Jordan Citizenship by Investment: Unlock the Gateway to the Middle East

Are you exploring ways to gain Jordanian citizenship through investment? Jordan offers a Citizenship by Investment Program that presents opportunities in diverse sectors such as banking and real estate. This program entices investors with prospects like visa-free travel to 55 countries and business expansions into Middle Eastern markets. Our guide will walk you through the eligibility, investment options, and the advantages of obtaining Jordanian citizenship through this channel.

Key Takeaways

• The Jordanian Citizenship by Investment Program provides a path to citizenship for high-net-worth individuals through investments in areas like bank deposits, treasury bonds, company shares, and local employment projects, with a minimum range from USD $750,000 to USD $1.5 million.
• Jordan offers diverse benefits to investors becoming citizens, including visa-free access to 55 countries, no requirement to renounce existing citizenship, policies favourable for family inclusions, and a potentially high standard of living with low living costs.
• Although Jordan’s minimum investment requirement for citizenship is higher compared to programs in other regions, it offers unique strategic advantages due to its location, economic growth, and potential access to Middle Eastern markets.

Overview of Jordan Citizenship by Investment

Introduced in 2018, the Jordanian Citizenship by Investment Program paves a unique path for foreign investors to acquire Jordanian citizenship through diverse investment opportunities. The program is anchored on the pillars of economic growth and investment facilitation, catering to the needs of high-net-worth individuals seeking to expand their global reach. Boasting an annual economic growth rate of 4.3% since 2005 and an upper-middle-income status, Jordan has attracted investors worldwide. This makes the program mutually beneficial for investors and the Jordanian government alike.

The program’s allure also lies in Jordan’s strategic location. The country’s proximity to major regional markets, coupled with its stable and peaceful environment, makes it a prime destination for foreign direct investment. To accommodate diverse investor needs, the program offers a multitude of investment options, including:

• Bank deposits
• Treasury bonds
• Investments in company shares
• Investments in local projects that create employment opportunities

Participation in the Citizenship by Investment Program enables investors to broaden their global business footprint and benefit from robust government support.

Benefits of Jordan Citizenship

Acquiring Jordanian citizenship offers more than meets the eye. Primary among these is enhanced global mobility, with Jordanian citizens enjoying visa-free access to 55 destinations. This significantly simplifies travel for business or leisure, giving citizens the freedom to explore new markets and cultures without the hassle of visa applications.

Beyond travel, Jordan offers a favorable business environment for investors. Some key advantages include:

• Strategic Location: Situated at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa, Jordan boasts a strategic geographical location that provides easy access to regional markets. This geographical advantage facilitates trade and commerce, offering businesses a gateway to lucrative opportunities in neighboring countries.
• Diverse Investment Options: Jordan presents a diverse range of investment opportunities, from real estate and tourism to manufacturing and technology. The country’s investment-friendly policies and regulatory framework encourage business growth and innovation, attracting both local and foreign investors looking to capitalize on emerging markets.
• Political Stability: Jordan is renowned for its political stability and proactive measures against crime and terrorism. As a result, the country offers a safe and secure environment for businesses and individuals to thrive. The government’s commitment to maintaining stability fosters investor confidence and ensures a conducive atmosphere for sustainable growth and development.

Eligibility Criteria

Despite offering numerous benefits, the Jordanian Citizenship by Investment Program maintains strict eligibility criteria to ensure that only the most qualified applicants are selected. Some of the eligibility criteria include:

1. Annual Application Cap: The program has a cap of 500 applications annually.
2. Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide evidence of a clean criminal record to be eligible for the program, demonstrating their commitment to legal compliance and integrity.
3. Minimum Investment Requirement: Applicants are required to make a minimum investment in an approved project to qualify for citizenship. The investment options include bank deposits, treasury bonds, securities, small and medium enterprises, and local job-creating projects.
4. Minimum Stay Requirement: There is a minimum stay requirement in Jordan for applicants seeking citizenship through investment. This requirement ensures that applicants have a genuine connection to the country and contribute to its economy and society.

These criteria create a sense of urgency for potential investors, considering the attractive benefits the investment project offers.

In addition to the annual cap, all applicants must undergo a security clearance and provide proof of their financial adequacy to be considered for the program. The minimum investment requirements range from USD 750,000 to USD 1.5 million, depending on the chosen investment option.

Investment Routes for Jordanian Citizenship

Jordan provides a myriad of investment pathways to attain citizenship. These include:

• Bank deposits
• Treasury bonds
• Investments in company shares
• Investments in local projects that create employment opportunities

Each route has its unique set of requirements, with the minimum investment requirement for Treasury bonds at USD 1 million, while for contributing to job creation through local projects, it’s USD 750,000 outside Amman or USD 1 million within Amman.

The flexibility of these investment routes caters to different investor preferences and contributes to the economic growth of Jordan. Regardless of the chosen preferred investment route, all investors enjoy benefits such as visa-free travel to over 55 countries. This array of options ensures that the program is tailored to fit the diverse needs of foreign investors.

Bank Deposit Option

Investing in a bank deposit is one pathway to acquire Jordanian citizenship. By placing funds in a zero-interest account, investors can unlock the gateway to Jordanian citizenship. This route requires a minimum investment of USD 1 million, which must be maintained at the Central Bank of Jordan.

The bank deposit must be held for a minimum period of three years without any withdrawal to fulfill the investment criteria for citizenship. This option is ideal for investors who prefer a straightforward, low-risk investment route to Jordanian citizenship.

Treasury Bonds Option

Purchasing treasury bonds is yet another pathway to Jordanian citizenship. Investors must purchase bonds valued at a minimum of $1 million to qualify for citizenship by investment in Jordan. The treasury bonds must be held for at least a six-year period.

The interest rate for the treasury bonds is set by the Central Bank of Jordan. Purchasing and holding the treasury bonds for the specified duration is mandatory to meet the investment requirements for Jordanian citizenship. This route is suitable for investors looking for a medium-term investment avenue with a stable return.

Company Shares and Employment Creation

For investors eager to contribute directly to the local economy, investing in company shares or local job-creating projects is another sanctioned avenue to secure Jordanian citizenship. The minimum required investment in company shares is $1.5 million, which must be maintained for a period of at least three years.

Alternatively, creating jobs through local investment projects is another pathway to citizenship. These projects must meet specific capital and job creation benchmarks. For instance, in Amman, the project must have a capital of at least $1 million and create a minimum of 20 jobs or $750,000 USD capital with at least 10 jobs if located outside of Amman. These jobs must be maintained over a minimum three-year period and registered with the Social Security Corporation.

Application Process and Timeline

Securing Jordanian citizenship is a multi-step process that includes the following steps:

1. Initial document check and immigration requirements verification
2. Submission of the citizenship application
3. Background checks and security clearance
4. Approval of the citizenship application
5. Oath of allegiance and issuance of the citizenship certificate

The typical timeframe for the citizenship application process ranges around three months, which is relatively faster than some other citizenship by investment programs.

Upon approval, the certificate of citizenship and passport are sent to the applicant and their immediate family members, allowing them to obtain citizenship. This swift and efficient process ensures that investors can begin reaping the benefits of their Jordanian citizenship in a relatively short span of time.

Document Preparation

To initiate the application process for the Jordanian Citizenship by Investment Program, applicants must gather a range of required documents. These documents include:

• Valid Passport: A copy of the applicant’s valid passport, demonstrating their identity and nationality.
• Birth Certificate: Proof of the applicant’s date and place of birth, usually in the form of a birth certificate.
• Marriage Certificate: If applicable, a marriage certificate is required to verify marital status.
• Police Clearance Certificate: A certificate attesting that the applicant has no criminal record, obtained from the relevant authorities.
• Recent Bank Statements: Bank statements showing the applicant’s financial stability and ability to make the required investment.
• Passport-Size Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant, adhering to specific guidelines.
• Power of Attorney: If the applicant is using a representative to handle the application process, a power of attorney document may be required.

Additionally, depending on the chosen investment route, applicants must provide specific documents related to their investment:

• Proof of Bank Deposit or Treasury Bond Investment: Evidence of the applicant’s investment in a bank deposit or treasury bond, demonstrating compliance with the program’s investment requirements.
• Supporting Financial Documents: Additional financial documents may be required to prove the applicant’s ability to make the investment.
• Details about Family Members: If family members are included in the application process, relevant documents for each family member must be provided.

It’s crucial to ensure that all documents are correctly notarized, translated if necessary, and apostilled before being submitted through the designated channels of the Social Security Corporation. Adhering to these requirements helps expedite the application process and increases the likelihood of success.

Due Diligence Checks

Upon completing the initial document preparation, the process proceeds to the due diligence checks. These checks are initiated after the applicant selects an investment route and begin once all required documents are received. The relevant government committee oversees the due diligence process, ensuring that all applicant information and documents are accurate and meet the program’s stringent requirements.

The due diligence phase includes a comprehensive security clearance and confirmation of financial adequacy, along with an evaluation of the legitimacy of the applicant’s investment. If additional documents are required for verification or further clarification is needed, the agency handles those requests to support the government’s thorough evaluation process.

Case Investigation and Approval

Once all required documents have been submitted, the application undergoes a comprehensive case investigation by the Jordanian government. During this phase, officials review the application in detail, verify the provided information, and conduct any necessary background checks or due diligence procedures. The government’s involvement in assisting applicants with any necessary documentation streamlines the process and ensures that all requirements are met efficiently.

Upon successful completion of the case investigation phase and satisfaction of all program requirements, applicants receive approval for Jordanian citizenship. This final approval typically occurs within a relatively short timeframe, ensuring that successful applicants can obtain citizenship promptly.

It’s worth noting that the Jordanian Citizenship by Investment Program maintains exclusivity by limiting the number of applicants accepted annually to 500. This limitation helps uphold the program’s standards and ensures that each successful applicant receives personalized attention throughout the process. Additionally, the program promises a swift path to citizenship, with successful applicants typically obtaining citizenship within 3 months of approval.

Life in Jordan: Pros and Cons

Living in Jordan brings with it a multitude of benefits. Here are some of them:

1. High Quality of Life: Jordan boasts a high standard of living, with modern amenities and infrastructure that contribute to a comfortable lifestyle.
2. World-Class Healthcare: The country is known for its excellent healthcare system, providing access to quality medical care and facilities for residents.
3. High Literacy Rate: Jordan boasts a remarkable literacy rate of 98%, reflecting its commitment to education and intellectual development.
4. Favorable Life Expectancy: With access to quality healthcare and a focus on wellness, Jordanians enjoy a favorable life expectancy compared to many other countries.
5. Quality Education: Jordan’s education system is renowned for its excellence, offering a wide range of educational opportunities for students of all ages.
6. Peaceful and Stable Environment: Jordan is known for its stability and safety, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a peaceful living environment in the Middle East.

Advantages

Jordanian citizenship unlocks a plethora of advantages. Jordanian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations, including prominent locations such as Hong Kong and Turkey. This enhanced global mobility significantly simplifies travel for business or leisure.

Beyond travel, Jordan’s strategic location provides unique opportunities, particularly robust in regional markets such as manufacturing and mining. By obtaining citizenship, investors get access to these business opportunities and markets in the Middle East. In addition, they can benefit from high-quality education and healthcare facilities.

Family Inclusion and Dual Citizenship

The Jordanian Citizenship by Investment Program extends beyond benefiting just the individual investor. It also allows for the inclusion of immediate family members in the application. This means that the benefits of Jordanian citizenship can be extended to the investor’s spouse, children, and dependent parents.

Moreover, Jordan accepts dual citizenship, allowing its citizens to hold multiple nationalities without having to renounce their original citizenship. This is a significant advantage for many investors who do not wish to give up their original nationality while seeking the benefits of Jordanian citizenship.

Family Members’ Eligibility

The inclusion criteria for family members in the application are extensive. The main applicant’s spouse, children under 18, and dependent parents are all eligible for inclusion in the application.

Eligible children for the citizenship program include unmarried daughters of any age, widowed or divorced daughters living under the investor’s care, and sons under the age of 18 at the time of application. Investors who contribute more than USD $3 million are entitled to include male children under 30 years old in their citizenship application.

Under extended eligibility conditions, the program also allows the families of male children under 30 years of age to be included in the citizenship application.

Dual Citizenship Policy

Jordan’s dual citizenship policy is considerably favorable. Jordanians are not required to renounce their nationality when acquiring a new one. This acceptance of dual citizenship came about after restrictions on holding multiple nationalities were repealed in Jordan in 1987.

Following the repeal, Jordanians are no longer automatically stripped of their Jordanian nationality upon obtaining another citizenship. Individuals who lost their Jordanian citizenship before the 1987 change are eligible to apply for its restoration.

Jordanian women married to foreign nationals keep their Jordanian citizenship and have the option to renounce it voluntarily, with a possibility of reinstatement upon the end of the marriage.

Comparing Jordan with Other Citizenship by Investment Programs

When comparing Jordan’s Citizenship by Investment Program with others around the world, there are several distinct advantages to consider. Jordan requires a minimum investment of USD $1 million in various economic sectors or USD $1.5 million deposited in a zero-interest account. While this investment threshold may be higher than some other programs, it offers unique benefits:

• Access to a Middle Eastern Country: Jordan’s program provides investors with the opportunity to obtain citizenship in a Middle Eastern country. This can be advantageous for individuals seeking a foothold in the region for business or personal reasons.
• Diversification of Investment: Investing in Jordan allows for diversification of one’s investment portfolio by tapping into sectors such as real estate, tourism, and infrastructure development. This diversification can help mitigate risks and enhance long-term returns.
• Strategic Location: Jordan’s strategic location in the heart of the Middle East offers geopolitical advantages for investors. It serves as a gateway to the region, with access to key markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

• Stable Economy: Jordan has a relatively stable economy compared to some other countries in the region. It has a diverse economic base, including sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and services, which contribute to its resilience.
• Cultural and Historical Significance: Jordan is rich in cultural and historical heritage, with iconic landmarks such as Petra and the Dead Sea. Investing in Jordan offers the opportunity to become part of a country with a rich cultural heritage and vibrant history.

Regional Alternatives

When it comes to regional alternatives, the Middle East offers various options for investors seeking regional mobility or business advantages. Some examples include:

• Egypt’s program, which requires a non-refundable contribution starting at $250,000 USD
• The UAE’s Golden Visa, which can be obtained with a minimum investment of approximately $600,000 USD
• Turkey, which mandates at least a $400,000 USD investment.

Global Comparison

At the global level, Jordan competes with numerous citizenship by investment programs. Caribbean nations, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and Saint Lucia, offer the most affordable citizenship by investment programs starting from $100,000 USD. On the other hand, European countries like Malta have set their minimum investment requirements for residency and citizenship at €960,000 USD respectively.

Turkey’s citizenship by investment program starts at $400,000 USD for real estate investments, whereas Grenada has a minimum investment requirement of $150,000 USD. In terms of travel freedom, Turkey’s Citizenship by Investment Program grants visa-free access to over 118 countries, and Grenada’s program allows visa-free travel to the Schengen Area and the UK.

Summary

In conclusion, the Jordanian Citizenship by Investment Program offers a unique pathway to Middle Eastern citizenship, presenting a host of benefits including visa-free travel, diverse investment options, and a stable political environment. While the minimum investment requirement is higher compared to some other programs, the strategic location of Jordan and its access to regional markets make it an attractive option for foreign investors. Whether you’re seeking global mobility, business opportunities, or a safe and supportive environment for your family, Jordan’s Citizenship by Investment Program could be the right choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What nationality are Jordanians?

Jordanians are primarily of Arab descent, with a significant population of Palestinians and a minority of Bedouins. Around 94% of Jordanians identify as Arabs, with the remaining population consisting of non-citizens, including refugees and immigrants.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Jordan Citizenship by Investment Program?

The eligibility criteria for the Jordan Citizenship by Investment Program include a cap of 500 applications annually, a security clearance, proof of financial adequacy, and minimum investment requirements ranging from USD 750,000 to USD 1.5 million, depending on the chosen investment option.

What benefits does Jordanian citizenship offer?

Jordanian citizenship offers visa-free access to 55 destinations, a favorable business environment with strategic location for accessing regional markets, and political stability. This makes it an advantageous choice for individuals seeking global opportunities.