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Aqaba is Jordan's only special economic zone and is administered under a set of local rules that work together with national laws. Business registration in Aqaba follows general Jordanian company and commercial law principles, but many procedures, approvals and incentives are handled by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - ASEZA. Whether you are setting up a small local trade business, a service company, an industrial facility or a branch of a foreign firm, you should expect a process that includes name reservation, document preparation, licensing approvals, tax registration and regulatory compliance specific to the Aqaba zone.
The legal framework that governs business registration in Aqaba combines national legislation - such as the Companies Law, commercial and tax laws - with ASEZA regulations and sectoral licenses for industries like tourism, manufacturing, health and transport. Aqaba often offers investment incentives and different permit routes compared with mainland Jordan, but you must still comply with national obligations such as tax and social security registration when applicable.
Business registration looks simple on paper, but there are many moments when legal advice reduces risk, speeds up approval and protects your investment. Common reasons to hire a lawyer include:
- Choosing the right business form and structure so you get the best balance of liability protection, taxation and governance.
- Drafting and reviewing the articles of association, shareholder agreements, founding resolutions and foreign branch documentation to avoid ambiguity and future disputes.
- Navigating ASEZA-specific permit requirements, special incentives and sectoral licensing that can be complex for outsiders.
- Handling foreign investor requirements, approvals and the translation, notarization and legalization of overseas documents.
- Negotiating leases, technology contracts, supply agreements and employment terms that can have long-term legal and financial consequences.
- Carrying out due diligence for mergers, acquisitions or buying an existing Jordanian company or assets in Aqaba.
- Managing regulatory compliance - tax registration, payroll and social security obligations, environmental permits and any sector-specific conditions.
- Representing your interests in disputes with partners, the zone authority, suppliers or employees, and in administrative or court proceedings.
Key legal and regulatory aspects to understand when registering a business in Aqaba include:
- Companies Law and Commercial Law - these define entity types, formation steps, shareholder rights, corporate governance and liquidation procedures for companies operating in Jordan, including in Aqaba.
- ASEZA regulations - ASEZA administers the Aqaba Special Economic Zone and issues rules on licensing, land leases, incentives, customs treatment and zone specific permits. ASEZA often has streamlined procedures and special investment incentives for eligible projects.
- Investment rules - incentives, exemptions and approval requirements may apply for foreign investors and for projects that meet investment criteria. Some incentives are zone-specific and managed by ASEZA, while others are national-level incentives.
- Taxation - businesses must register for corporate income tax, sales tax and other applicable levies. Special tax treatments or exemptions may be available in the Aqaba zone subject to approval and conditions.
- Labor and social security law - hiring employees triggers obligations under the Labor Law and to the Social Security Corporation, including contributions, contracts and local employment conditions.
- Sectoral regulation - specific businesses require approvals from ministries or regulators responsible for health, environment, tourism, industry or transport. For example, hotels, medical facilities and manufacturing plants often require sector-specific permits.
- Real estate and land use - leases and purchases inside the Aqaba zone follow ASEZA rules which may differ from mainland municipal procedures. Land and building use approvals and environmental clearances are commonly required.
- Foreign ownership and foreign employee permits - foreign investors can generally operate in Aqaba, but specific approvals and foreign work visa and residency permits are required to employ non-Jordanian staff.
You can register common entities such as sole proprietorships, general partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), public shareholding companies and branches of foreign companies. The most common choice for small and medium enterprises is the LLC because it limits shareholder liability and offers flexible management rules.
Timing depends on the business type, completeness of documentation and sectoral approvals. Simple registrations for standard companies can be completed in a few weeks if all documents are ready. More complex projects needing ASEZA approvals, land leases, environmental clearances or foreign investor approvals may take several weeks to months. Expect additional time for notarization and legalization of foreign documents.
Many sectors allow 100 percent foreign ownership, particularly inside the Aqaba zone where incentives encourage investment. However, certain regulated activities or specific projects may have conditions or sectoral restrictions. It is important to check sectoral rules and ASEZA requirements; a lawyer can confirm whether a local partner is necessary for your planned activity.
Typical steps include choosing an entity type and company name, preparing and notarizing the founding documents, submitting registration documents to the competent authority - either ASEZA for zone-based approvals or the Companies Controller - obtaining a trade license and sector permits, registering for tax and social security, and opening a bank account. Exact steps vary by activity and whether the business is a new company or a branch of a foreign firm.
Aqaba offers a range of incentives aimed at encouraging investment and economic activity in the zone. Incentives may include tax reductions or exemptions, simplified customs procedures and flexible land leasing. Eligibility and the scope of incentives depend on the project type, investment size and ASEZA approval conditions.
Documents commonly required are identification for shareholders and directors, the company memorandum and articles of association, proof of registered address or lease, bank statements or proof of capital, power of attorney if applicable, and for foreign documents - notarization and legalization or apostille plus Arabic translation. Sectoral permits require additional technical and compliance documents.
Yes. Companies must register with the Income and Sales Tax Department for tax purposes and with the Social Security Corporation if they hire employees. ASEZA-related incentives do not automatically remove tax or social security obligations unless a specific exemption has been granted and documented. Proper registration ensures compliance with withholding, employer contributions and reporting rules.
Conversion or relocation of an existing company into the Aqaba zone is possible but requires a formal process. This typically involves notifying and getting approvals from the Companies Controller and ASEZA, meeting any ASEZA conditions for zone activities and updating tax and licensing registrations. Legal advice is useful to manage the transition and preserve contractual and regulatory continuity.
Common pitfalls include incomplete or improperly legalized foreign documents, choosing the wrong entity type, underestimating sectoral permit requirements, failing to register for tax and social security on time, not obtaining ASEZA approvals when required, and signing commercial leases or supplier contracts before confirming licensing. Early legal and accounting advice helps avoid these mistakes.
Dissolution follows legal procedures under the Companies Law and ASEZA regulations where applicable. Steps include shareholder resolutions for dissolution, settling debts and liabilities, notifying creditors, completing tax and social security clearances, and filing final liquidation documents with the competent authorities. If ASEZA granted concessions or exemptions, you must also comply with any zone-specific exit obligations.
Here are key institutions and organizations that are commonly involved in business registration and regulation in Aqaba:
- Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - ASEZA - the local authority responsible for licensing, land, incentives and many regulatory approvals inside the zone.
- Companies Controller - the governmental office that administers company registration under Jordanian Companies Law.
- Ministry of Investment or the national investment agency - for matters affecting investment approvals, foreign investor facilitation and investment incentives at the national level.
- Income and Sales Tax Department - for tax registration and compliance obligations.
- Social Security Corporation - for registration and contributions related to employees.
- Local Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Aqaba - for local business guidance, networking and practical support.
- Sectoral ministries and regulators - such as ministries of health, tourism, environment, or industry depending on your business activity and licensing needs.
- Jordanian Bar Association - for referrals to qualified lawyers and to verify professional credentials.
- Certified public accountants and corporate service providers - for tax planning, bookkeeping and company administration support.
If you need legal assistance for business registration in Aqaba, follow this practical roadmap:
- Prepare a basic project brief - outline the activity, ownership structure, estimated capital, number of employees and desired timeline. This helps advisors give targeted advice.
- Consult a lawyer with experience in ASEZA and Jordanian company law - ask about their experience with similar projects and request a clear scope and fee estimate.
- Gather key documents - identification, passports, proof of address, draft articles, lease agreements and any foreign documents that will need notarization and legalization.
- Decide the business form - with your lawyer, select the legal entity that fits liability, tax and governance needs.
- Check sectoral and ASEZA requirements early - identify required permits, environmental clearances and investment approvals that could affect timing and feasibility.
- Register for tax and social security - plan these steps to avoid penalties and to ensure payroll and invoicing are compliant from day one.
- Maintain clear records and good communication with authorities - timely filings, transparent documentation and cooperative engagement with ASEZA and national regulators reduce delays.
- Plan ongoing compliance - set up accounting, payroll and corporate record-keeping systems and schedule periodic legal reviews to address changes in law or business circumstances.
Starting a business in Aqaba offers opportunities thanks to the zone's incentives and strategic location. Engaging legal and financial professionals early will protect your investment, speed approvals and keep your business on a compliant path.
