Expat Investment Advice in Jordan: Banking, Taxes, and Opportunities

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.

My contact details are hello@adamfayed.com and WhatsApp +44-7393-450-837 if you have any questions.

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.

Banking and Taxes in Jordan for Expats

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.

How to open a bank account in Jordan as an expat

Expats can open accounts at Jordanian banks, but the process requires extensive documentation. At minimum, you will need:

• A valid passport with residence permit or entry visa.
• Proof of local or overseas address (utility bill, lease, or government-issued document).
• Source-of-funds documentation (employment contract, business registration, investment statements).
• A tax residency self-certification form, now mandatory under CRS.

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.

Do expats in Jordan pay tax on foreign income?

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.

How are dividends, interest, and capital gains taxed in Jordan?

• Dividends: Dividends distributed by Jordanian companies are generally exempt from income tax. This makes locally listed equities comparatively tax-efficient for investors.
• Interest: Interest from bank deposits or bonds is taxable for individuals, whether resident or non-resident.
• Capital gains: Gains on the sale of shares, whether listed on the Amman Stock Exchange or privately held, are typically exempt from tax. Exceptions exist for sales of depreciable business assets or specialized instruments. This exemption provides a significant advantage compared to jurisdictions where equity gains are fully taxed.

Double Tax Treaties in Jordan

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.

Real estate taxes in Jordan

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.

General sales tax in Jordan

Jordan also applies a general sales tax (GST) of 16% on most goods and services. For expats, this means:

• Imported consumer goods, electronics, and vehicles are relatively expensive compared to regional hubs.
• Utilities, telecommunications, and professional services carry GST, increasing recurring monthly expenses.
• Some essential items, such as basic foodstuffs, may be subject to reduced or zero-rated GST, softening the impact on daily living costs.

Expats should expect the tax to affect nearly all aspects of household spending, from groceries to healthcare.

Are social security contributions mandatory for foreigners?

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:

• Employer share: 14.25%
• Employee share: 7.5%

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.

Investment Options in Jordan

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.

• Accessibility: No nationality restrictions on listed shares. Foreign ownership can reach 100% in most sectors, with some exceptions in strategic industries.
• Liquidity: Daily turnover is modest compared to larger emerging markets. Execution may take longer, and spreads can be wider on mid-cap and small-cap stocks.
• Market profile: The ASE is dominated by banking, mining, and real estate companies, which means sector concentration is higher than in global indices.

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.

Can expats buy property in Jordan?

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:

• Submitting a formal application through the Land and Survey Department.
• Demonstrating intended use of the property (residential, commercial, or investment).
• Compliance checks on nationality and location of property.

Approval timelines can range from several weeks to a few months.

There are restrictions on ownership, however:

• Certain properties, especially those near borders or in sensitive zones, may not be available to foreigners.
• In some cases, caps exist on the size or number of properties that can be owned by non-Jordanians.
• Foreign companies seeking property ownership must show that it supports operational or investment activity.

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.

Residency and Citizenship by Investment in Jordan

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.

• Residency by investment: Typically tied to real estate ownership or long-term leases, with minimum values and approval requirements set by regulation. Residency permits may also be granted for substantial local investments or employment of Jordanian citizens.
• Citizenship by investment: Available through cabinet-level decisions, but now restricted to projects that demonstrate significant economic impact, such as establishing factories or creating a large number of jobs. The process is discretionary and closely monitored.

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

• Expect longer timelines and stricter due diligence compared to regional alternatives.
• Prepare audited financial statements, source-of-funds documentation, and project feasibility studies for business-linked applications.
• Monitor policy changes, as Jordan has revised its investment-migration programs several times in recent years.

Cost of Living for Expats in Jordan

Jordan’s cost of living is moderate by Middle Eastern standards, higher than some neighboring countries but lower than Gulf states.

• Housing: Rents in Amman are significantly cheaper than in Dubai or Doha but higher than in Cairo. Foreigners typically concentrate in West Amman, where modern apartments and gated communities are located.
• Food: Dining out ranges from inexpensive local options to high-end international restaurants. Imported foods and alcohol are heavily taxed and can be costly.
• Transport: Fuel prices are moderate, but car ownership carries additional costs through taxes, insurance, and parking. Ride-hailing services like Careem are widely available.
• Healthcare: Jordan is known for good medical facilities and a growing medical tourism industry. Expats often use private hospitals, which are more expensive but of high quality.
• Education: International schools are available in Amman, offering British, American, and IB curricula. Fees are high relative to local incomes and should be budgeted by families.

Quality of life in Jordan

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.

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