationalities are required to obtain their visa through a Jordanian embassy or consulate before travelling. Applicants in the United States should contact the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C. or one of its consular offices for current visa information. Those based in the United Kingdom should reach out to the Embassy of Jordan in London. Applicants residing elsewhere should approach the nearest Jordanian diplomatic mission.
4. Obtain a visa on arrival (if eligible). If you qualify for a visa on arrival, complete the relevant entry forms and pay the applicable fee when you arrive at the border or airport. This option is available at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and most major entry points, but is not offered at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge crossing.
5. Register with the Public Security Directorate after arrival. From 1 October 2025, all foreign nationals and visitors intending to remain in Jordan beyond two weeks are required to submit a formal request to the Public Security Directorate, one of its branch offices, or a local police station before that two-week period elapses. Non-compliance carries a fine of 200 Jordanian Dinars (JOD), payable in cash or by credit card.
6. Apply for a work permit and residency permit (if moving for employment). Once you have entered Jordan on the appropriate entry visa, you must apply for a work permit via the Ministry of Labour and a residency permit through the relevant security directorate. Once both permits have been approved, you will be legally authorised to live and work in Jordan.

Always verify current procedures on the official website of Jordan’s Ministry of Interior, as processes and eligibility criteria are subject to change.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Jordan?

The precise documentation required will vary according to your visa type and nationality, but the following items are generally expected for most applications. Always review the official requirements specific to your visa category before submitting.

For a tourist visa or visa on arrival, you will generally need:

• A passport valid for a minimum of six months.
• A passport-sized photograph.
• A flight itinerary showing an onward or return journey.
• Confirmation of hotel bookings or other evidence of arranged accommodation.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your intended stay.
• Health insurance valid for the duration of your visit.

For a work visa and work permit, additional documentation is required:

• Evidence of employment, study, or business investment, together with a medical clearance certificate and, where applicable, a background check.
• A signed employment contract or written job offer from a Jordanian employer.
• Relevant educational and professional credentials (translated into Arabic where required).
• A completed work permit application form, submitted by the sponsoring employer through the Ministry of Labour.

For residency or investor visa applications, you will typically also need:

• Documentation confirming property ownership or investment, demonstrating that the relevant financial threshold has been met.
• Bank statements evidencing financial self-sufficiency.
• A medical fitness certificate.
• A police clearance certificate issued by your country of origin.

Arabic is Jordan’s official language, and documents not originally produced in Arabic will generally need to be accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. Translations should be carried out by a certified or sworn translator — your nearest Jordanian embassy or consulate can advise on the standard required for your particular application. For the most comprehensive and current document checklist, contact the Ministry of Interior of Jordan directly or the Jordanian embassy in your country of residence.

How long does a visa application for Jordan take to process?

Processing timescales vary considerably depending on the type of visa and the method of application. It is advisable to begin your application well ahead of your planned travel or relocation date.

Securing residency permits and other long-stay documentation can sometimes prove protracted, owing to high demand and administrative requirements, and work permit applicants may need to make more than one visit to government offices. If you are relocating for employment, allow sufficient time for the full end-to-end process — covering your entry visa, work permit, and residency permit — before fixing your move date.

All processing times are subject to change, and elevated application volumes or procedural updates may result in delays. Check the Ministry of Interior’s website for the most current estimates, and consider contacting the relevant Jordanian embassy for guidance specific to your application route.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Jordan?

Visa fees are determined by the Government of Jordan and may be revised at any time. The figures below are offered as guidance with “as of 2025” qualifiers — always confirm current fees with the Ministry of Interior or the relevant Jordanian embassy before making an application.

Work permit fees are set by the Ministry of Labour and may differ depending on the employment sector and the worker’s nationality. These fees are subject to revision and should be confirmed with the relevant authorities; in most cases, the employer bears responsibility for paying them.

In addition to official government charges, a visa or residency application may involve a number of supplementary costs. Common additional expenses include certified translation of documents into Arabic, fees charged by immigration lawyers or relocation agents if you engage professional assistance, medical examination costs associated with residency permit applications, and health insurance premiums. For those planning a tourist visit ahead of a permanent move, the Jordan Pass bundles the 40 JOD visa fee together with entry to the majority of the country’s tourist attractions, offering good value for stays of at least three nights — though it does not apply to work or residency applications.

Can my family members join me in Jordan on a visa?

Family reunification is possible in Jordan, though the procedure and entitlements for dependants vary according to the primary visa holder’s category and nationality. It is important to treat your family’s documentation requirements as a distinct component of the overall relocation process.

Spouses and dependent children of foreign nationals who hold a valid residency permit may generally apply for family residency permits through the Ministry of Interior. Foreigners married to Jordanian citizens, or those living with dependent Jordanian family members, are eligible for a family residency permit. Where the primary permit holder is in Jordan on a work-based residency, family members are typically sponsored under that permit, although each individual must submit their own application and accompanying documentation.

Dependants on a family residency permit do not automatically gain the right to work in Jordan — a separate work permit and residency application via the Ministry of Labour would be required should a spouse wish to take up employment. Children may attend school in Jordan, and private international schools, which are a popular choice among expat families in Amman, are accessible to them.

Jordan’s residency permits are generally connected to property ownership, length of stay, and financial contribution, with applications overseen by the Ministry of Interior. Approvals for property-linked residency frequently require coordination with economic and land registration authorities. Under the investor and property-ownership route, family coverage may extend to sons up to the age of 30 and their spouses for investment commitments of JOD 2 million or above (as of 2025). For standard employment-based residency, financial eligibility is typically tied to employer sponsorship rather than a fixed declared income — confirm the precise requirements with the Ministry of Interior or a qualified immigration adviser.

Families should also be aware that Jordan has specific rules governing the travel of minors. Under Jordanian law, any adult male may prevent his minor children from leaving the country by registering a departure hold with the Jordanian authorities. Immigration officials may refuse to allow minor children travelling with their mothers to depart Jordan without the explicit consent of the father. This is a crucial consideration for families to understand before relocating.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Jordan?

Jordan provides options to extend your stay and, in certain circumstances, to acquire long-term or permanent residency. The pathway open to you will depend on how you entered the country and the visa or permit category you hold.

Visa extensions: A visa on arrival is initially valid for 60 days and may be extended by a further 30 days by attending a local police station or the Immigration General Affairs Office in Amman. Foreign nationals who wish to remain beyond the period granted by Jordanian immigration officials upon entry must register at a Jordanian police station before that period expires. In general, a single extension of 60 days is granted.

Long-term residency: Employees who obtain a work permit must concurrently or subsequently apply for a residency permit through the Public Security Directorate, submitting the approved work permit together with other required documents. Once both permits have been approved, the individual is legally entitled to live and work in Jordan. Residency permits are renewable and are ordinarily tied to the duration of an employment contract or an ongoing investment commitment.

Five-year residency and permanent residency: Residents who do not own property may apply for a five-year residency permit by depositing JOD 10,000 (as of 2025, following reforms that reduced the prior requirement of JOD 20,000). Jordanian law offers limited routes for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency. Qualifying for permanent resident status in Jordan requires filing the appropriate documentation and satisfying any further requests from local authorities, which may include investing in projects, treasury bonds, or purchasing shares in Jordanian companies.

Citizenship: Jordanian citizenship may be acquired through birth, marriage, or naturalisation, each carrying its own set of conditions. Jordan permits dual citizenship, making it an attractive proposition for investors and long-term residents. For those pursuing the investment pathway, the citizenship-by-investment programme underwent a major revision in July 2025. The reforms eliminated passive investment vehicles such as bank deposits, shifting the emphasis to active economic participation through job creation and business development. Consult the Ministry of Interior for current naturalisation eligibility criteria.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Jordan are refused?

Familiarising yourself with the typical grounds for refusal can help you put together a more robust application from the start. While Jordan does not publish a definitive official list of refusal reasons, the following represent the most frequently encountered issues.

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation. Missing paperwork, unsigned forms, or documents that fail to meet the required standard — such as those not translated into Arabic or lacking proper certification — are among the most frequent causes of delays and outright refusals. Ensure that all submitted documents are accurate, current, and comply with Jordanian visa regulations.
• Insufficient evidence of financial means. Applicants who are unable to demonstrate adequate financial resources to sustain their stay — or, in the case of residency applications, to satisfy the relevant financial threshold — risk having their application refused. Bank statements should be recent and clearly reflect stable and sufficient funds.
• Failure to demonstrate genuine purpose. For short-stay visas, immigration officers may decline entry if the stated reason for the visit is ambiguous or appears inconsistent with the visa category. A common mistake made by prospective expats is attempting to enter on a tourist visa when the clear intention is to work.
• Security or criminal record issues. A criminal history, a previous overstay in Jordan, or security-related concerns can lead to refusal. The Ministry of Interior conducts background checks as part of the residency permit process.
• Nationality-related restrictions. Citizens of certain countries face additional conditions or must apply through specific channels. Eligibility for visa on arrival or e-visa is nationality-dependent, and some nationalities are required to obtain a pre-approved visa.
• Overstaying a previous visa. Travellers who previously failed to register or who overstayed their permitted time in Jordan are subject to fines assessed at departure and cannot leave until those fines are settled. A history of overstaying may adversely affect future visa applications.

What to do if your application is refused: If your visa or residency application is declined, your first step should be to request written clarification of the refusal from the issuing authority. In many instances, a refusal can be resolved by reapplying with additional or corrected documentation. For refusals issued by an embassy or consulate, enquire directly about any formal appeals procedure. In more complex cases — especially those involving work permits or residency — seeking the assistance of a qualified Jordanian immigration lawyer or an experienced relocation specialist is strongly recommended. Engaging a professional who is familiar with Jordan’s immigration system can make the entire process considerably more straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter Jordan visa-free?

Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council member states, Lebanon, and Turkey are permitted to enter Jordan without a visa for stays of up to three months within any six-month period. The majority of other nationalities require either a visa on arrival or a visa arranged in advance. Consult the Ministry of Interior’s nationality classification list to check whether your passport qualifies for visa-free entry.

Is the Jordan Pass worth getting before I travel?

The Jordan Tourism Board offers a combined package known as the Jordan Pass, which covers visa costs alongside entry to most of Jordan’s tourist attractions for a single fee. It waives the 40 JOD visa fee for travellers who stay a minimum of three nights in the country, making it a financially attractive option for extended tourist visits. It does not, however, apply to work or residency applications.

Can I work in Jordan on a tourist visa?

A tourist visa permits entry for leisure and sightseeing purposes only and does not authorise the holder to engage in any form of paid employment. Working in Jordan without a valid work permit is a legal offence that can result in deportation and a ban from future entry. Always ensure you have obtained the correct work permit and residency permit through the proper channels before starting any employment.

Do I need to register with the authorities when I arrive in Jordan?

From 1 October 2025, any foreign national intending to stay in Jordan for longer than two weeks is required to submit a formal request to the Public Security Directorate, one of its branch offices, or a local police station before that two-week period from their date of entry has elapsed. Failure to comply incurs a fine of 200 JOD. Even prior to this rule, visitors staying for extended periods were expected to register at their nearest police station.

How long can I stay in Jordan on a visa on arrival?

Since April 2025, the visa on arrival permits a maximum stay of 60 days — a reduction from the previous allowance of 90 days — and is granted immediately upon arrival at eligible entry points, including Queen Alia International Airport. The stay may be extended by up to 30 additional days by visiting a local police station or the Immigration General Affairs Office in Amman.

What is the investor residency programme in Jordan?

Foreign nationals who purchase real estate valued at a minimum of 200,000 Jordanian Dinars (approximately USD $282,000) may be eligible for a residency permit under Jordan’s investment-linked residency programme. Policy changes introduced in 2025 removed the JOD 10,000 deposit that was previously required from foreign property owners residing in Jordan for more than two years, reducing the overall financial burden. For the most up-to-date eligibility criteria, contact the Ministry of Interior or seek guidance from a qualified immigration adviser.

Can my spouse work in Jordan if they accompany me on a dependent residency?

Family members holding a dependent residency permit do not automatically acquire the right to work in Jordan. Should a dependant wish to take up paid employment, a separate work permit application — initiated by a Jordanian employer — would be required, with the process running through the Ministry of Labour. As regulations in this area can change, it is advisable to seek current guidance from a qualified immigration lawyer or the Ministry of Interior.

Is there a path to Jordanian citizenship for long-term residents?

Jordanian citizenship can be acquired through birth, marriage, or naturalisation, with each route carrying distinct requirements. Individuals who have resided permanently in Jordan for a number of years may become eligible to apply for citizenship or a five-year residency permit. An investment-based citizenship programme also exists, though the July 2025 reforms to that programme removed passive investment options, reorienting the scheme towards active economic participation. Refer to the Ministry of Interior for current naturalisation requirements.