Living in Jordan: The Complete Expat Guide for 2026
Jordan is not on the radar of most UK expats — and that, increasingly, is part of its appeal. Stable, safe by regional standards, genuinely hospitable, and home to a sophisticated capital city in Amman, it offers a quality of life that regularly surprises those who arrive with limited expectations. The country's fiscal treatment of capital gains on shares is advantageous, private healthcare has reached a genuine standard of quality, and the growing tech ecosystem has brought a new wave of internationally mobile professionals alongside the traditional NGO, diplomatic, and development community.
Amman: The Expat City
Virtually all international residents in Jordan base themselves in Amman, the capital. The city is built on hills (the ancient "city of seven hills") and has expanded dramatically in recent decades. It is modern, clean by regional standards, car-dependent (there is no metro), and segmented into distinct eastern (lower-income, traditional) and western (affluent, international) halves.
The primary expat areas are in West Amman:
Abdoun: The most upscale residential district, home to many embassies and diplomatic residences, five-star hotels, and the highest concentration of restaurants and international shops. Popular with senior corporate expats and NGO/UN senior staff.
Sweifieh: A busy commercial and residential area adjacent to Abdoun, popular with expats for its accessibility and range of facilities.
Shmaisani: A more central business-oriented district, mixed residential and commercial.
Khalda and Um Uthaina: More suburban, popular with families for their relative quiet and good school access.
Jabal Amman (Rainbow Street area): The historic 1st Circle to 6th Circle area, with a bohemian character, restored Ottoman-era buildings, and an active café and arts scene.
Residency and Visas
Jordan does not have a formal residency-by-investment programme on the model of European golden visas, but there are practical routes to longer-term residence:
Work Visa (Work and Residency Permit): Issued to those employed by registered entities in Jordan. The employer handles the process through the Ministry of Labour.
Investment Residence: Jordan has made efforts in recent years to attract international investment. Investors committing above specified thresholds to approved sectors may be eligible for residency permits of varying durations. The Jordan Investment Commission provides current programme details.
Property-Based Residence: Foreigners who purchase property in Jordan above specified value thresholds can apply for renewable residence permits. Foreign ownership of property is permitted on a freehold basis in many areas of Amman and in specific designated zones (including Aqaba), though restrictions apply in some areas.
UN/NGO/Diplomatic: A substantial portion of Amman's international community holds status under the UN or diplomatic frameworks, which provide their own residency mechanisms.
Taxation
Income tax in Jordan is levied at progressive rates from 5% (lower-income households) up to 30% for individuals, with an additional 1% national contribution on annual income above JOD 200,000. Critically, Jordan operates a broadly territorial system: individuals are generally taxed on Jordanian-source income, and foreign-source income is largely outside the Jordanian charge (with relief mechanisms where it has been taxed abroad). This territorial treatment is an important point for UK expats with ongoing UK income streams, but the precise treatment of particular income types should be confirmed with a Jordanian-qualified adviser, as the rules have specific exceptions.
Capital gains tax on shares: Jordan does not levy capital gains tax on gains from the disposal of shares or securities traded on the Amman Stock Exchange or on most foreign listed securities. This is a significant advantage for investors with equity portfolios. Capital gains on real property are subject to a land registration transfer fee structure rather than a CGT per se, though effective rates vary.
Dividends received from Jordanian companies by individual investors are taxed at a flat 10% withholding.
UK-Jordan DTA: The UK and Jordan have a Double Taxation Agreement. For UK nationals who establish Jordan tax residency, this treaty governs the treatment of UK-source income and prevents full double taxation, though it does not eliminate all UK obligations.
Private Healthcare
Jordan's healthcare sector has become a regional reference point for quality private care, with a number of hospitals regularly receiving medical tourists from across the Middle East.
Jordan Hospital (Amman): The largest and most comprehensive private hospital in Jordan, JCI-accredited, with a wide range of specialist departments including cardiac surgery, oncology, and neurosurgery.
Islamic Hospital: A major, established private hospital with a strong regional reputation.
Al-Essra Hospital and Specialty Hospital: Other reputable private facilities in Amman.
For the UK expat community, international health insurance (covering both Jordanian private facilities and potential repatriation) is standard and essential. Premiums for Jordan are generally moderate.
The Technology Sector
Amman has developed a genuine technology and startup ecosystem over the past decade. King Abdullah II Fund for Development, Queen Rania Foundation, and various accelerators and venture capital funds have supported a growing community of tech startups, fintech firms, and digital platforms. Several major international technology companies have established Amman offices, drawn by competitive talent costs, a high proportion of English-speaking graduates (Jordan has high literacy rates and a large university sector), and Jordan's relative political stability.
For UK technology professionals — whether employed by international firms, working as consultants, or managing their own ventures — Amman offers a working environment that is more sophisticated than the region's image might suggest.
Security and Context
Jordan is one of the most stable countries in a genuinely volatile neighbourhood. It shares borders with Israel/Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — each of which has experienced significant instability in recent years — and has managed these pressures with relative success. The Jordanian security services maintain a tight control of internal security, and expat areas of Amman are broadly safe.
FCDO travel advice for Jordan is generally "some normal precautions," with specific areas near the Syrian border and the Zarqa/Mafraq regions warranting additional caution. The FCDO advice should be checked regularly and before travel to non-Amman areas.
Crime affecting expats in Amman is relatively low. Petty crime exists; violent crime targeting Westerners is uncommon.
Cost of Living
Amman is moderately priced. A furnished apartment in Abdoun or Sweifieh suitable for a professional couple costs approximately JOD 600–1,200 per month (£680–£1,360). Dining out at mid-range restaurants is inexpensive by Western standards; international groceries are available at higher-end supermarkets.
International school fees (at schools such as the British School Amman, American Community School, and Amman Academy) range from approximately USD 12,000–20,000 per year.
A comfortable single professional lifestyle in Amman can be achieved for approximately £1,200–£1,800 per month excluding school fees; a family budget would typically be £2,500–£4,000 depending on schooling and lifestyle choices.
Banking and financial infrastructure
Jordan has a developed banking sector by regional standards. Major commercial banks include Arab Bank, Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, Jordan Ahli Bank, and Bank al Etihad, alongside international presences from HSBC, Citi, and regional banks from the UAE and Gulf.
Opening a bank account as an expatriate requires a valid residency permit and employer letter in most cases, though procedures vary by bank. The Jordanian dinar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 1 JOD = USD 1.41, providing exchange rate stability that is unusual in the region. This peg has been maintained without interruption since 1995 and provides UK expats with predictable sterling/JOD conversion dynamics linked to the GBP/USD rate.
International money transfers from Jordan are generally straightforward, though large capital movements require source-of-funds documentation consistent with Jordan's anti-money laundering framework. The Central Bank of Jordan operates a well-regarded regulatory environment.
For investment, Jordan's capital market (Amman Stock Exchange) is relatively small and illiquid by regional standards. Most internationally mobile residents manage their investment portfolios through offshore platforms — UK SIPPs, offshore bonds, and global investment accounts remain the standard approach for managing wealth outside Jordan.
Cultural and social context
Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a Muslim majority population that is generally moderate in outlook. The society is more socially mixed than some of its Gulf neighbours — women are prominent in professional life, dress codes are not enforced, and alcohol is available in licensed venues and many restaurants.
Amman's food scene is genuinely excellent, with a mix of traditional Levantine cooking and international restaurants. The city has a well-established arts and cultural community, with galleries, theatres, and international film festivals. The summer months (June–August) are very hot and dry; winter can be surprisingly cold and occasionally brings snow to the higher parts of the city.
Day trips from Amman offer extraordinary experiences: Petra (the ancient Nabataean city, a two-hour drive south), Wadi Rum (desert landscape), the Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth, 40 minutes from the capital), and Jerash (one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world). These are not merely tourist attractions — they are part of the daily texture of life for residents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy property in Jordan as a UK national? Non-Jordanian nationals can purchase property in Jordan subject to restrictions. In Amman and most urban areas, foreigners can acquire property freehold in their own name or through a company, subject to Council of Ministers approval for acquisitions above certain sizes. The Aqaba Special Economic Zone operates under different rules with more streamlined foreign ownership. Separate rules restrict ownership in border areas and certain other zones. Engage a Jordanian-qualified property lawyer before any acquisition.
Is Jordan a suitable base for managing international investments? Jordan's zero-CGT treatment of share disposals makes it attractive for active investors, and its broadly territorial system means foreign-source income is generally outside the Jordanian charge — though the treatment of specific income types (overseas dividends, interest and rental income) has exceptions and should be modelled carefully with a Jordanian adviser. For investors considering Jordan as a base for managing a significant investment portfolio, the overall position should be confirmed before relying on it. The UK-Jordan DTA provides credit mechanisms to avoid pure double taxation.
What schools are available in Amman? International school options in Amman are well developed. The British School Amman (King's Academy), the American Community School Amman (ACS), and several other schools offer English-medium education to IB, IGCSE, and AP standards. Annual fees range from approximately USD 12,000 to USD 20,000 per child depending on the school and year level. Demand for places at the most reputable schools can mean waiting lists, particularly for mid-year arrivals.
How Global Investments Can Help
Jordan's treatment of capital gains on shares, its broadly territorial taxation of individuals, and the UK-Jordan DTA together create a specific set of planning opportunities and obligations for UK nationals. Global Investments advises on cross-border tax planning, the structuring of investment portfolios for those resident in Jordan, and the management of ongoing UK assets during overseas residence.
Contact us for an initial consultation before your move to Jordan.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.