Jordan Work Visas and Work Permits — 2025 Update, Procedures and Practical Tips

This guide summarizes the latest information (2025) about work visas, work permits and related residency procedures for Jordan. It explains the main policy points, step-by-step operations, required documents, estimated timelines and key precautions to help employers and foreign nationals navigate the system. Always verify with official government channels before applying, as regulations and fees can change.

Quick overview — what changed in 2025

• Greater digitization: Authorities have expanded online services for permit submission and tracking via the Ministry of Labor e-Services and the Civil Status and Passports Department (CSPD) portals, reducing the need for in-person visits.
• Emphasis on Jordanian employment: Hiring priorities continue to favor Jordanian nationals; employers must demonstrate active recruitment efforts for local candidates before foreign hires are approved.
• Sector-specific updates: Certain sectors (IT, health care, education and specialized engineering) benefit from streamlined approvals; lower-skilled categories still face quota limits and additional documentation.
• Heightened compliance checks: Labor inspections and verification of contract terms are more frequent. Employers should ensure proper wage, social security and insurance arrangements are in place to avoid penalties.

Who needs a work permit and work visa?

Generally, any foreign national employed in Jordan needs both a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and an entry/work visa or residency stamp issued by Civil Status and Passports authorities. Short-term business visitors and some service contractors may have exemptions or use a business visa, but extended employment requires formal work authorization.

Typical step-by-step process (operational workflow)

1. Receive a formal job offer and signed employment contract from the Jordanian employer (include salary, job title, duration, benefits).
2. Employer advertises job locally (when required) and documents recruitment efforts to show preference for Jordanian candidates.
3. Employer applies to the Ministry of Labor for a work permit online via the Ministry's e-Services portal; supporting documents are uploaded.
4. Once the Ministry of Labor approves the permit, the foreign national applies for the appropriate entry visa (if still abroad) or proceeds with residency formalities if already in Jordan.
5. Upon arrival (or after permit issuance), the foreign national completes a medical exam at an authorized clinic; results are submitted to authorities.
6. Security and criminal record checks are performed when required.
7. The Civil Status and Passports Department issues the residency card/permit and stamps the passport. The employer finalizes work registration, social security, and, where applicable, labor card issuance.

Documents checklist (commonly required)

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity recommended).
• Signed employment contract in Arabic or translated and certified copy.
• Completed work permit application (employer) and signed declaration of employer responsibility.
• Proof of job advertisement and recruitment efforts (for positions that require local recruitment first).
• Copies of company registration, trade license and tax documents for the employer.
• Academic certificates and professional licenses, attested by issuing country and Jordanian authorities if required for the profession.
• Medical examination report from an approved clinic.
• Passport-size photographs meeting official specifications.
• Police clearance or criminal record certificate if requested (some professions require it).

Timelines and fees (estimates and notes)

Processing times vary by case, profession and completeness of documentation. Typical ranges:

• Work permit approval by Ministry of Labor: several days to 4–6 weeks.
• Residency permit issuance after arrival and medical clearance: 1–3 weeks.

Government fees differ by permit type, length and sector. Expect a combination of Ministry of Labor fees, visa stamping charges and residency card fees. Employers often pay application fees, but arrangements vary. Always confirm current fees on official portals.

Common permit categories and special cases

• Skilled professionals (IT, health, education): tend to receive faster approvals if credentials are attested.
• Seasonal or short-term assignments: may use specific short-duration work visas — check duration limits.
• Change of employer: changing sponsors usually requires a new permit application; contractual release from the former employer can speed the process.
• Family dependents: once the worker holds a residency permit and meets minimum salary thresholds, family residency applications can be filed; proof of accommodation and income is usually required.

Practical tips and Notes (precautions)

1. Start early — gather attestations and translations in advance. Educational and professional certificates often require embassy/legal attestations that take time.
2. Keep contract terms clear — wages, benefits, duration and termination clauses should be explicit and consistent across applications.
3. Comply with recruitment rules — document job ads, interview records and why a foreign worker was hired to avoid objections from the Ministry of Labor.
4. Maintain social security and payroll compliance — non-payment can trigger fines and revocation of permits.
5. Renewals — apply well before expiry (commonly 30–60 days prior) to avoid lapses. Ensure the employee remains in legal status during the renewal process.
6. Medical and criminal checks — some professions, especially in education and health, require up-to-date clearances; plan for delays.
7. Change of employer or position — treat as a new application and confirm requirements early to prevent unlawful work gaps.
8. Use official portals — the expanded e-services reduce paperwork and provide application tracking; keep digital copies of submissions.

Case studies

Case 1: IT specialist (Amman fintech)

An international fintech firm hired a software engineer from abroad. The employer advertised the role locally and kept evidence of recruitment. The company submitted an electronic work permit application with attested university degree and employment contract. After Ministry approval in three weeks, the candidate completed the medical check on arrival and received residency within two weeks. The employer registered the employee with social security immediately.

Case 2: Construction contractor (seasonal workers)

A contractor needed temporary skilled construction workers for a six-month project. Because construction still faces quotas, the employer applied for short-term permits and ensured all health and safety insurance was in place. Processing took longer due to sector limitations; advance planning avoided project delays.

Where to confirm updates and official contacts

Always verify the latest rules, forms and fees with:

• Jordan Ministry of Labor official website and e-Services portal
• Civil Status and Passports Department (Ministry of Interior) — for residency and passport stamping procedures
• Jordanian embassy or consulate in your home country — for visa issuance rules and attestation requirements

SailGlobal — practical support

If you want hands-on assistance with Jordan work permit and residency procedures, SailGlobal provides personalized application support, local representation and post-arrival services to help reduce delays and compliance risks.

Final recommendations

Jordan’s 2025 environment favors online filings and compliance documentation. Employers should document recruitment efforts, maintain transparent contracts, and plan timelines for attestations and medical exams. When in doubt, consult official portals or trusted immigration advisors to ensure a smooth, lawful hiring and residency process.