Moving to Jordan

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Jordan depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may have different entry and stay requirements compared to non-EU citizens. Common routes for obtaining a long-term stay include work permits, family reunification visas, study visas, and residence permits for those not covered by the aforementioned categories. It is crucial to understand that requirements, processing times, and necessary documentation can vary. Always verify the most current and specific information directly with the official Jordanian embassy or consulate in your home country, or the Ministry of Interior in Jordan upon arrival, as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Jordan can be done through various channels. Online property portals are popular, as are local real estate agents who can provide invaluable assistance, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local market and Arabic is not your first language. Word-of-mouth recommendations within expat communities can also be a good starting point. The typical rental process usually involves signing a lease agreement, which is often for a minimum of one year. A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard. This deposit is refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition. For initial arrival, many opt for temporary accommodation such as serviced apartments or short-term rentals, allowing them time to explore neighborhoods and secure a long-term lease without pressure.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Jordan is influenced by several key factors. The volume and weight of your belongings significantly impact shipping costs, as does the distance of your move. The time of year can also play a role, with peak seasons sometimes leading to higher prices. Accessibility at both your origin and destination, such as narrow streets or lack of elevator access, can incur additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor. Furthermore, opting for extra services like professional packing, unpacking, or storage will add to the overall expense. For an accurate and personalized estimate, it is always best to request a free quote based on your specific needs.

Timeline & Packing Tips

• 8 Weeks Out: Declutter ruthlessly. Decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Research reputable moving companies and request quotes. Start gathering important documents (passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, driver's license).
• 6 Weeks Out: Confirm your moving company and date. Begin packing non-essential items. Create an inventory list. Notify schools or childcare providers of your move.
• 4 Weeks Out: Arrange for utility disconnections at your current home and connections at your new home in Jordan (electricity, water, internet). Notify banks, insurance providers, and other institutions of your address change. Start packing more essential items, clearly labeling boxes with contents and destination room.
• 2 Weeks Out: Pack a "survival kit" for your first few days in Jordan (toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, chargers). Confirm travel arrangements. Empty and clean appliances.
• 1 Week Out: Confirm final details with your moving company. Finish all packing except for immediate necessities. Ensure all important documents are easily accessible and carried with you, not shipped.
• Moving Day: Oversee the loading of your belongings. Do a final walk-through of your old home.

For a precise cost estimate tailored to your move, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Jordan: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Jordan involves navigating specific customs and import regulations for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth transition for your household goods.

If you're a returning Jordanian citizen

Jordanians returning home after living abroad for over a year (without visiting Jordan for 365 continuous days) may be eligible for duty-free entry on used household goods and personal effects. This exemption applies if you or any family member listed in your family book have not previously imported used personal effects and household goods. You must hold a valid Jordanian passport with your national ID and a cancelled residence permit from abroad.

What you'll need

• Export Way Bill / Instructions
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / House Bill of Lading (HBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / House Air Waybill (HAWB) (telex release is acceptable)
• Detailed Packing List / Inventory
• Copy of your Passport
• Authorization letter to obtain delivery order on your behalf, notarized by a local Jordanian bank
• Jordanian Tax Number
• Evidence of termination of residency abroad, such as:
  • Copy of a legalized residential lease contract or house ownership title in Jordan
  • Children’s registration forms in Jordanian schools
  • Endorsed new work contract
  • Letter of termination of employment or resignation abroad, or visa cancellation
• A list of books including titles and authors, for approval from the publications department

Good to know

• Household effects must have been owned and used by you abroad for your continued personal use.
• Items must be used more than 30% (assessed by customs officers).
• Importation should take place within six months of your entry date into Jordan and can arrive in multiple shipments.
• You must be physically present in Jordan during customs clearance.
• Duty-free exemption does not apply to:
  • All new items and items used less than 30%
  • Musical instruments
  • Office equipment
  • Satellite equipment
  • Video cameras
  • CDs
  • Facsimile machines
  • More than two pieces of household electrical appliances per family (or one piece for specific items like video cameras, personal office equipment, satellite receivers, musical appliances, and personal computers)
• Customs taxes/duties on used household goods and personal effects are about 52% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. For electronics, it's approximately 52% of the declared value.
• Air freight clearance takes 2-3 working days, and sea freight takes 7-9 working days (assuming all documents are in order).
• Free port storage is six days for sea shipments (including arrival day) and one day for air shipments.

If you're a non-diplomat foreign individual or expatriate

Foreign individuals and expatriates are generally subject to customs duties and taxes on their imported household goods and personal effects. Exemptions are rare and typically only apply if your organization has a special agreement with a governmental party. If an exemption is possible, your shipment should arrive at least one month after your arrival in Jordan for the exemption to be processed in time.

What you'll need

• Export Way Bill / Instructions
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / House Bill of Lading (HBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / House Air Waybill (HAWB) (telex release is acceptable)
• Detailed Packing List / Inventory
• Copy of your Passport
• Authorization letter to obtain delivery order on your behalf, notarized by a local Jordanian bank or solicitor
• Authorization Letter to proceed with clearance of shipment on your behalf, notarized by a local Jordanian bank or solicitor
• Jordanian Tax Number
• Customs Exemption (if applicable)

Good to know

• Customs taxes/duties on used household goods and personal effects are about 52% of the CIF value. For electronics, it's approximately 52% of the declared value.
• The same regulations regarding physical inspection, owner presence, and time limits for importation (within six months of entry) apply as for returning Jordanians.

If you're a diplomat

Diplomatic removals are eligible for duty-free entry. You must be in Jordan at least one month prior to your household goods' arrival and register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through your Embassy to be granted exemption status.

What you'll need

• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) or Telex release
• Franchise letter (obtained by your Embassy from the Ministry of Finance/Customs through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Two authorization letters to obtain delivery order and customs clear on your behalf
• Detailed Packing List / Inventory
• Copy of your Passport
• Jordanian Tax Number
• Separate packing list for alcohol

Good to know

• You are allowed to import 2 liters of alcohol per adult duty-free. Any amount exceeding this is subject to duties and taxes of 200% of the actual value.
• Embassy employees who do not hold diplomatic customs status are customs exempt but are subject to actual inspection.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Vehicles are generally subject to duty and VAT taxes. Certain restrictions apply:

• Importation of motor vehicles older than five years is not allowed.
• Cars with the steering wheel on the right are prohibited.
• Passenger cars operating on diesel are not allowed.
• If you are duty-exempt (e.g., a diplomat), your car will also be tax-exempt.
• Foreigners importing a car in their name can do so on a temporary entry basis for up to six months, renewable every three months. After this period, the car must leave the country or full customs duties must be paid.
• Returning Jordanians must pay customs duties in all cases, unless the same car was previously exported from Jordan (with all customs duties paid) and is now being re-imported.
• Motorbikes from the current and last year's model only can enter Jordan, whether for temporary or permanent access.

What you'll need

• Original Bill of Lading (OBL)
• Ownership title
• Valid motorcar license
• Valid driving license

Pets and live animals

Pets and live animals are generally allowed duty-free entry.

What you'll need

• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Owner / birth certificate (Registration certificate)
• Health certificate
• Vaccination certificate
• Import license from the Agriculture Ministry

Restricted & prohibited items

The following items are prohibited:

• Arms, ammunition
• Drugs and narcotics
• Pornographic literature, films, and photographs
• Large amounts of food and books (a detailed list of books must be approved by the Jordan Media Monitor)
• Drones
• Statues
• Highly technological video cameras (normal video cameras are allowed, but only one per family is exempt from duties)

Special attention for:

• Video and audiocassettes, books, magazines, records, and CDs are subject to censorship by the Press & Publications Department and should be packed separately and marked. A list of books (titles and authors) must be provided for approval.
• Cordless telephones will be inspected by the Telecommunications Department. If specifications are not within permitted criteria, they will be confiscated or must be re-exported at the owner's expense.
• Satellite equipment requires approval from Radio & TV Corp. The equipment's catalogue should be made available and removed from the shipment for physical check. This process takes time and incurs separate customs formalities at your cost. Unsuitable items will be confiscated.

Alcohol & tobacco

You may import 2 liters of alcohol per adult. Any amount exceeding this is subject to duties and taxes of 200% of the actual value. These items should be listed on a separate packing list. This rule also applies to diplomats, who should check with their Embassy regarding any possible customs exemptions.

Frequently asked questions

What are the general customs duties on household goods?
For most used household goods and personal effects, customs duties and taxes are approximately 52% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value. For electronics, it's about 52% of the declared value.

Do I need to be present for customs clearance?
Yes, the owner of the goods must be physically present in Jordan at the time of customs clearance to answer any inspector's questions, as all shipments are subject to full physical inspection.

Are new items exempt from duties?
No, new items and items used less than 30% are generally not exempt from customs duties.

What is the timeframe for importing my household effects?
Household effects should be imported within six months of your date of entry into Jordan.

Are there any restrictions on bringing in books or media?
Yes, books, video and audio cassettes, magazines, records, and CDs are subject to censorship. A detailed list of books (titles and authors) must be provided for approval prior to shipment arrival.

Can I bring more than two pieces of each electrical appliance?
Exemption from duties generally covers up to two pieces of each type of electrical appliance per family, with some exceptions (e.g., only one video camera, personal office equipment, satellite receiver, musical appliance, or personal computer is exempt).

Ready to make your move to Jordan? Contact relocation123.com for personalized assistance and a smooth relocation experience.

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