1. Comparison of the Main Visa and Work Permit Types

These are the principal categories covered in this guide. Additional arrangements for dependants, students, and other applicants are explained in the supplementary sections below.

1.1 Tourist and Business Visit

Depending on their nationality and the requirements at the port of entry, short-term visitors may apply through an applicable electronic application system, a Jordanian consulate, or an available entry arrangement.

Activities such as attending meetings, conducting negotiations, and participating in short-term business visits must remain consistent with the declared purpose of travel.

If an individual will be formally employed, provide ongoing on-site services, or perform the duties of a locally based position, the case must be assessed under Jordan’s work permit requirements.

Any work-related wording appearing on a visa or entry authorisation does not replace approval from the relevant labour authority. The permitted duration of stay, number of entries, and extension conditions should be confirmed directly from the applicant’s issued document.

1.2 Standard Work Permit for Non-Jordanian Nationals

The employer must comply with applicable requirements concerning industry registration, business licensing, and the permitted ratio of Jordanian to foreign employees.

The proposed position must be open to foreign nationals. The employee’s passport, legal immigration status, employment contract, and proposed job title must also be consistent with one another. The employee must satisfy any applicable medical examination requirements.

Work permits are generally granted for one year or a shorter approved period. For renewal, the employer and employee must continue to satisfy the relevant occupational and workforce-ratio requirements.

Facilitated arrangements available to workers in one industry cannot automatically be applied to another industry. The existence of a willing employer does not mean that every position is eligible for a foreign employee.

1.3 Skilled Work Permit

Eligibility under the skilled work permit pathway is determined according to the occupation lists and standards issued by the relevant labour authorities.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate their professional capabilities through documents such as:

1. A professional résumé or CV
2. Relevant qualifications or licences
3. Evidence of professional experience
4. Employer-issued supporting documents that meet the applicable requirements
5. A recommendation from the relevant authority, where required

The employer must also hold the necessary approvals for the applicable occupation or industry.

Even when a particular category may qualify for an exemption from standard foreign-worker ratio requirements, the employee is not exempt from obtaining a work permit.

The permit’s validity period is determined by the approval decision. At renewal, the applicant must continue to demonstrate that the position is a skilled role and that they hold the required qualifications.

The employee cannot transfer to an ordinary or restricted occupation without obtaining the necessary approval.

2. Entry, Dependants, and Other Arrangements

2.1 Entry and Stay

The employee’s work visa, work permit, and legal residence status must remain consistent and valid.

Special arrangements for particular nationalities, industries, seasonal work, or temporary programmes apply only to the groups specifically covered by those arrangements.

Time-limited immigration-status correction or regularisation programmes should not be treated as standard eligibility pathways for new work permit applications.

2.2 Dependants and Other Statuses

Family visit visas and dependant residence arrangements should be processed according to the principal applicant’s valid immigration status and the applicable relationship requirements.

Dependant status does not automatically grant permission to work in Jordan.

If a dependant intends to accept employment, the individual must confirm that the proposed occupation is open to foreign nationals and obtain the appropriate work permit before beginning work.

3. Renewals, Changes, and Post-Employment Arrangements

Work permit renewals should be arranged before the existing permit expires. Employers should reassess both occupational eligibility and the applicable Jordanian-to-foreign employee ratio as part of the renewal process.

Prior approval may be required when changing:

1. Employer
2. Occupation or job title
3. Work location
4. Industry

An employee cannot continue working under an existing permit after making one of these changes unless the relevant approval has been obtained.

Resignation or termination, permit cancellation, and departure from Jordan may involve separate procedures with the labour and immigration authorities.

Employers and employees should confirm the requirements of both authorities and consider how any change may affect accompanying family members.

4. How sailglobal Can Help

If your company plans to send employees to Jordan for business visits, local employment, short-term projects, or assignments involving accompanying family members, sailglobal can help you understand the available pathways and application requirements.

Our assessment can consider the individual’s status, job responsibilities, work location, and expected travel or assignment schedule.

Visa, work permit, and residence applications are independently reviewed by the relevant government authorities. sailglobal cannot guarantee an approval outcome or a fixed issuance date.