Jordans Move To Ease Residency Rules Will Attract Investment, Say Experts

RIYADH: Jordan’s recent move to ease residency requirements for foreign investors is set to drive capital inflows, particularly into real estate, according to industry experts.

A recent decision by the country’s Cabinet will reduce financial barriers for foreign residents and property owners seeking to renew their residency, the Jordan News Agency, also known as Petra, has reported.

Among the key amendments, the government scrapped a 10,000 Jordanian dinar ($14,100) deposit requirement for foreign property owners who have lived in Jordan for more than two years.

Meanwhile, non-property owners applying for a five-year residency will see their required deposit halved to 10,000 dinar.

The changes mark a significant shift in Jordan’s investment strategy, aligning with regional trends that leverage residency incentives to attract long-term foreign capital. The policy adjustments are expected to stimulate real estate activity, benefiting adjacent industries such as construction, legal services, and financial consultancy.

According to Petra, Ali Murad, chairman of the Jordanian-European Business Association stated that the decision is a crucial economic measure that will inject liquidity into the local market and strengthen the real estate sector.

 “Shifting residency requirements from bank deposits to property ownership will incentivize foreign investors to purchase real estate, boosting demand for construction and commercial projects,” Petra reported him saying.

Other experts believe that Jordan’s revised policy could make it a more competitive destination for international buyers looking for investment opportunities beyond traditional financial markets.

Fadi Al-Majali, chairman of the Jordanian Expat Business Association said that removing the deposit hold requirement for property owners enhances the attractiveness of real estate investment in the country, Petra reported.

The statement went on to say that Al-Majali believes  “these amendments will encourage more foreign investors to acquire properties, thereby increasing market demand and supporting the continued development of the real estate and construction sectors.”

Iraqi investors, who have historically played a key role in Jordan’s property market, are also expected to benefit.

Majid Al-Saadi, chairman of the Iraqi Business Council in Amman, welcomed the policy shift according to the Jordan News Agency, emphasizing that it allows investors to allocate more capital into Jordan’s retail, healthcare, and education sectors.

While the new measures are expected to drive investment in the near term, experts argue that Jordan could further enhance its appeal by adopting long-term residency programs similar to the UAE’s “golden visa” initiative. 

Gulf states have successfully used such programs to attract high-net-worth individuals, professionals, and entrepreneurs, creating a stable foreign investor base.