Jordan Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program has undergone key changes in recent years—adjusting investment thresholds and fine-tuning eligibility requirements.
Once considered a niche option in the Middle East, Jordan’s CBI scheme is now attracting renewed interest from expats, high-net-worth individuals, and regional investors seeking second citizenship without long-term residency commitments.
This guide breaks down key topics, including:
- What are the Jordan CBI program updates in 2025?
- Can you get permanent residency in Jordan?
- Can Jordan have dual citizenship?
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What Is Jordan Citizenship by Investment Program?
Jordan introduced its Citizenship by Investment program in 2018 with the aim of boosting foreign direct investment and creating local employment opportunities.
Unlike traditional naturalization routes, the program allowed qualified foreign investors to obtain Jordanian citizenship through financial contributions to the national economy.
Initially, investors could pursue citizenship by meeting one of several requirements, including:
- Depositing at least USD 1 million in interest-free bonds held for a minimum term
- Purchasing government-vetted shares or securities valued at USD 1 million or more
- Launching a project that creates at least 20 local jobs and meets a set capital threshold
These pathways were carefully regulated, with applicants subject to due diligence checks and approval from the Council of Ministers.
The program was designed not just to raise capital, but to directly support job creation and long-term economic sustainability.
2025 Updates to the Jordan CBI Program
In July 2025, the Jordanian Cabinet approved a major overhaul of its CBI framework, moving away from the prior three-option system to a multi-pathway model featuring eight distinct investment routes and an annual cap of 500 approvals.
Key updates include:
How Much to Invest in Jordan to Get Citizenship?
- New investment options span stock market equity, employment-only paths, and targeted sectors (e.g., pharmaceuticals, logistics).
- The stock-market route requires a minimum JD 1 million in listed equities, with a 3‑year profit lock-up, and restricts exposure to 20% per company.
- An entirely job-only pathway now exists: applicants who hire 150 Jordanians in Amman (or 100 elsewhere) may qualify without a specific capital investment.
- Real estate residency path introduced: five‑year permits for purchases ≥JD 200K, valid only for newly built properties by developers.
- Expanded family inclusion: For qualifying investments over JD 2 million, male children up to 30 years old can now be included, extended from the previous cutoff at age 24
- Increased oversight: the program is now jointly monitored by multiple government bodies, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Securities Commission and the Social Security Corporation. Security clearances and financial verification are mandatory, and citizenship may be revoked if conditions aren’t met.
These changes show Jordan’s shift toward sector-focused, employment-driven criteria, greater regulatory oversight, and a move away from passive investments toward active economic engagement
How Long Does It Take to Get Citizenship in Jordan?
The timeline to obtain Jordan Citizenship by Investment can vary, but most applicants should expect a processing period of 6 to 12 months.
This estimate covers the full application lifecycle from submission and initial review to due diligence and final approval.
Key factors affecting the timeline:
- Due Diligence and Security Clearance: Jordan conducts a multi-stage vetting process, including national security checks and financial background verification. This alone can add several weeks to a few months depending on the applicant’s country of origin and financial profile.
- Investment Verification: Authorities may also conduct site visits, request documentation proving job creation or capital transfer, and validate the legitimacy of the investment. Any discrepancies can cause delays.
- Government Discretion: Citizenship is not automatically granted upon fulfilling the investment criteria. The final decision lies with the Council of Ministers, and approvals are issued on a discretionary, case-by-case basis.
- Comparison to Naturalization: Traditional naturalization in Jordan requires 15 years of continuous legal residency (with some conditional reductions), making the CBI route a significantly faster path to citizenship.
How Long Do You Have to Live in Jordan to Get Citizenship?
Under Jordan Citizenship by Investment program, there is no mandatory residency requirement for applicants before submitting their citizenship application.
In most cases, you can apply immediately after making the qualifying investment; no physical presence is needed beforehand.
Does Jordan Offer Permanent Residency?
Yes, Jordan offers permanent residency through a residency-by-investment program, separate from its Citizenship by Investment scheme.
Foreign nationals can obtain a renewable 5-year residency permit by investing in Jordanian real estate.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Purchase newly built residential property worth at least $280,000.
- Retain ownership of the property for the full duration of the permit
- Include family members such as spouse, children under 24, and parents
Key Features
- Fast processing: Applications are typically approved within 14 working days
- No residency requirement: Applicants don’t need to live in Jordan before or during the permit term
- No automatic path to citizenship: This program does not lead to citizenship, unlike the CBI scheme
Do permanent residents get citizenship?
While the residency permit doesn’t automatically lead to citizenship, long-term residents may apply for naturalization under standard rules.
This typically requires:
- 15 years of legal residence, or
- 5 years for applicants married to Jordanian nationals (especially Arab spouses)
Does Jordan Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, Jordan officially permits dual citizenship.
While the government expects transparency in such cases, it does not require renunciation of other nationalities.
Legal Framework & Diplomatic Notes
- Legal stance: Jordan’s Nationality Law has recognized dual nationality since 1954. Jordanians who naturalize elsewhere or foreigners who take on Jordanian citizenship can hold both nationalities, subject to the other country’s laws.
- Government roles: Recent constitutional amendments (2016) also permit dual citizens to hold public office, though some senior or security-sensitive roles may still require Special Ministry approval.
Conclusion
Jordan Citizenship by Investment program remains one of the region’s more structured pathways to second citizenship especially for investors seeking Middle Eastern access with minimal residency requirements.
While the 2025 updates may reflect increased regulatory scrutiny or revised thresholds, the country still offers viable routes for those willing to make a significant economic contribution.
With dual citizenship permitted and multiple investment options available, Jordan continues to offer a strategic yet selective entry point for global investors seeking long-term opportunities in the region.
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