Jordan’s citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) program recorded a sharp increase in the first half of 2026, granting citizenship to 65 investors who contributed roughly JOD 72.3 million (US$102 million) in linked investments. Including 250 family members, the semester added 315 new citizens.
- Average investment per principal applicant: about JOD 1.1 million (US$1.57 million), well above the program’s minimum at the time.
- Family ratio: nearly four family members per approved investor.
- Residency permits: six five‑year permits were issued through real‑estate purchases totaling JOD 1.38 million (US$1.95 million), averaging JOD 230,000 each.
The Ministry of Investment’s H1 2026 performance report does not specify which investment routes (stock purchases, productive projects, or employment pathways) the 65 investors used, nor does it disclose their nationalities.
A Record Semester Under the Old Rules
All 65 approvals occurred under the framework that was in place until July 2026. Two weeks after the reporting period closed, the Cabinet introduced several amendments:
- Stock‑investment route: minimum investment on the Amman Stock Exchange raised by 50% to JOD 1.5 million (≈US$2.1 million); holding period extended from three to five years; a single stock may not exceed 10 % of the portfolio.
- Operating‑business route: paid‑up capital requirement lowered to JOD 500,000 in governorates (down from JOD 700,000 in Amman).
- Employment‑only pathway: citizenship priced entirely through payroll, eliminating a separate investment requirement.
The ministry highlighted its role in drafting these amendments as an H1 achievement.
Since its launch in 2018, Jordan’s CBI program has naturalized 681 investors, averaging 85 approvals per year against an annual cap of 500. Annualizing the H1 2026 pace yields roughly 130 approvals per year. Demand had already been building, with 150 approvals recorded between December 2024 and mid‑2026.
Broader Economic Impact
Maria Wehbe, advisor at Arton Capital, noted that the figures indicate growing investor interest but questioned whether the surge reflects a higher influx of applicants or improved processing efficiency—she considered the distinction less important than a smooth, timely process.
Other ministry activity in the same period includes:
- 3,801 investment‑facilitation transactions processed.
- 327 projects received incentives, representing JOD 711.2 million (≈US$1 billion) in expected investment.
- Development‑zone investment rose 18.79 % to JOD 6.9 billion (≈US$9.7 billion).
- Job creation: approximately 6,000 new jobs.
Wehbe cautioned that many governments focus on planning and bureaucracy while implementation falls short, but Jordan’s ministry appears to be delivering tangible results on the ground. She expects a short‑term adjustment period as investors adapt to the July reforms but does not anticipate a loss of momentum.
Shifting Investor Motivation
Tony Ebraheem, founder of Dubai‑based 111 Group, described the US$102 million inflow as evidence of a “profound strategic vision.” He argued that investor priorities have shifted from merely obtaining visa‑free travel to seeking commercial benefits and operational incentives that accompany Jordanian citizenship. According to Ebraheem, the program is evolving toward facilitating long‑term business expansion and capital growth.
The second half of 2026 will be the first full period under the new stock‑route minimum and the reduced governorate capital thresholds. Authorities review the CBI framework every six months, so the upcoming data will indicate whether investor demand sustains after the repricing.
Source article: www.imidaily.com
