Jordan is a relatively stable, dollar-pegged economy in the Middle East. In 2025, two major changes impact expats and foreign investors.
First, the country formally joined the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) in April 2025, meaning banks now automatically exchange account information with tax authorities abroad.
Second, Jordan’s investment migration framework was reworked in July 2025, with new conditions for residency and citizenship routes tied to investment in real estate or job-creating ventures.
These changes, combined with existing rules on tax, property, and social security, define the new landscape for expats managing wealth in Jordan.
This article explores all relevant expat investment advice in Jordan, covering banking, tax treatment, real estate, residency programs, and investment markets from an expat perspective.
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
Tax residents in Jordan (those residing over 183 days in a tax year) are generally taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Jordan-sourced income. Personal Income Tax (PIT) is levied at progressive rates, ranging from 5% to 30%.
Meanwhile, Jordan has a developed banking sector with various local and international banks offering services to expats, including non-resident bank accounts and foreign currency accounts. The details of how to open such accounts are below.
Expats can open accounts at Jordanian banks, but the process requires extensive documentation. At minimum, you will need:
Banks in Jordan are required to comply with strict anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
If due diligence cannot be completed, the bank will refuse to open or maintain the account. Processing times vary, but account approval often takes longer for foreigners compared to locals.
Jordan’s entry into Common Reporting Standard (CRS) means that, as of 2025, local banks must automatically share information on non-resident account holders with their home tax authorities.
This includes balances, interest, dividends, and certain capital gains. Expats should assume their Jordanian financial accounts are no longer private and ensure tax compliance in both Jordan and their country of residence or citizenship.
No. Jordan primarily taxes income sourced within the country. Foreign-source income earned and kept abroad is not taxed unless remitted or connected to Jordanian business activity.
For expats working or investing locally, Jordanian-sourced income including salaries, business profits, rental income, and interest is taxable under the Income Tax Law.
Jordan has signed over 30 DTAs with countries including the UK, UAE, France, India, Canada, and Singapore.
These treaties reduce withholding tax rates on dividends, interest, and royalties, and help prevent double taxation for cross-border investors.
Expats should confirm whether their country of residence has an active treaty with Jordan and provide proper documentation to claim treaty benefits.
Rental income earned from Jordanian real estate is taxable. However, property taxes paid at the municipal level can be deducted against this liability.
Capital gains from the sale of real estate are generally exempt from income tax, provided the property is not classified as a depreciable business asset.
Jordan also applies a general sales tax (GST) of 16% on most goods and services. For expats, this means:
Expats should expect the tax to affect nearly all aspects of household spending, from groceries to healthcare.
Yes. Foreign employees working in Jordan are required to participate in the Social Security Corporation (SSC) system unless exempted under a bilateral social security agreement between Jordan and their home country.
The system covers pensions, work injury, maternity, and unemployment. The contribution rate is 21.75% of gross salary:
For expats, this deduction directly reduces net salary and should be factored into contract negotiations. Employers are responsible for remitting both portions to the SSC.
Can contributions be reclaimed when leaving Jordan?
Refundability depends on nationality and treaties. In many cases, contributions are not refunded directly. Instead, they accumulate toward a future pension entitlement, which may not be practical for expats who leave Jordan permanently.
Some bilateral agreements allow for portability or lump-sum refunds, but absent such agreements, most expats cannot recover their SSC contributions after departure.
Foreigners can invest directly in the Amman Stock Exchange, which has been open to non-Jordanian ownership for decades. As of recent data, non-Jordanian investors hold close to half of the market capitalization, reflecting significant foreign participation.
Jordan has a dedicated framework for Islamic finance, including the issuance and trading of sukuk (Islamic bonds).
Beyond equities and sukuk, expats can also access mutual funds and regional investment products through Jordanian brokers and banks.
Yes. Foreign ownership of real estate is permitted under the Real Property Law No. 13 of 2019, but subject to approval by the Ministry of Finance or relevant authorities. The process is more formal and regulated than in regional markets like Dubai.
Non-Jordanians must obtain permission before purchasing property. The approval process involves:
Approval timelines can range from several weeks to a few months.
There are restrictions on ownership, however:
When selling property, capital gains are generally exempt from income tax. However, rental income generated from the property during ownership is taxable.
Municipal property taxes are levied annually and can offset part of the income tax liability on rentals.
Jordan offered both residency and citizenship by investment, but in July 2025 the government restructured these pathways.
Passive options such as government bond purchases were removed, and the focus shifted to real economic contributions like job creation and business establishment.
Thresholds vary depending on the type of investment. For example, real estate investments often require a minimum purchase amount (set periodically by the government), while industrial or job-creating projects must meet both capital and employment benchmarks.
Expats considering these programs should obtain the latest requirements from the Ministry of Investment, as figures are subject to change.
For applicants
Jordan’s cost of living is moderate by Middle Eastern standards, higher than some neighboring countries but lower than Gulf states.
Expats generally find Jordan safe, hospitable, and culturally rich. Amman offers a cosmopolitan environment, while access to historical and natural sites like Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea enhances quality of life.
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in business and professional settings.
For investors interested in living in Jordan, these factors mean that while Jordan offers stability and opportunity, everyday expenses and regulatory frictions must be factored into both personal and financial planning.
It is recommended to seek the services of an expat financial advisor for more thorough guidance.