Nationality of Jordan: all obtaining pathways
Jordan requires four years of ordinary residence for naturalisation, and Arab citizens may obtain it on mere application with the term waived. The wife of a Jordanian becomes Jordanian automatically through marriage, with two years to renounce, and a route exists by million-dollar investment in deposits or projects.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Ordinary residence in Jordan for 4 YEARS before applying (Nationality Law No. 6 of 1954, art. 12(1))
- No conviction for offences reflecting on honour or morals (art. 12(2))
- Intention to reside in Jordan (art. 12(3))
- Knowledge of Arabic (art. 12(4))
- Good behaviour and repute (art. 12(5))
- Council of Ministers’ decision: DISCRETIONARY in general, BUT if the applicant is ARAB and meets art. 12, the Council is BOUND to grant (art. 13(1))
- ARABS may additionally be EXEMPTED from the 4 years’ residence (art. 13(2)) — preferential, not disadvantageous treatment
- Renunciation of the previous nationality is mandatory (art. 13(3))
Documentation
- Foreign passport with a residence permit
- Criminal record certificate
- Arabic-knowledge certificate
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Formal application to the Ministry of the Interior
- Proof of employment in a permitted occupation
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- The father is Jordanian (transmission exclusively through the paternal line)
- A Jordanian mother does not transmit citizenship automatically (only if the father is stateless or unknown)
- Jordan has allowed dual citizenship since 1987
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Father's Jordanian National Number
- Father's Jordanian passport
3Wife of a Jordanian citizen (Law 6/1954, art. 8)
Wife of a Jordanian citizen (Law 6/1954, art. 8)
Requirements
- The wife of a Jordanian IS a Jordanian national automatically by marriage (Law 6/1954, art. 8(1))
- No year-count or residence term — acquisition operates by the marriage
- She may RENOUNCE that nationality within 2 years of the marriage (art. 8(2))
- A Jordanian woman who lost hers through marriage may RECOVER it within 2 years of widowhood or dissolution (art. 8(3))
- Note: the route is asymmetric (husband → wife only); a Jordanian’s children are Jordanians wherever born (art. 9)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Jordan
- Spouse's Jordanian National Number
- Residence certificate
4By investment
By investment
Requirements
- A deposit of at least USD 1,000,000 at the Central Bank of Jordan for 3 years
- Purchase of Jordanian bonds equivalent to USD 1,000,000 (for 6 years)
- Or creating an investment project with at least 20 jobs and a value of USD 1,500,000 (in Amman) or USD 1,000,000 (other governorates)
- Background check (a 500-candidate annual cap)
- Additional investment of USD 750,000 in Jordanian SMEs for 3 years
Documentation
- Proof of investment at the Central Bank or in the project
- Registration certificate with Jordan's Investment Commission
- Foreign passport
- Background check
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Jordan
How many years of residence does Jordan require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Jordan (Naturalization by residence), the term is 4 years’ ordinary residence (Nationality Law 6/1954, art. 12(1)). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Jordan allow dual nationality?
Renunciation of the previous nationality is mandatory (art. 13(3))
Can the nationality of Jordan be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Wife of a Jordanian citizen pathway (Automatic by marriage (no term)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Jordan require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with a residence permit; Criminal record certificate; Arabic-knowledge certificate; Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship; Formal application to the Ministry of the Interior; among 1 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Jordan?
Jordan provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, By descent, Wife of a Jordanian citizen, By investment.
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