List of Permitted Activities in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone
Classification of business activities in ASEZA into three categories: permitted, restricted (requiring additional approvals), and prohibited. Check your activity's classification before starting the registration procedures.
Permitted activities — main categories
The following activities include fields generally open to Jordanian and foreign investors under the usual statutory conditions.
Trade, import, and export
PermittedBuying and selling goods locally and internationally, and importing and exporting raw materials and products through the Port of Aqaba.
Professional and consulting services
PermittedLegal, accounting, and engineering services, management consulting, and information technology services.
Tourism and hospitality
PermittedHotels, resorts, marine and land tourism services, and travel agencies.
Industry and light manufacturing
PermittedManufacturing food products, textiles, plastics, electrical equipment, and others within the industrial areas.
Logistics and warehousing
PermittedSupply chain management, warehousing, distribution, and land and sea freight.
Information technology and communications
PermittedSoftware and application development, telecommunications services, and data centers.
Restricted activities
These activities are permitted in principle, but they require approvals from regulatory bodies outside ASEZA before the license is issued.
| Activity | Condition or competent authority |
|---|---|
| Financial and banking services | Requires a license from the Central Bank of Jordan |
| Insurance services | Requires a license from the Insurance Sector Regulatory body |
| Healthcare and hospitals | Requires approval from the Ministry of Health and the Health Care Accreditation Council |
| Education and private schools | Requires approval from the Ministry of Education or the Ministry of Higher Education |
| Import and distribution of pharmaceuticals | Requires approval from the Food and Drug Directorate |
| Telecommunications and broadcasting | Requires a license from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission |
| Real estate and resale to foreigners | Subject to the restrictions of the Land Law and special ownership procedures |
| Oil, gas, and mining | Requires approvals from the Ministry of Energy and partnership with the zone authority |
Prohibited activities
None of the following activities may be registered or licensed in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone regardless of the investor's nationality.
- Production of weapons, ammunition, and explosives
- Manufacturing or trafficking of narcotic substances
- Activities harmful to the marine environment or coral reefs
- Casinos and gambling
- Military or security projects without government authorization
- Manufacturing or selling alcohol without a special license
Does your activity fall on the border between two categories?
Many activities fall in the gray area between "permitted" and "restricted" due to operational details. Reviewing the activity with a specialized lawyer before submitting the application saves you time and costs. The activity review service offered by ASEZA.co covers these cases in detail.
Request an activity review before registration →Not sure how your activity is classified? Contact us via WhatsApp
We review the activity classification and registration requirements with you within 24 hours
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