To legally work for a foreigner in Jordan, they will need a work visa and a work permit. A work visa gives permission to enter the country for the purpose of work, while a work permit in Jordan gives employees the opportunity to work on arrival.

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You can get a work visa that is valid for 30 days through the embassy or Consulate of Jordan. To obtain a work visa, you will need the following documents:

• Passport;
• Two photos;
• Confirmation of booked air tickets;
• Proof of residence in Jordan;
• Proof of the availability of sufficient financial resources to provide for yourself during your stay;
• An employment contract or job offer with an indication of the employer;
• Confirmation of payment of the visa fee.

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Regular work permit

Requirements for obtaining a work permit in Jordan

All expats must get a job before they can get a work visa and permit in Jordan. 

However, the employer will first need to get permission from the Ministry of Labor to hire a foreign employee, proving that they cannot find an employee with similar experience and qualifications in Jordan, or that the number of available employees does not meet their needs. Demonstrating the need for hiring abroad can be difficult, as Jordan has a high unemployment rate and the government prefers hiring local people. 

Employers are required to pay compensation for each employed foreigner. For Arabs, this fee is lower. The laws relating to work permits also state that preference should be given to Arab experts, technicians and workers.

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After receiving approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the employer must provide a copy of the employment application along with numerous other documents in order to obtain a work permit for employees. These documents:

1. Information about company. Company name, employer name, address, nature of work, and available branches;
2. Current professional license of the company;
3. Last name, nationality and profession of the employee;
4. Two copies of the employee's employment contract;
5. A copy of the employee's passport or travel document, as well as 2 passport-sized photos;
6. A certificate issued by a medical center recognized by the Ministry of Health confirming that the employee does not have predominant diseases, or a written obligation of the employer to provide such a certificate within (21) working days;
7. List issued by the Social Security Corporation;
8. Letter of exemption from the previous employer in relation to an employee who wants to get a work permit.

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What is the cost of obtaining a work permit?

The fee for a work permit depends on the type of employee and industry. 

A permit for a non-Arab worker in all industries except agriculture costs 300 JOD, while a permit for an Arab worker costs 180 JOD. In agriculture, a permit for a non – Arab worker costs 120 JOD, and for an Arab agricultural worker-60 JOD.

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What is the validity period of a work permit?

A work permit to Jordan is issued for 1 year, after which it can be renewed.

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If you need to renew your work permit, you must provide certain documents, such as:

• Name, date of birth, nationality and your profession;
• Name and surname of the employer, institution or farm;
• Start and end date of the work permit;
• Stamp and signature of the Labor Department.

To renew your work permit, you will also need to pay between 150 and 175 JOD.