Work and Residency Permits in ASEZA
A practical guide to work and residency requirements in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone — whether you are hiring Jordanian or foreign employees, or seeking investor residency.
Legal notice: This page relies on the regulations in force at the time of writing. Work permit requirements are subject to change, and you are advised to verify the latest requirements with a specialized lawyer or directly with the official authorities before taking any action.
Employing Jordanian staff
Jordanian citizens do not need a special work permit to work in the zone. The Jordanian Labour Law and the Social Security scheme apply to them in the usual manner.
Employment contract
Prepare a written employment contract specifying the job title, salary, and terms of employment.
Social Security registration
Register the employee with the Social Security Corporation within 30 days of starting work.
Notify the Ministry of Labour
Notify the Ministry of Labour of the hire through the online system or the labour offices in Aqaba.
Recruiting foreign staff
Employing non-Jordanians in the zone requires obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Labour before starting work. Jordanization ratios (a minimum of 51% Jordanian employees) apply to most establishments, with exceptions for some rare specializations.
Obtain a work visa
Apply for a work visa through the Jordanian embassy in the employee's country or through the competent authorities.
Work permit from the Ministry of Labour
Submit the work permit application to the Work Permits Directorate together with the employment contract and a copy of the passport.
Work residency from Public Security
Obtain the residency permit from the Public Security Directorate in Aqaba after securing the work permit.
Social Security registration
Register the foreign employee with the Social Security Corporation if they are a permanent resident.
Investor residency
A foreign investor registered in ASEZA may apply for investor residency that allows them to reside and travel for the purposes of managing their business. Residency is usually granted for one renewable year and includes:
- Submit the company's ASEZA registration document and a certificate of active management
- Proof of the deposited capital or the shareholding in the company
- Submit the application to the Public Security Directorate — investor residency
- Pay the prescribed annual fees
Operating-commencement permit
After completing the company registration, an operating-commencement permit must be obtained from the ASEZA authority before formally starting commercial activity. The application includes:
- Submit the operating-commencement application form to the competent department at ASEZA
- Attach the business premises lease contract or title deed
- Proof of meeting the health, safety, and environmental requirements applicable to the activity
- Pay the inspection and survey fees
- Obtain the operating-commencement certificate
Do you need help obtaining work permits or investor residency?
The ASEZA.co team helps you arrange the procedures and follow up
See also the foreign investor guide and the registration steps in ASEZA.