Starting a business in Jordan: foreigner's guide (2026)

Non-Jordanians may fully own economic projects in most sectors. Investment Environment Bylaw No. 7 of 2023 contains an explicit negative list; prohibited activities include investigation/security services, stone quarrying for construction, customs clearance, bakeries, and weapons/fireworks trade. Certain other sectors cap foreign ownership at 49%.

The previous JOD 50,000 minimum capital requirement for non-Jordanian investors was abolished by Investment Environment Bylaw No. 7 of 2023. For LLCs generally, the Companies Law sets a JOD 1,000 statutory minimum. From April 2024, 50% of declared capital must be paid at incorporation, with the balance due within 60 days.

The official CCD process requires: (1) reserve company name; (2) draft and sign Articles/Memorandum of Association before a CCD officer or notary; (3) file registration application with supporting documents; (4) obtain any sector-specific regulatory approvals; (5) pay registration fee; (6) receive certificate of incorporation. A registered office address and at least one director (aged 18+) are required.

End-to-end registration through the CCD typically takes 2–3 weeks for a standard LLC. Sector-specific licensing (e.g., financial services, healthcare) can extend this considerably beyond the baseline corporate registration.

The most common structures for foreign investors are the Limited Liability Company (LLC, minimum JOD 1,000 capital) and the Public Shareholding Company (PSC, minimum JOD 500,000 capital). Foreign companies may also register a branch or representative office without incorporating a separate local entity.

Jordan's Investment Commission (formerly JIPA) provides a one-stop-shop service for eligible investors under the 2022 Law, coordinating approvals across ministries. The 2022 Law also introduced streamlined incentives (tax exemptions, duty reductions) for priority sectors and special economic zones, reducing procedural burden for qualifying projects.