Jordan Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Jordan?

In Jordan, any non-Jordanian individual intending to engage in employment must obtain a work permit. This requirement applies across all sectors and job roles, ensuring that foreign workers are legally authorized to work within the country. Employers must ensure that their international hires secure the appropriate work permits to comply with Jordanian labor laws.

Types of Work Visas in Jordan

Jordan offers various work visas tailored to different employment needs and sectors.

Work Permit Application Process in Jordan (Step-by-step)

In Jordan, the work permit process is employer-led and closely tied to the company’s compliance status and the specific role being filled. The foreign national cannot usually apply independently; instead, your Jordanian entity or local partner must sponsor the application with the Ministry of Labor.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and checks eligibility for hiring a foreign worker. This includes confirming that the position is not reserved for Jordanian nationals, assessing any sectoral quotas, and preparing a clear job description, salary, and contract terms.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation and labor compliance records. This often includes commercial registration, professional licenses (if applicable), tax and social security clearance, and evidence that the company is active and in good standing.
• Step 3: The employee provides personal documentation. Typically, this includes a valid passport, passport photos, educational and professional certificates, a detailed CV, and any required police clearance or medical certificates, depending on the role and sector.
• Step 4: The employer submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor. The application usually includes the employment contract, company documents, employee documents, and any supporting justification for hiring a foreign national, along with payment of the relevant government fees.
• Step 5: Authorities review the application and may request clarifications. The Ministry of Labor may check labor market conditions, verify qualifications, and coordinate with other agencies; during this time, the employee should not begin work until formal approval is granted.
• Step 6: Once the work permit is approved, the employer and employee complete residency formalities. This can involve registering with the Ministry of Interior, obtaining or updating a residency permit, and registering the employee with Jordanian social security and, where applicable, tax authorities.
• Step 7: The employer maintains ongoing compliance and tracks renewal dates. This includes ensuring the employee works only in the approved role and location, paying social security contributions, and initiating renewal of the work permit and residency before expiry.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for a work permit in Jordan depends on the nature of the job, the employer’s status, and the foreign national’s qualifications. Certain sectors may have stricter rules or higher scrutiny, and some occupations may be restricted to Jordanian citizens.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Valid corporate registration and licenses: The sponsoring employer must be properly registered in Jordan and hold any sector-specific licenses, demonstrating that it is legally authorized to operate and hire staff.
• Compliance with labor and social security laws: Authorities typically expect proof that the employer is up to date with social security contributions, tax filings, and labor law obligations, as non-compliant companies may face delays or refusals.
• Evidence of need for a foreign worker: In many cases, the employer should show that the role cannot easily be filled by a Jordanian national, for example by referencing skills shortages, language needs, or specialized experience.
• Relevant qualifications and experience: The foreign employee is generally expected to hold educational credentials or professional experience that match the position, and authorities may request authenticated degrees or professional licenses.
• Clean immigration and security record: Depending on the case, a police clearance certificate or security check may be required to confirm that the employee does not pose a security or public order risk.
• Valid passport and health requirements: The employee must hold a passport valid for the duration of the intended stay, and certain roles or sectors may require medical examinations to confirm fitness for work.

Work Permit Processing Time in Jordan

Processing times in Jordan can vary significantly based on the type of permit, the sector, and whether all documents are complete and properly legalized. Internal reviews by the Ministry of Labor and, where relevant, security or professional bodies can also affect timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Jordan can vary depending on the specific permit category, the applicant’s nationality, and the workload of the authorities. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Often around 4 to 8 weeks after all required documents are submitted and fees are paid, assuming no major queries or additional checks.
• Permanent Residence: May take 6 to 18 months or longer, reflecting more extensive background checks, eligibility assessments, and review of investment or family ties, as applicable.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Commonly processed in about 2 to 4 weeks, particularly for business meetings, short technical assignments, or training, provided documentation is straightforward.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While each case is different, you can roughly map out the process over several weeks, assuming documents are in order and there are no unusual delays.

• Week 1: Employer confirms role details, checks eligibility to hire a foreign worker, and starts gathering corporate documents and internal approvals.
• Week 2: Employee collects personal documents such as passport copies, photos, certificates, and any required police or medical reports, while the employer finalizes the employment contract.
• Week 3: Employer submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labor and pays the applicable fees, ensuring all forms and attachments are complete.
• Weeks 4–6: Authorities review the application, may request clarifications or additional documents, and issue a decision on the work permit.
• Weeks 6–8: After approval, the employer and employee complete residency registration, social security enrollment, and any remaining onboarding steps before the employee starts work.

Who Does What During Jordan Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, confirming that hiring a foreign national is permissible, preparing and submitting the work permit application, paying government fees, and ensuring compliance with labor, social security, and immigration regulations throughout the employment period.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate and complete personal documentation, attending any required medical checks or interviews, maintaining a valid passport and immigration status, and complying with the specific terms of the work permit, including employer, role, and duration.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Jordan

Work permits in Jordan are commonly issued for up to one year at a time and can often be renewed annually as long as the employment relationship continues and all legal obligations are met. Employers should usually start the renewal process several weeks before expiry to avoid gaps in authorization, as the employee is expected to hold a valid permit at all times while working.

Renewal requirements typically mirror the initial application, including updated company compliance evidence and confirmation that the role and salary remain appropriate. Practice may vary by sector and region, so it is advisable to check current rules with the Ministry of Labor or a qualified local advisor and to build internal reminders so your HR team can track expiry and renewal dates proactively.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Jordan?

The fees for work permits in Jordan vary based on the worker's nationality and the employment sector.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Jordan

As of now, Jordan does not have a specific visa category for digital nomads. Digital nomads planning to reside in Jordan typically enter on a tourist visa, which may be valid for up to three months, depending on nationality. Extensions beyond this period can be challenging, and there is no formal pathway for long-term stays without employment sponsorship.

Employers considering hiring remote workers in Jordan should be aware of these limitations and the lack of a formal digital nomad visa program.

• A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• A tourist visa, depending on the applicant's nationality.
• Proof of financial means to sustain themselves during their stay.
• Health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay.
• Compliance with local regulations regarding visa extensions or changes in visa type if needed.

Employer Compliance & Obligations in Jordan

Employing foreign nationals in Jordan presents several challenges that employers should be prepared to address. These challenges include navigating the Kafala sponsorship system, ensuring compliance with local labor laws, and overcoming administrative and cultural barriers.

• Navigating the Kafala System: Jordan operates under the Kafala sponsorship system, where a migrant worker's immigration status is legally tied to their employer. This can create challenges in worker mobility and autonomy.
• Compliance with Labor Laws: Employers must strictly adhere to Jordanian labor regulations, which include specific provisions for foreign workers. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties.
• Cultural Differences: Understanding local customs and workplace norms is vital to fostering a harmonious work environment and avoiding potential conflicts.
• Administrative Procedures: The work permit and visa application processes can be time-consuming and require thorough documentation.

Tips for Employers:

• Engage with local legal and administrative experts to ensure compliance and navigate the complexities of the Kafala system.
• Provide cultural sensitivity training for management and staff to promote inclusivity and understanding.
• Streamline internal processes for handling work permit and visa applications to reduce delays and ensure accuracy.
• Regularly update knowledge of Jordanian labor laws to adapt to any legislative changes that may impact foreign employment.

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