Work Permit for Non-Jordanian Workers
including Specialized Skills permits
Non-Jordanians need a Ministry of Labor work permit, applied for by a licensed Jordanian employer, to work in Jordan. Permits follow sector quotas and a list of professions closed to foreigners, with a separate 'specialized skills' permit for rare or expert roles. The worker also needs residence through the Residence and Borders authorities after entry.
Life in Jordan
Money
3
Currency
Jordanian Dinar
JOD
Jordanian Dinar
Cost of living
45
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5–30%
Income tax (national)
General sales tax 16%
Bands of JOD 5,000 at 5/10/15/20%, then 25% up to JOD 1 million and 30% above, after a JOD 9,000 personal exemption (plus JOD 9,000 for dependants, family cap JOD 23,000); plus a 1% national contribution on taxable income above JOD 200,000.
Living
1
Happiness
#117 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign workers recruited by a licensed employer in Jordan, including experts in professions on the specialized skills list.
Eligibility
Licensed employer
The employer applies using the approved recruitment or employment form and must hold a valid professional licence for the establishment.
Profession open to foreigners
Some professions are closed to non-Jordanians.
- Closed: office and administrative work, sales, decoration
- Closed: electrical wiring, car repair, hairdressing, security guards
- Most education roles are closed; teachers and faculty are excepted
Official wording
Some professions are closed to non-Jordanians, including office and administrative work, sales, decoration, electrical wiring, car repair, hairdressing, security guards and most education roles (teachers and faculty excepted).
Approval-only professions
Some roles need another authority's approval before a permit.
- Teachers: Ministry of Education approval
- Other roles: media correspondents, clergy, writers and artists, air hosts
Official wording
Some roles need another authority's approval, such as teachers (Ministry of Education), media correspondents, clergy, writers and artists, and air hosts.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementSector quotas
- Document checklistApproved recruitment/employment application form
- FeesWork permit fee – general (per worker, per year or part year)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 7 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 8 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Jordan
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