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Can foreigners buy property in Jordan? Ownership rules for non-Jordanians

General information only, not legal, tax or government advice, and no lawyer-client relationship. Laws, fees and procedures change: before you rely on anything here, check the current rule, fee or price with a licensed Jordanian lawyer and the relevant government office (such as the Department of Lands and Survey or the municipality).

What to do before a non-Jordanian pays for a property in Jordan.

At a glance

  1. Do not pay the full price before approval; make the contract conditional on it.
  2. Prepare your passport, residency and the property details.
  3. Ask DLS which approvals apply and how long they usually take.

The short answer

Yes, with permission. Under the Real Estate Ownership Law a non-Jordanian may own property in Jordan after getting approval1. The request is made to the Department of Lands and Survey, which consults the relevant authorities; ownership is banned in border, archaeological and historic areas, and the authority can refuse without appeal1. The law has been amended since 2019, including on the Ministry of Interior’s role, so check the current rules with DLS2.

The rule in general (2019 text)

  • A non-Jordanian, or a company, may own property after obtaining permission (article 133(a))1.
  • Ownership by non-Jordanians is banned in border, archaeological and historic areas (article 133(b))1.
  • Nationals of a state that Jordan does not recognise may not own property in any form (article 135)1.
  • The application goes to DLS; the Director consults the relevant authorities, and the competent authority decides (article 136)1.
  • The authority has full discretion, and a refusal is not open to appeal (article 137)1.

Homes for your own use

The 2019 text lets a non-Jordanian own property inside zoned areas for their own or their family’s housing, subject to reciprocity, with approval levels set by the type and size of property and whether the buyer already owns property in Jordan; reciprocity does not apply to nationals of Arab states (article 139)1. Amendments may have changed these details.

Amendments to check

The law was amended in 2023, and news reports describe a role for the Minister of Interior’s approval; an amendment in 2026 has also been reported. We could not read the amended texts in full on 31 Oct 2026, so confirm the current procedure, approvals and limits with DLS before you sign2.

Practical steps

  • Do not pay the full price before approval; make the contract conditional on it.
  • Prepare your passport, residency and the property details.
  • Ask DLS which approvals apply and how long they usually take.

How people usually think about it

  • Many foreigners assume they can buy like a Jordanian once they find an apartment. Approval comes first1.
  • Some think nationality never matters. Reciprocity and some nationalities affect eligibility1.

Common misunderstandings

  • “Approval is a formality.” The authority has full discretion and a refusal cannot be appealed1.
  • “A foreigner can buy anywhere.” Border, archaeological and historic areas are banned1.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner buy an apartment in Amman?

Yes, after approval through DLS, subject to the law’s conditions1. Confirm current procedure with DLS2.

Do Arab nationals need reciprocity?

Under the 2019 text, reciprocity does not apply to nationals of Arab states (article 139)1. Approval is still needed.

Does the Ministry of Interior need to approve?

News reports on the 2023 amendment describe the Minister of Interior’s approval. Confirm the current rule with DLS2.

How long does approval take?

It varies with the case and the authorities consulted. Ask DLS for current timelines.

Sources

  1. Real Estate Ownership Law No. 13 of 2019, articles 133, 135, 136, 137 and 139 (original 2019 text) (checked 31 October 2026)
  2. Department of Lands and Survey: laws and regulations list (amendments and instructions) (checked 31 October 2026)

This page was last reviewed on 31 October 2026.

General information only, not legal, tax or government advice, and no lawyer-client relationship. Laws, fees and procedures change: before you rely on anything here, check the current rule, fee or price with a licensed Jordanian lawyer and the relevant government office (such as the Department of Lands and Survey or the municipality).