Is it easy to find work in Jordan as a foreigner?

It depends on your sector. NGOs and international organisations (UNHCR, USAID, etc.) actively recruit internationals due to Jordan's role hosting Syrian refugees. Tech companies, international schools, and healthcare institutions also hire expats. General employment is more challenging — Jordanian labour law requires employers to demonstrate that no qualified Jordanian is available for the role. Networking is crucial, and LinkedIn, Bayt.com, and Akhtaboot are the main job platforms.

What are typical expat salaries in Jordan?

Expat salaries vary widely by sector. NGO/international organisation roles: $2,000–$6,000/month. Tech/startup roles: JOD 1,000–3,000/month ($1,400–$4,230). International school teachers: JOD 800–2,000/month ($1,130–$2,820) plus housing support in some cases. Corporate/banking: JOD 1,500–5,000/month ($2,118–$7,050). Salaries are lower than Gulf countries, but the cost of living is 50–70% lower too — the net lifestyle quality is comparable.

Can I start a business in Jordan as a foreigner?

Yes — 100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors. The simplest route is registering through the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) for 5% corporate tax and streamlined processing. For mainland Jordan, register with the Ministry of Industry and Trade — the process takes 2–4 weeks. Minimum capital requirements vary by business type. Jordan has free trade agreements with the US, EU, and Arab states, making it a viable export base.

What is the end-of-service benefit in Jordan?

Jordan's Labour Law mandates an End of Service Indemnity: one month's basic salary for each year of service (pro-rated for partial years). This is paid as a lump sum when employment ends, regardless of whether the employee resigns or is terminated (unless termination is for gross misconduct). For an employee earning JOD 2,000/month with 3 years of service, the indemnity would be JOD 6,000 ($8,460).

What is the work week and public holidays in Jordan?

The standard work week is Sunday to Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Working hours are 48 hours/week maximum (typically 8am–4pm or 9am–5pm with a lunch break). Jordan observes about 10–12 public holidays annually, including Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, Independence Day (May 25), and Christmas Day. During Ramadan, working hours are typically reduced by 1–2 hours per day.

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🇯🇴 Jordan

Work & Business

Sun–Thu

Work Week

48 hours max; varies by sector

Friday–Saturday

Weekend

Islamic weekend

JOD 260/mo ($367)

Minimum Wage

For Jordanian citizens

14 days/year

Annual Leave

21 days after 5 years

7.5% employee

Social Security

+ 14.25% employer contribution

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Amman 🏖️Aqaba

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Overview

Jordan's economy blends traditional sectors (banking, mining, tourism) with a rapidly growing tech startup ecosystem. Amman is emerging as a regional tech hub, with accelerators like Oasis500 and the Zain Innovation Campus nurturing a new generation of startups. The ASEZ in Aqaba provides business-friendly conditions for entrepreneurs. Salaries are lower than Gulf countries, but the low cost of living and quality of life compensate.

Key Takeaways

Contracts: must be in writing; if no written contract, the employer bears the burden of proof
Banking & finance: Arab Bank (one of the Middle East's largest), Housing Bank, Capital Bank — Amman is a regional financial centre
Corporate tax: 5% flat rate (vs. 20% in mainland Jordan)
Oasis500: Jordan's leading seed investment company and accelerator — has invested in 150+ startups
Relationships first: business in Jordan is built on personal trust and rapport — expect tea/coffee before negotiations

Jordan Labour Law Basics

Jordan's Labour Law governs private sector employment. Contracts must be in writing, and the law provides reasonable protections for employees including leave, overtime, and end-of-service benefits.

Contracts: must be in writing; if no written contract, the employer bears the burden of proof
Probation: maximum 3 months; either party can terminate during this period
Working hours: 48 hours/week maximum (8 hours/day); reduced during Ramadan
Annual leave: 14 days/year for the first 5 years; 21 days after 5 years of continuous service
Sick leave: 14 days full pay per year (after 3 months service); additional sick leave at half pay
Overtime: 125% of regular hourly rate; Fridays and public holidays at 150%
Termination notice: 1 month for both employer and employee; immediate termination for gross misconduct

Key Industries and Employers

Jordan's economy is diversifying from traditional pillars of mining, banking, and tourism into technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. The startup ecosystem is the most dynamic in the Levant region.

Banking & finance: Arab Bank (one of the Middle East's largest), Housing Bank, Capital Bank — Amman is a regional financial centre
Technology: growing startup ecosystem — Oasis500, Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC), PSUT Technology Incubator
Healthcare: Jordan Hospital, King Hussein Cancer Center, Specialty Hospital — medical tourism drives hiring
Tourism: Royal Jordanian airline, Marriott/Hilton hotels, tour operators — Petra-driven sector
Mining & industry: Arab Potash Company, Jordan Phosphate Mines — major export earners
NGOs & international organizations: UNHCR, UNICEF, USAID, Red Cross — significant presence due to Syrian refugee context
Telecoms: Zain Jordan, Orange Jordan, Umniah — competitive sector with good expat salaries

Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) Business

The ASEZ offers Jordan's most business-friendly environment, with reduced taxes, duty-free imports, and streamlined registration. It is the primary pathway for entrepreneurial expats.

Corporate tax: 5% flat rate (vs. 20% in mainland Jordan)
Customs duties: 0% on imports into the zone
Property tax: 0% within the ASEZ
Foreign workforce: up to 70% of employees can be non-Jordanian
Company registration: streamlined through ASEZA — faster than mainland registration
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Industries: tourism, logistics, shipping, light manufacturing, IT services, and professional services

Startup and Tech Ecosystem

Amman is the Levant's startup capital, with a growing ecosystem of accelerators, incubators, and venture capital. The young, educated population (70% under 30) and strong English proficiency fuel the tech sector.

Oasis500: Jordan's leading seed investment company and accelerator — has invested in 150+ startups
Zain Innovation Campus (ZINC): major tech hub in King Hussein Business Park — coworking, events, and mentorship
The Tank: community-driven coworking space with a focus on social entrepreneurship
iPark: government-backed tech incubator at the Abdali Boulevard development
Jordan's tech exports: $600M+ annually, including gaming (Tamatem), fintech, and edtech
Talent pool: University of Jordan, Jordan University of Science & Technology, PSUT — strong engineering graduates
Regional advantage: Amman-based companies serve the broader Arabic-speaking market (400M+ people)

Workplace Culture in Jordan

Jordan's workplace culture blends Arab hospitality with an increasingly professional, internationally-minded environment. Building personal relationships is essential for business success.

Relationships first: business in Jordan is built on personal trust and rapport — expect tea/coffee before negotiations
Hierarchy: seniority is respected; address people by title until invited otherwise
Ramadan: working hours reduced; no eating or drinking in public during daylight; meetings slow down
Dress code: professional and conservative in corporate settings; tech companies are more casual
Gender: mixed workplaces are normal in private sector and NGOs; more traditional in some sectors
Arabic: while English is common in business, learning basic Arabic phrases is appreciated and builds rapport
Thursday evening: the start of the weekend — social events and team gatherings peak

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