Moving To Jordan
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Jordan is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. It has a population of around 9.5 million people and the official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken. The country has a diverse culture, with influences from both the East and the West. Jordan is known for its rich history, including the ancient city of Petra, and its modern capital city, Amman.
If you’re planning to move to Jordan from the USA, there are several things to consider. First, research the country’s culture, customs, and laws to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts. Make sure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas, and plan for the cost of living, which may be lower in Jordan than in the USA. Language barriers can also be a challenge, so learning some Arabic can be helpful. Additionally, professional networks and jobs may be different in Jordan, so it’s essential to research the job market and potential career opportunities.
How International Sea & Air can help for moving to Jordan
Any international relocation comes packed with its own set of challenges! Your move to Jordan from the USA will be no different and that is why you need to plan in detail. Along with obtaining the necessary permits for the international relocation, legal entry and stay in the country you will also have to plan for packing of your household goods, your car and pet.
Hiring an international mover will come handy in this regard as they will take those extra steps for you to ensure you have a hassle-free move to Jordan from the USA. At International Sea & Air Shipping we have years of experience in handling international relocations and hiring us for your move will give you relief from a lot of steps that you had to plan on your own otherwise! Our professional team of international moving experts can make the entire process of moving to Jordan from the USA hassle-free.
We excel at providing A-to-Z specialized services for all types of international relocations. Our team will take care of the packing of your household goods, choosing the right container and freight services and they will also advise you on the time it will take to transfer your belongings. The added advantage of hiring our professionals at International Sea & Air Shipping is that you get high quality services at an affordable rate.
About Jordan
Officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Jordan is an Arab country in West Asia located along the East Bank of the Jordan River.
Despite being a constitutional monarchy, the king of Jordan has wide executive and legislative power over the country. The area also stands as the third freest economy in West Asia and North Africa according to the Human Development Report.
Considered an upper-middle income country, the economy in Jordan has been growing since 2005 and boasts the highest skilled workers in the region. It also holds the highest medical tourism rate in the Middle East since the 1970s.
English is widely spoken throughout Jordan, especially in commerce and banking communities. Although the official language is Modern Standard Arabic, almost all university courses are held in English.
Jordan is a global travel destination for offering an amazing array of tourist attractions, entertainment opportunities and gastronomic delights. The country is a hotspot for an amazing mix of ethnicities and cultural heritage.
Your move to Jordan from the USA will offer you many perks to enjoy when you settle down in this country.
Customs Regulations for Jordan
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
- Passport
- Residence Visa
- Lease of residence
- Work Permit
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Inventory (comprehensive)
- Authorization letter (notarized at a Jordanian bank)
- Gives the Destination Agent permission to clear the shipment
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- Customer must be in Jordan during the clearance process
- Customer should also be present for the customs process
- Importation of household goods and personal effects should take place within six months of arrival
- All shipments are subject to full inspection
- Customer must provide appropriate keys for all locked items
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Jordan, some articles may not be imported in a customer’s baggage whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:
- Narcotics or illegal drugs
- Pornography and subversive materials
- Explosives, ammunitions and weapons
- Alcohol
RESTRICTED/DUTIABLE ITEMS
Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Jordan. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Electronics, radios and video cameras
- Musical instruments
- New items (dutiable)
- Computers, fax machines and other home office equipment
- Wireless phones (must be inspected by the Telecommunications Department and meet their regulations)
- Satellite and wireless equipment, CB radios and walkie talkies (must be approved by the Radio and TV Corporation)
- Household appliances
- Carpets
- CDs, DVDs, videos and video tapes
- Tobacco
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
In Jordan, the following rules apply to importing motor vehicles:
- Vehicles more than five years old are not permitted entry
- Vehicles that operate on diesel fuel are also not permitted
- Vehicles are subject to high import taxes, VAT (value-added tax) and duties determined by the age, value and engine capacity of the vehicle
- Vehicles imported by returning Jordanians are subject to duties (unless the vehicle was exported from Jordan with all customs duties paid and is now being re-imported)
For importation, you will need the following documents:
- Certificate of title (original)
- Registration (original)
- Commercial/purchase invoice (original)
- Import Customs Declaration form
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
When importing a pet (all are considered to be duty free) to Jordan, they will need to be accompanied with the following documentation:
- Certificate of vaccination (including proof of rabies inoculation, given at least 30 days but no more than 11 months prior to importation)
- Health certificate (issued by a licensed veterinarian and dated less than 30 days before arrival)
- Birds require approval from the Jordanian Ministry of Agriculture
DUTY AND TAX RATE PERCENTAGE
When moving to Jordan permanently, importation of both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes and other furnishings) are free of duty and tax if:
- The customer intends to keep their residency
- Returning Jordanian citizens have lived abroad for a minimum of 12 months
- The good and personal effects have been used “30 percent” (determined by Customs officials)
- Without the proper documents, duties and taxes on these goods are 47 percent of CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) value
NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.
Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170
Visa for moving to Jordan from the USA
Jordan has a specific visa process. When you have planned to move to Jordan from the USA you have to apply for the visa at a Jordanian consulate. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least next 6 months and that the passport has one blank page. Also for obtaining a work visa you will need to show the work contract or a letter from your Jordanian employer.
Important information
In Jordan your work contract will be valid for only one year. Post that it will be reviewed. You will need to have the following items for apply for a work permit/visa in Jordan:
- A duly filled application form
- 2 passport sized photos
- Current entry visa, and an additional copy
- A letter from the health insurance company
- Address proof
- Money for visa fee
- Your bank statements
- And a reference from your company
Other important information about Jordan
Cost of living
Jordan is expensive and for an expat the greatest woe is the housing cost. In fact, depending on the field of work salaries in Jordan can vary and you need to consider this before scouting for housing in Jordan. Generally, expats look for westernized areas around the capital Amman for housing.
Living in Jordan – what to expect?
Jordan is known to have friendly people and expats can be at ease. Though the major faith in the country is Islam it doesn’t mean expats will have any issue for practicing a different faith. However, it is expected that you will respect the local culture and other practices. Learning about the predominant cultural practices and social norms will be an advantage when you move to Jordan from the USA.
Climate in Jordan
Be prepared for more sunshine and warm days when you relocate to Jordan from the USA. However, it may come as a surprise that Jordan does have cold weather and a bit of snowfall at some places. The country experiences rain, as well. However, the dominant weather is sunny and hot.
Best places to live in Jordan
Amman
This is the capital of Jordan. The capital city is home to many international companies and organizations, offering a diverse range of job opportunities to the expats. Apart from mining, there are good opportunities in IT and communication fields in Jordan. Some expats may also choose to teach English in this country as their job.
Aqaba
This is another popular name in the list of the best places to live in Jordan. Located on the Red Sea coast, Aqaba is a popular tourist destination for its unique beauty and a hub for the country’s maritime industry.
Irbid
We were speaking of cold weather in Jordan. Now, Irbid is known for its cooler climate and proximity to the scenic Jura Mountains. The city is quite a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts to have recreational activities during holidays and otherwise.
Zarqa
This is the city known for its strategic location along the King’s Highway. Zarqa is an important transportation hub and manufacturing center. Naturally it is known as a business hub in Jordan.
Madaba
This is another popular tourist destination in Jordan. Madaba city is famous for its stunning mosaics and rich history.
Moving to Jordan from the USA comes with many advantages. However, you should research thoroughly before making the move. If you have found this guide helpful, check out our other country guides on UAE, Morocco, and many more.