Work Permits & Business Immigration in Jordan via Employer of Record

Expanding into Jordan provides businesses with access to a strategic market, a skilled workforce, and strong regional trade connections. However, hiring expatriates in Jordan requires compliance with strict work permit regulations, employer sponsorship requirements, and residency laws.

Acumen International’s Employer of Record (EOR) solution enables companies to legally employ expatriates in Jordan without establishing a local entity. We handle the work permit application process, payroll compliance, and employment risks, allowing businesses to focus on operations.

Key Challenges of Hiring Foreign Employees in Jordan

Employers seeking to hire expatriates in Jordan must navigate several challenges:

Strict Work Permit Regulations – Employers must demonstrate that hiring a foreign national is essential and that no qualified Jordanian candidate is available.
Work and Residency Permits – Foreign employees require both a work permit and a residency visa, with compliance tied to employer sponsorship.
Labour Market Restrictions – Certain job roles are reserved for Jordanian nationals, limiting expatriate employment in specific sectors.
Processing Delays and Documentation Requirements – The approval process involves multiple government agencies, requiring precise documentation to avoid delays or rejections.
Social Security and Tax Compliance – Employers must ensure that foreign employees comply with Jordanian labour laws and tax regulations.

Failure to comply with immigration and employment regulations can result in visa rejections, fines, or business restrictions.

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How an Employer of Record (EOR) Helps Companies Hire in Jordan

Instead of establishing a legal entity, businesses can hire expatriates in Jordan through an Employer of Record (EOR).

Hiring Through a Legal Entity

Companies that establish a local presence must:

Register a Jordanian business entity with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply.
Obtain an Employer Licence to sponsor foreign workers.
Ensure compliance with labour quotas and national employment priorities.
Handle work permit applications and ensure visa approvals.
Manage payroll, taxation, and employee benefits and social security contributions for international talent.

Hiring Through an EOR

For companies that need to hire quickly without entity registration, an EOR provides:

Work permit and visa sponsorship under a compliant structure.
Payroll and tax management, ensuring full compliance with Jordanian regulations.
Employment contract administration, aligned with local labour laws.
Faster hiring and onboarding, reducing immigration processing time.
Legal risk mitigation, avoiding non-compliance penalties.

By using an EOR, businesses can legally hire expatriates in Jordan, reduce administrative burden, and ensure compliance with all employment laws.

Work Permit Process in Jordan

The process for securing a work permit in Jordan involves several stages and government approvals.

1. Eligibility Criteria for a Work Permit

To qualify for a Jordanian work permit, an expatriate must:

Hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity.
Have no criminal record and provide a police clearance certificate.
Secure a job offer from a Jordanian employer.
Meet the qualifications and experience requirements for the specific job role.

Certain industries have job restrictions for foreign employees, requiring additional approvals.

2. Types of Work Permits in Jordan

Temporary Work Permit – Valid for up to one year, suitable for short-term employment or training.
Resident Work Permit – Issued for three years, renewable for long-term employment.
Non-Resident Work Permit – Allows a foreign national to work in Jordan without residing permanently.

3. Work Permit Application Process

The employer or an Employer of Record (EOR) must submit the application through the Jordanian Ministry of Labour.

Steps for Work Permit Approval:

Employer Submits a Justification Letter – The company must prove the necessity of hiring a foreign employee.
Application Submission – The employer or EOR submits the work permit application online via the Ministry of Labour’s electronic system.
Verification and Approval – Authorities review documentation and confirm compliance with employment laws.
Issuance of the Work Permit – Upon approval, the employee can begin working under the employer’s sponsorship.
Residency Visa Application – The employee must apply for a residency permit at the General Directorate of Residency and Borders.

4. Required Documents for a Work Permit in Jordan

Completed work permit application form
Valid passport with at least six months of validity
Two passport-sized photographs
Birth certificate copy
Educational qualification certificates
Medical certificate proving good health
Police clearance certificate from the employee’s home country
Letter of recommendation from a previous employer (if applicable)
Copy of the employment contract

5. Processing Time and Fees

Standard Processing Time – Work permit approvals typically take 30 to 60 days, depending on the industry and role.
Application Fee – JD 300 (approximately $420).

Ensuring Compliance and Risk Mitigation in Jordan

Hiring expatriates in Jordan requires strict compliance with government regulations. Common risks include:

Visa rejections due to incomplete documentation.
Labour market restrictions, limiting foreign employment.
Non-compliance penalties, including fines or deportation.
Failure to register employees for social security contributions.

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) in Jordan reduces these risks by ensuring:

Full legal compliance with Jordanian employment laws.
Accurate payroll and tax administration.
Risk-free onboarding and contract management.

All-In-One Global Employment Solution

Employing globally is no longer a maze of local setups and legal hurdles. With Express Global Employment, you can build a global team seamlessly. Benefit from our comprehensive, compliant, and efficient global employment solutions that eliminate the complexity of international hiring. From contract generation to seamless integration, we ensure that your expansion is as limitless as your ambition.

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Our global mobility support is about turning complexity into simplicity. We expedite onboarding and immigration procedures, ensuring your global talent is ready to engage and deliver results swiftly. By eliminating red tape and administrative burdens, your team can focus on what they do best, propelling your business forward in every corner of the globe.

Global Payroll & Benefits, Handled

Financial well-being is critical to employee satisfaction. That’s why we navigate the intricacies of international payroll and benefits with expertise. Our solutions offer your workforce a competitive and fully compliant financial package, wherever they may be. With Express Global Employment, you can assure your team that their compensation is globally competitive wherever they are in the world.

Borderless Expansion, No Entity Needed

Launch your workforce in 190 countries without the burden of establishing local entities. Our all-in-one global employment solution allows quick, compliant onboarding and talent management. You can immediately scale up your operations and seize international opportunities with Express Global Employment as your guide.

New Markets. Zero Risks.

Expanding your business’s horizons should not multiply its risks. Protect your global ventures from compliance pitfalls with our expert guidance. We manage the complexities of employee classification and permanent establishment risks, ensuring that your expansion is secure and strategically sound. With us, new markets mean new opportunities, not new worries.

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Types of Work Permits in Jordan

There are three main types of work permits in Jordan:

Temporary work permit: This type of permit is valid for up to one year and is intended for foreign nationals who will be performing short-term work or training in Jordan.
Resident work permit: This type of permit is valid for three years and can be renewed for additional three-year periods. It is intended for foreign nationals who will be employed in a specific position for a specific employer in Jordan.
Non-resident work permit: This type of permit is valid for up to one year and is intended for foreign nationals who will be working in Jordan but do not plan to reside there permanently.

Additional Considerations

Visa requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may also require a separate entry visa to enter Jordan. Check with your home country’s Jordanian embassy or consulate for visa requirements.
Professional assistance: It is advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or other qualified professional for assistance with the work permit application process, especially if you have any complex or unique circumstances.

Updates as of 2025

Electronic Application: The work permit application process has been streamlined and can now be completed electronically through the Ministry of Labor’s website.
Online Tracking: Applicants can now track the status of their work permit applications online.
Reduced Processing Times: The processing time for work permit applications has been reduced to an average of 30 to 60 days.
Enhanced Transparency: The Ministry of Labor has made significant efforts to improve the transparency of the work permit application process, providing clear instructions and online resources for applicants.
Regular Updates: The Ministry of Labor regularly updates its website and information channels to provide applicants with the latest information and requirements.

Global Payroll Calculator for Hiring Cost Analysis

The Global Payroll Calculator (GPC) offers a sophisticated solution for instantly calculating employment costs across 190 countries, streamlining your global hiring strategy and ensuring cost-effective decisions.

Key Features & Benefits for International Hiring

Instant Cost Calculations: Quickly determine total employment costs, factoring in real-time tax rates and benefits for local and foreign talent in 190 countries.
Precision & Clarity: Achieve precise payroll calculations with detailed breakdowns of all payroll variables, ensuring transparency and preventing unexpected costs.
Cross-Country Comparisons: Utilise GPC’s capability to perform instant comparisons between countries, helping you identify the most advantageous locations for hiring.

Core Capabilities of Global Payroll Calculator

Total Employment Cost Analysis:
- Monthly and yearly costs.
- Gross-to-net and net-to-gross calculations.
- Detailed breakdowns, including employer liability and employee taxes.
Full Tax Breakdown:
- Comprehensive coverage of social contributions, personal income tax, and automated tax caps.
- Employer and employee tax splits with allowances and holiday entitlements.
Built-in HR Compliance:
- Ongoing validation against trusted government sources.
- Updates in real-time to reflect the latest tax and labour laws.