The Jordanian Cabinet, meeting on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, approved significant amendments to the criteria governing investor residency and citizenship. These changes are designed to attract and stimulate investment across Jordan's governorates. The Cabinet's decision shows a strategic commitment to enhancing the Kingdom's economic landscape and fostering a more dynamic investment environment. Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan presided over the session, emphasizing the government's proactive approach to economic development. The approved amendments are expected to streamline processes and offer more attractive pathways for foreign capital, directly contributing to national growth objectives.
The new amendments specifically seek to encourage investment in strategic national projects. Among these initiatives is the Amrah City project, identified as a key development target for attracting foreign capital and fostering economic growth within the country. This focus on strategic projects aims to channel investment into areas with high potential for job creation and long-term economic impact, aligning with Jordan's broader development goals. The government views these projects as critical pillars for sustainable economic expansion.
New Citizenship Pathways Detailed
Investors are eligible for Jordanian citizenship through several investment avenues. One pathway involves the direct purchase of shares in Jordanian companies, requiring a minimum investment of JOD 1.5 million. These shares must be newly acquired and must not be pledged, lent, or borrowed at any point. This stipulation ensures that the investment represents new capital inflow into the Jordanian market, rather than merely a transfer of existing assets. The acquisition of these shares needs to be completed within four months of receiving approval from the Ministry of Investment, providing a clear timeline for applicants. To ensure diversified investment, the regulations stipulate that no more than 10% of the total required investment amount may be concentrated in a single company. This measure aims to mitigate risk and encourage broader participation across various sectors of the Jordanian economy. Investors are prohibited from withdrawing or disposing of any funds, including trading profits generated from these investments, for a period of five years following the citizenship grant. This five-year retention period is designed to ensure the stability and long-term commitment of the investment to the Jordanian economy.
Another route for citizenship involves establishing productive-sector projects. Investors can qualify by setting up such projects with a paid-up capital of at least JOD 700,000 if the establishment is within Amman Governorate. For projects located outside the capital, the required paid-up capital is set at a minimum of JOD 500,000, an incentive designed to encourage investment and economic development in other governorates across Jordan. These projects must also create the required number of jobs for Jordanians as specified in the regulations, showing the government's commitment to local employment generation. Investors will be granted a four-month grace period after a project begins actual operations to complete employment targets, providing flexibility during the initial phase of the project. Upon fulfilling these conditions, investors will receive a temporary Jordanian passport valid for three years, serving as an interim step towards full citizenship.
Citizenship may also be granted to investors acquiring new equity stakes in productive-sector projects with a paid-up capital of at least JOD 1 million. This option provides another avenue for investors to contribute to and benefit from Jordan's productive economy. Citizenship eligibility is extended to investors in specific strategic sectors, including pharmaceutical warehousing, medical equipment and supplies, and food logistics. For investors in these critical sectors, the requirement is an investment of at least JOD 3 million, reflecting the significant impact these industries have on national well-being and economic resilience. In addition to the capital investment, these specific projects must meet significant employment criteria: citizenship will be granted to investors employing 150 Jordanians in Amman or 100 Jordanians in other governorates. These stringent requirements highlight the government's prioritization of high-impact, job-creating investments in key sectors.
Family Eligibility and Property Investment
Citizenship is extended to the qualifying investor's spouse, dependent daughters, unmarried sons under the age of 24, and dependent parents. An expanded eligibility criterion allows for unmarried sons under 30, along with their spouses and children, to also qualify if the investment exceeds JOD 2 million. This full approach to family eligibility aims to attract investors seeking a stable and secure future for their entire family unit within Jordan. The provision for older unmarried sons and their families, tied to a higher investment threshold, acknowledges the broader family structures often associated with significant foreign investment.
Five-year renewable residency permits are available to investors and non-investors who purchase property. Individuals buying property with a minimum value of JOD 200,000 from a real estate developer or housing company are eligible for these permits. This encourages investment in new developments and supports the growth of Jordan's construction and real estate sectors. For properties purchased from other sellers, the minimum value required for a residency permit is JOD 300,000, reflecting a different valuation approach for existing properties. Additionally, property valued at JOD 150,000 and located outside Amman Governorate also qualifies purchasers for a residency permit, further incentivizing investment and population distribution beyond the capital. The purchased property must be retained for a period of at least five years without being sold or mortgaged to maintain eligibility. This condition ensures a sustained commitment to the Jordanian real estate market and prevents speculative short-term transactions.
In a separate development, the Cabinet approved the settlement of 663 pending tax cases. These cases involved disputes between taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department, and their resolution reflects the government's efforts to improve the business environment and reduce administrative burdens. The Cabinet also adopted the Administrative Organization Regulation for the Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites for the year 2026. This regulation outlines the administrative structure and operational framework for the ministry, ensuring its effective functioning in managing religious affairs and holy sites. The Cabinet approved justifications for the draft Administrative Organization Regulation for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development for 2026. This indicates ongoing efforts to refine and optimize the administrative frameworks of key government ministries, aligning them with future operational needs and strategic objectives.
Program Context and Enforcement
The amendments aim to raise the investment threshold required for citizenship through the Amman Stock Exchange, ensuring that the program attracts substantial capital contributions. The Ministry of Investment is designated as the unified authority for investor affairs, streamlining the process for applicants and providing a single point of contact for all related inquiries and applications. This centralization is expected to enhance efficiency and transparency in the investment citizenship and residency programs. Citizenship may be recommended after compliance with investment conditions is maintained for three years following the temporary passport period, providing a structured pathway to full citizenship. For investments tied to job creation, employees must have been registered with the Social Security Corporation for at least one year before the application is submitted. This requirement is key for verifying the authenticity of employment and ensuring compliance with labor laws. These employees must also be retained for two consecutive years after citizenship is granted to meet the program’s requirements, reinforcing the long-term employment benefits of these investments.
Investors committing at least JOD 1.5 million in the Amrah City project are eligible for citizenship, showing the government's focus on strategic developments and encouraging direct participation in national priority projects. The regulations stipulate that Jordanian citizenship may be revoked or residency cancelled if required conditions are breached, ensuring adherence to the program's terms and maintaining the integrity of the investment-based pathways. This strict enforcement mechanism provides a clear framework for compliance and accountability. Since the investment-based citizenship program was introduced in 2018, 681 investors have obtained Jordanian citizenship, demonstrating the program's success in attracting foreign capital and talent to the Kingdom. This figure notes the tangible impact of such initiatives on Jordan's economic development and its appeal as an investment destination. In a separate action, the Cabinet approved justifications for amendments to the Hussein Award for Voluntary Work Regulation for 2026, indicating a continued commitment to recognizing and fostering voluntary contributions within Jordanian society.
