What is the corporate tax rate in Jordan?

The standard rate is 20% on taxable income. Banks pay 35%, telecom and mining companies pay 24%. Companies in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone pay a flat 5%. Jordan also has sector-specific incentives for ICT, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

What is the Aqaba Special Economic Zone?

ASEZA is a special economic zone at Jordan's southern tip on the Red Sea. It offers a 5% flat income tax rate, 0% customs duties on imports, 7% GST (vs 16% nationally), and streamlined licensing. It covers 375 square kilometres and is governed by its own authority (ASEZA) with independent regulations.

Can foreigners own 100% of a Jordanian company?

In most sectors, yes. The Investment Environment Law allows 100% foreign ownership for most activities. However, certain service sectors (including some construction, trading, and professional services) restrict foreign ownership to 49–50%. Always verify the specific activity classification before incorporation.

How does Jordan compare to the UAE for company formation?

Jordan is significantly cheaper for labour (developer salaries are 30–50% of UAE levels) but has higher tax rates (20% CT vs 9% in UAE, 16% GST vs 5% VAT). Jordan excels for outsourcing, manufacturing for export (US FTA), and talent-intensive operations. The UAE is better for holding structures, regional headquarters, and tax efficiency.

What are Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs)?

QIZs are designated industrial areas in Jordan that allow manufacturers to export goods to the United States duty-free and quota-free, provided a minimum percentage of inputs come from Jordan and Israel. Major QIZs include Al-Hassan, Ad-Dulayl, and Al-Tajamouat. They are particularly popular for garment manufacturing and light industry.

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Jordan

Mena

الأردن

20% (standard); reduced rates in Aqaba SEZ

Impuesto corporativo

1–3 weeks

Tiempo de constitución

JOD 1 (LLC) / JOD 50,000 (Public Shareholding)

Capital mínimo

100% (most sectors; some restrictions in services and trading)

Propiedad extranjera

#75

Facilidad para negocios

Best Answer

Jordan offers a well-educated, cost-effective workforce and strategic location at the crossroads of the Levant, GCC, and North Africa. The standout feature is the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) — offering 5% flat income tax, 0% customs duties, and 7% GST (vs 20% CT and 16% GST on the mainland). Jordan has free trade agreements with the US (Qualified Industrial Zones allow duty-free exports), the EU, and Arab states, making it an excellent export and outsourcing hub. The standard 20% corporate tax rate and 16% GST make mainland Jordan less tax-competitive than GCC states, but labour costs are a fraction of UAE or Saudi levels. For tech companies, BPOs, and manufacturers wanting a skilled Arabic-English bilingual workforce with preferential trade access, Jordan is a strong choice — especially if structured through Aqaba.

Who this is for

Technology companies and startups leveraging Jordan's skilled developer talent pool
BPO and shared services centres seeking cost-effective, English-proficient staff
Manufacturers exporting to the US via Qualified Industrial Zones (duty-free access)
Companies wanting Aqaba SEZ benefits — 5% income tax, 0% customs duties
Businesses needing a Levant regional hub with access to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian market

Key Caution

Jordan's mainland tax burden (20% CT + 16% GST) is significantly higher than GCC alternatives. Unless you are leveraging the Aqaba SEZ or QIZ trade preferences, the tax savings do not favour Jordan over UAE, Bahrain, or Saudi Arabia. Foreign ownership restrictions still apply in certain service and retail sectors — verify your specific activity before assuming 100% ownership is available. Energy costs are high (Jordan imports ~90% of its energy), which affects manufacturing and data centre operations.

De un vistazo

MonedaJOD (د.ا)

Idiomas oficialesArabic

Sistema jurídicoCivil law (French-influenced) with Sharia elements in personal status

Año fiscalJanuary – December

Convenios de doble imposición36

MembresíasWTO, UN, Arab League, Greater Arab Free Trade Area, EU Association Agreement

Estructuras empresariales disponibles

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

شركة ذات مسؤولية محدودة

Min. 2 shareholders

JOD 1 (~$1.40) — effectively no minimum capital barrier

1–3 weeks

Small and medium businesses entering the Jordanian marketForeign entrepreneurs and startups seeking cost-effective incorporationService companies, consultancies, and technology firms

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Resumen de costos

Cost Breakdown (USD)

Costo de constitución

JOD 500 – 3,000 ($700 – $4,200)

Cumplimiento anual

JOD 1,500 – 8,000 ($2,100 – $11,300)

Espacio de oficina

JOD 2,400 – 18,000/year ($3,400 – $25,400)

Resumen fiscal

Tax Snapshot

Impuesto corporativo

20% (standard); reduced rates in Aqaba SEZ

IVA / IGV

16%

Realidad bancaria

Facilidad de apertura

Cronograma: 2–4 weeks after registration

Jordan's banking sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) and is well-developed relative to the country's size. Major banks include Arab Bank, Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, and Jordan Ahli Bank. Corporate account opening requires the Certificate of Registration, MOA, vocational licence, passport copies, and a business description. In-person visits are typically required for at least one signatory. Jordan's banks are accustomed to serving foreign-owned companies and are generally cooperative, though KYC processes have tightened in line with FATF standards.

Visas e inmigración

✗Visa de emprendedor / startup

✗Visa de nómada digital

✗Visa dorada / Visa de inversor

Jordan does not offer a formal golden visa, entrepreneur visa, or digital nomad visa programme. Foreign investors and company shareholders can obtain residency permits through their Jordanian entity via the Ministry of Interior. Work permits for expatriate employees are issued by the Ministry of Labour and require proof that the position cannot be filled by a Jordanian national. Tourist visas are available on arrival for many nationalities. The Jordan Pass combines visa fees with tourist site entry — useful for business visitors wanting to extend their stay.

Zonas francas y ZEE

7 zonas francas disponibles

Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA)

Qualified Industrial Zones (QIZs)

Jordan Free Zones Corporation zones (Zarqa, Sahab, Karak, etc.)

Errores comunes

Incorporating on the mainland when Aqaba SEZ would have been significantly cheaper

Fix: If your business does not require a physical Amman presence, seriously evaluate the Aqaba SEZ — 5% income tax vs 20%, 7% GST vs 16%, and 0% customs duties. Many tech and services companies operate from Aqaba with staff or clients elsewhere in Jordan.

Assuming 100% foreign ownership is available for all activity types

Fix: While most sectors allow 100% foreign ownership, some service activities (e.g., certain construction, engineering, and trading categories) cap foreign ownership at 50%. Check the specific activity classification with the Companies Control Department before incorporation.

Overlooking the 16% GST and its cash flow impact

Fix: Jordan's 16% GST is high by regional standards. Budget for the compliance cost and the cash flow impact of collecting and remitting GST. Registration is mandatory once annual taxable supplies exceed JOD 30,000.

Not leveraging the US-Jordan FTA and QIZ programme for exports

Fix: Jordan is one of the few countries with a free trade agreement with the US, and Qualified Industrial Zones allow duty-free exports to the US market. If you are manufacturing for export, structure your operations to take advantage of these preferential trade terms.

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This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.