All nationalities wanting to work and live in Jordan have to secure the necessary visas. If your company decides to employ foreign nationals when expanding to this nation, you’ll need to understand how to get work visas in Jordan and stay compliant with the country’s laws and regulations. However, many individuals don’t have the time to learn these intricacies while trying to grow their company.
Types of Work Visas in Jordan
Anyone entering Jordan must obtain a visa from one of the country’s diplomatic missions unless they’re from a visa-exempt country or can acquire one on arrival. Whether obtaining a visa before traveling or getting one at the border, individuals can secure a single-entry visa valid for up to two months, a double-entry version applicable for three months, or a multiple-entry visa allowing for six months.
These tourist visas do not permit employment. To legally hire a foreigner to work for your company in Jordan, they will need a work visa and permit. A work visa gives them permission to enter the country for work purposes while a work permit in Jordan gives your employees the ability to work once they arrive.
Finally, all foreign employees will need a residence permit. These differ based on the circumstances for applying, such as marriage to a Jordanian national or employment in the country. All residence permits are valid for a year and can be renewed annually. After living in Jordan permanently for several years, an individual can apply for citizenship or a five-year residence permit.
Requirements to Obtain Jordan Work Visas
All expats must secure a job before they can obtain a work visa and permit in Jordan. However, you will need to get approval from the Ministry of Labor to hire the employee by proving that you can’t find a worker with similar experience and qualifications in Jordan, or that the number of available workers does not fit your needs. Demonstrating the need to hire abroad may prove difficult, as Jordan has high unemployment numbers and the government prioritizes hiring local individuals.
You must provide a copy of the employment application along with numerous other documents to receive a work permit for employees:
- Company’s name, your name, address, work nature, and available branches
- Worker’s name, nationality, and profession
- Two copies of the employee’s work contract
- Your company’s valid vocational license
- Copy of the worker’s passport
- List issued by the Social Security Corporation
- Valid medical checkup certificate
- Photo of the worker
- And more
Application Process
The general process for securing a working visa and permit in Jordan involves:
- Obtaining a job
- Getting approval from the Ministry of Interior
- Submitting all required documents and paying the applicable fees
Fees for a work permit depend on the type of worker and sector. A permit for a non-Arab worker in all industries other than agriculture costs JOD 300, while one for an Arab worker costs JOD 180. In agriculture, a non-Arab worker permit costs JOD 120, while one for an Arab agricultural worker is JOD 60. You will also need to pay between JOD 150-175 to renew the work permit.
Other Important Considerations
If your employees need to renew their work permit, they must provide certain documents, such as:
- Their name, birth date, nationality, and profession
- The name of their employer, establishment, or farm
- The start and ending date of the employment permit
- The stamp and signature of the Directorate of Labor Affairs
Partner With G-P
G-P has experience in Jordan and other countries around the world. Our team works tirelessly on your behalf during an expansion to ensure you stay compliant.
Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of our services.