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.
Leaving Jordan
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
8 weeks before: Notify employer, start apartment notice. 4 weeks before: Cancel utilities, begin bank transfer arrangements. 2 weeks before: Cancel Iqama at DRBA, pay any fines. Final week: Complete all banking and address updates. After departure: Submit SSC refund application (if applicable). File final tax return by 30 April of the following year.
Deregistration
Visit the Department of Residency and Borders Affairs (DRBA) to formally cancel your Iqama (residence permit) before departing. Present your passport, Iqama card, and employer letter confirming end of employment. Pay any outstanding Iqama overstay fines (JD 1.50/day) at the DRBA. Your employer is responsible for cancelling your work permit at the Ministry of Labour within 1 month of employment ending.
Tax clearance
Tax clearance is not mandatory for routine departures. However, if you owned a business in Jordan or had significant taxable income, obtain a clearance letter (Baraah al-Dhimmah) from the ISTD (Income and Sales Tax Department — istd.gov.jo) to confirm no outstanding obligations. File a final income tax return if you are a Jordanian taxpayer. Accountant fee: JD 50–100.
Pension portability
Jordan has bilateral social security agreements with approximately 20 countries (UK, Egypt, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, and others). Under these agreements, contribution periods may be aggregated to meet pension entitlement thresholds in either country. If your country has no bilateral agreement, apply for a refund of your 7.5% SSC employee contributions after leaving Jordan (not before). Wait time: 6–18 months. Required: SSC statement, passport, proof of departure, foreign bank account details.
Health insurance
Your employer-provided health insurance typically ends on your last day of employment. Arrange for continuation coverage or international health insurance before departure if you plan to stay briefly in Jordan or travel before arriving in your next country.
Bank account
Decide whether to close your Jordanian bank account or keep it open for potential future income (rental from property you are retaining, SSC refund payments, etc.). Closing: visit the bank in person with your Iqama and passport. Transfer remaining balance internationally using Wise or a bank SWIFT transfer (fee: JD 20–50). Keep a small buffer until all pending direct debits clear.
Utilities
Cancel electricity (EDCO/JEPCO — in person or through eFAWATEERcom), water (Miyahuna), internet (Zain/Umniah/Orange), and mobile plan. Recover any electricity deposit you paid. Cancel gym memberships, streaming subscriptions, and any Jordanian-based direct debits. Do this 2–4 weeks before departure.
Rental contract
Give written notice per your rental contract terms (typically 1 month). Arrange a move-out inspection with your landlord. Recover your security deposit (minus any agreed deductions for damage). Take photos of the apartment at move-out to protect your deposit. The deposit should be returned within 1 month after vacating. Disputes go to the Rental Dispute Committee at the local Magistrate Court.
Leaving the Country
Unlock the complete Leaving the Country guide for Jordan — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere