Investment Law
Investment Law Practice in Jordan and the Citizenship‑by‑Investment Framework
This summary outlines the scope of legal services for investors in Jordan, including advisory work, contract drafting, and representation before courts and investment authorities. It also reviews the main elements of the Jordanian Citizenship‑by‑Investment scheme as set out in Cabinet decisions, and the principal financial and procedural routes under that program.
Updated: 4 July 2025
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Role of the Investment Lawyer and Range of Services
The source characterizes an investment lawyer as providing advisory services on investment matters, drafting investment contracts and agreements, and representing clients before courts and investment authorities. In practice, the lawyer’s role includes legal risk assessment, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advising on transaction structuring to limit civil and procedural exposure. Legal representation does not guarantee administrative or commercial outcomes, and no specific result should be presumed.
Procedural Challenges and Dealing with Government Agencies
The article notes that investors may face procedural obstacles such as administrative bureaucracy, legal complexities, and changing government policies. A lawyer’s role can include facilitating procedures before licensing offices and investment authorities, preparing required documentation, and pursuing permits. It should be noted that practices and timelines vary by authority, and administrative decisions remain subject to each agency’s competence and discretion.
Citizenship‑by‑Investment Program: Main Routes and Conditions
The summary sets out the Jordanian Citizenship‑by‑Investment program elements referenced in Cabinet decisions (notably Cabinet Decision No. 3657 of 2021 and subsequent updates including No. 6404 of 2022). Financial routes described include: a USD 1,000,000 deposit for three years at the Central Bank (non‑withdrawable/non‑borrowable) or a six‑year treasury bond investment with interest set by the Central Bank; or the purchase of shares/stakes worth at least USD 1,500,000 in productive Jordanian companies to be held for three years with a lien. Alternatively, citizenship can be obtained by creating jobs via new projects (paid‑up capital of USD 1,000,000 in Amman or USD 750,000 outside Amman with 20 jobs in Amman or 10 outside), or through existing investments meeting average fixed‑asset thresholds while maintaining the same job numbers. A separate route is based on employing large numbers of Jordanians (150 in Amman or 100 in other governorates) with one year of social‑security registration and retention for two years after citizenship is granted. The program extends to immediate family members under the stated conditions, and investments above USD 3,000,000 may extend coverage to male children up to age 30 and their families. A five‑year residency option is also noted for real‑estate purchases of at least JOD 200,000 held for five years for residential use.
Practical Steps, Verification and Procedural Limits
Practically, citizenship applications and major investments require thorough legal and financial due diligence, proof of solvency, and security clearances and approvals from competent authorities. For example, a Central Bank deposit may be subject to non‑disposal restrictions; share acquisitions may require liens or transfer restrictions for a set period; and employment requirements are tied to capital amounts and geographic thresholds. It is necessary to verify implementing regulations, application timelines, social‑security registration rules, and confidentiality/disclosure procedures because interpretations and enforcement of Cabinet decisions may evolve. Coordinating steps with a licensed lawyer and reviewing the current official texts before proceeding is recommended.
Legal notice
Note: The above content is for general educational purposes and is based on the referenced source linked on the original post page. It does not substitute for specialist legal advice; you should review the current official texts, any amendments or deadlines, and obtain advice from a licensed Jordanian lawyer before taking any action.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.
