Nationality Law
Jordanian Nationality Law (Law No. 6 of 1954 and Amendments through 2023)
A concise overview of Jordan’s Nationality Law (Law No. 6/1954) as amended through 2023, addressing who is considered Jordanian and the main routes to acquire or lose nationality. The summary highlights procedural requirements and practical limits for acquisition by descent, birth, marriage or naturalization, and the roles of the Ministry of Interior and the Council of Ministers.
Updated: 14 May 2023
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Scope and Key Definitions
The Law designates itself as the Jordanian Nationality Law and incorporates amendments up to 2023. It sets out core definitions—who is a ‘Jordanian’ or an ‘alien’—and defines terms used for application (e.g., Arab, expatriate, age of majority, lack of capacity). The statute also recognizes certain groups as Jordanian based on prior legislation, descent and specified birth circumstances.
Modes of Acquisition and Conditions
The Law provides several principal acquisition routes: citizenship by descent (children of a Jordanian father are Jordanian regardless of birthplace), certain births in Jordan (e.g., children born to a Jordanian mother and a stateless or unknown father), and grants by Cabinet decision or ministerial procedures subject to different requirements. There are special provisions for Arab residents (lengthy continuous residence and renunciation of prior nationality, plus conduct and livelihood conditions) and naturalization criteria for other foreigners (residence period, Arabic literacy, good conduct). The statute also addresses marriage-related acquisition and the circumstances for a Jordanian woman to retain or restore her nationality.
Loss, Renunciation, Restoration and Practical Restrictions
The Law allows renunciation of Jordanian nationality subject to the Minister of Interior’s approval and contemplates naturalization in foreign or Arab states under certain conditions. It provides that Jordanians who acquire another nationality generally retain Jordanian nationality unless they renounce it according to the statute. Grounds for loss or revocation of nationality/citizenship certificate include serving in a foreign military without authorization, acts endangering state security, and fraud in the naturalization process. Practically, naturalized persons face temporal restrictions before holding certain political, diplomatic or public offices.
Administrative Procedures and Practical Effects for Authorities
Most applications are submitted to the Minister of Interior or an authorized delegate, with supporting documents required to prove eligibility. A person is treated as Jordanian from the date they are notified of an approval decision; naturalization certificates are signed by the Minister of Interior. The Council of Ministers may issue implementing regulations on nationality procedures, identity cards and fees, and the statute provides for administrative penalties for non-compliance with registration requirements. In practice, applicants must furnish complete official documentation and comply with implementing rules adopted under the Law.
Legal notice
Notice: This summary is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The original source text is linked on the summary page; you should verify the operative statutory text, amendments and dates in the Official Gazette and with official authorities, and consult a licensed Jordanian lawyer for practical cases.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.