Jordan (JO)
Jordan is a stable, welcoming Hashemite Kingdom at the crossroads of the Middle East — home to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the legendary Wadi Rum desert, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea.
Estate & Inheritance in Jordan
Wills, intestacy, inheritance tax, and cross-border estate planning for expats.
Inheritance and estate law in Jordan is governed by Islamic Sharia law for Muslims and by denominational personal status laws for Christians. For non-Muslim expats, Jordanian courts generally apply the law of the country where the deceased was domiciled (habitual residence). However, assets located in Jordan (property, bank accounts, vehicles) are subject to Jordanian administration procedures. Cross-border estates involving both Jordanian and foreign assets are complex — professional legal advice in both countries is essential.
Intestacy — What Happens Without a Will
For Muslims: Sharia inheritance (Faraid) applies. Shares are fixed by Islamic law and distributed among a defined circle of heirs (male heirs generally receive double the share of female heirs of the same class). The estate cannot simply be left 'equally to all children' without reference to Faraid. For Christians: denominational courts govern. For non-Muslim, non-Jordanian expats: Jordanian courts generally apply the law of the deceased's home country for movable assets; Jordanian law for immovable assets (property). In practice, the procedures at Jordanian courts can be slow and complex.
Types of Valid Will
Notarial Will
Wasiyya Rasmiyya (وصية رسمية)Non-Muslims can make a will in Jordan by visiting a Notary Public (Katib al-Adl). The will must comply with Jordanian procedural requirements to be valid locally.
Valid in Jordan if properly executed. Should be translated into Arabic and authenticated at the Jordanian Embassy for use if executed abroad.
For property in Jordan specifically, having a locally-registered will or power of attorney for Jordanian assets is strongly recommended.
Foreign Will
Wasiyya Ajnabiyya (وصية أجنبية)Foreign wills made in the deceased's home country are generally recognised in Jordan if they comply with the formalities of the country where they were executed.
Recognised if apostilled and translated into Arabic and authenticated at the Jordanian Embassy.
Jordan courts may still apply Jordanian procedures for immovable assets regardless of the foreign will.
Power of Attorney
Wikala Rasiyya (وكالة رسمية)A Power of Attorney grants a trusted person authority to manage Jordanian assets and administrative matters if you are incapacitated or abroad.
Valid while the grantor is alive and mentally competent.
Strongly recommended for all expats with Jordanian property or bank assets.
Forced Heirship
For Muslim estates, Sharia forced heirship (Faraid) applies — fixed shares cannot be overridden by a will for the statutory heirs. For non-Muslim expats, Jordanian courts may apply home country law for movable assets, which may or may not include forced heirship rules.
EU Succession Regulation (Brussels IV)
Jordan is not an EU member state and the EU Succession Regulation (No. 650/2012) does not apply in Jordan. However, EU citizens with assets in both Jordan and EU member states should consider how the Regulation affects the EU-side estate planning.
Inheritance Tax
Jordan does not levy a general inheritance tax or estate tax. Property and financial assets passing to heirs are not subject to a specific inheritance tax.
| Relationship | Tax-Free Allowance | Tax Rate (above allowance) |
|---|---|---|
| All beneficiaries | No inheritance tax threshold — there is no inheritance tax in Jordan | 0% (no inheritance tax) |
However, property transfer taxes (4% of assessed value) apply when title is formally transferred to beneficiaries. Bank accounts are frozen upon death notification — a court order (Warasat certificate) is required to release funds to heirs.
Cross-Border & Multi-Country Estates
International estates involving both Jordanian and foreign assets are complex. Engage a lawyer in Jordan AND in the deceased's home country to coordinate the multi-jurisdiction process. Processing time: 3–12 months depending on complexity.
Certificate of Inheritance
The Jordanian equivalent is the Warasat certificate (Hujjat Irth / Shahadat al-Warasat), issued by the Sharia Court (for Muslims) or the relevant denominational court or civil court (for non-Muslims). This document confirms the legal heirs and their shares. Required to release bank accounts and transfer property.
Will Registration
Jordan does not have a centralised national will registry. Wills executed before a Notary Public (Katib al-Adl) are recorded in the notary's register. Keep a copy of any will in a safe location and inform a trusted person of its existence.
Living Will & Healthcare Power of Attorney
Advance medical directives (living wills) are not formally codified in Jordanian law. Discuss your wishes with family members and your treating physician. For expats, a living will executed in your home country may carry moral weight but has no specific legal framework in Jordan.
Useful Links
Estate & Inheritance
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