Corporate Law
Rules and Procedures for Amending a Foreign Company's Name, Capital or Nationality at Its Head Office
A concise overview of the legal and procedural framework for amending core data of foreign companies registered in Jordan or maintaining a representative office in the Kingdom, focusing on name, capital and nationality changes. The summary explains notification and registration requirements and legal consequences, including trade name protection domestically and internationally.
Updated: 26 January 2025
Prepared and reviewed by: Ashraf Al-Khawaja
Definition and Types of Foreign Companies
A company is considered foreign where it is formed and registered outside Jordan. Under Jordanian law, foreign entities are categorised mainly as: (i) foreign companies active in Jordan — either temporarily for specific contracts or permanently with authorization — and (ii) non‑working foreign companies that maintain a local head office or representative office for coordinating activities abroad. The Companies Law provides distinct notification and registration rules for these types.
Reasons and Practical Effects of Amendments (Name, Capital, Nationality)
Partners may amend a company's name, increase capital, or alter nationality for commercial reasons such as mergers, business activity change, rebranding, or restructuring ownership. Practically, any amendment requires updating official records so the company can lawfully use the new name, enter into contracts and enforce rights and obligations; it may also necessitate rebranding and client communications. Parties must respect substantive limits on trade names and avoid harming others or causing public confusion.
Legal Conditions and Procedural Consequences for Amending Name and Principal Data
The amended name must be novel, distinctive and not identical or confusingly similar to an existing trade name for the same or related activity; names used fraudulently are prohibited. Notification and registration procedures apply to material changes made after initial registration, and foreign companies must inform the Controller within thirty days of a change. The Controller has discretion to approve or refuse registration; once registered and fees are paid, the change is published in the Official Gazette. Competing companies may file objections within the statutory period if confusion or deception is likely.
Practical Steps for Amendment and National/International Name Protection
Practically, the process includes submitting an amendment application with required documents signed by the authorised representative, document review, internal referral for decision, payment of fees, issuance of a certificate and publication. Domestic protection of trade names is governed by the Trade Names Law (civil remedies, cancellation and criminal sanctions for unlawful use). Internationally, instruments such as the Paris Convention afford protection among member states subject to their conditions and to compliance with protection requirements in the country of origin. Because international protection and local registration regimes differ, right‑holders should combine local filings with appropriate international measures for target markets.
Legal notice
Notice: The information provided is for general educational purposes and is based on the original source linked on the publication page. It does not constitute legal advice and does not replace review of applicable laws, amendments or deadlines, nor consultation with a licensed Jordanian lawyer before taking any action.
Sources and references
Verify the official text and latest amendments before relying on this material professionally.