Jordan has introduced a new citizenship‑by‑investment (CBI) program that targets high‑net‑worth investors willing to commit a seven‑figure sum for a period of five to ten years. The scheme offers several investment pathways, each with distinct capital requirements and holding periods.
Investment Options and Requirements
| Investment type | Minimum amount | Holding period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio of small‑ and medium‑enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan | US $1,000,000 | 5 years | Funds must remain invested for the full term. |
| Deposit with the Central Bank of Jordan | US $1,500,000 | 5 years | No interest is paid on the deposit. |
| Purchase of Jordanian government Treasury securities | US $1,500,000 | 10 years | Interest rate is negotiated in Jordanian dinars. |
| Direct investment in a Jordanian business (on‑shore) | US $2,000,000 | 5 years | Investment must be in an operating company. |
| Direct investment in a Jordanian business (off‑shore) | US $1,500,000 | 5 years | Investment is made outside the state‑controlled sector. |
Applicants must retain the chosen investment for the specified period before eligibility for citizenship is assessed. The program appears to be open to foreign investors, though it is not yet clear whether individuals from the United States, the European Union, or non‑Muslim backgrounds can qualify without additional restrictions.
Passport Benefits
- Visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to roughly 50 countries.
- The Jordanian passport does not rank among the top 20 in global passport indexes, offering less travel freedom than many Caribbean CBI passports (e.g., Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dominica) or the Turkish passport.
Comparison with Established CBI Programs
| Country | Typical investment | Holding period | Visa‑free access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan (new) | US $1 M–2 M (depending on option) | 5–10 years | ~50 countries |
| Turkey | US $1 M (plus additional fees) | 3–4 years (shorter) | Access to Schengen area, more extensive EU travel |
| Saint Kitts & Nevis | US $150 k–200 k (donation) or US $200 k (real‑estate) | 5 years (real‑estate) | ~150 countries |
| Dominica | US $100 k (donation) or US $200 k (real‑estate) | 5 years (real‑estate) | ~140 countries |
| Malta | US $750 k–1 M (combined contribution, investment, and residence) | 1 year residence + 5 years overall | EU member‑state travel rights |
Jordan’s program is positioned as an alternative to donation‑based Caribbean schemes, emphasizing investment rather than a charitable contribution. However, the higher capital threshold and longer lock‑in periods make it less attractive for investors whose primary goal is travel convenience.
Practical Considerations
- Capital commitment – Investors must be prepared to allocate at least US $1 million for five years, with the possibility of a ten‑year commitment for Treasury securities.
- Risk profile – SME portfolio investments carry business risk, while Treasury deposits offer a negotiated interest rate but lock funds for a decade.
- Eligibility uncertainty – The program’s openness to non‑Arab or non‑Muslim applicants has not been fully clarified, potentially limiting its market.
- Passport utility – With limited visa‑free access, the Jordanian passport may serve niche purposes (e.g., regional business ties) rather than broad global mobility.
- Market trend – Jordan joins a growing list of countries launching CBI schemes aimed at attracting high‑value foreign capital. Investors should monitor emerging programs for comparable or more favorable terms.
Overall, the Jordanian citizenship‑by‑investment program offers a high‑cost, long‑term investment route to a second passport with modest travel benefits. For investors prioritizing extensive visa‑free travel, established Caribbean or Turkish programs remain more cost‑effective, while Jordan may appeal to those seeking to combine passport acquisition with a potentially profitable regional investment.
