Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Aqaba is a governorate and a strategic port city in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It is also home to the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - an entity with its own incentives and streamlined procedures for investment and business activity. Legal documents used in Aqaba follow Jordanian law and the national procedures for notarization, authentication, registration and language. For many official purposes documents must be presented in Arabic or accompanied by a certified Arabic translation. Public notaries, courts, land registration offices and relevant ministries administer and enforce legal-document formalities.
Legal documents create rights and obligations. A lawyer helps ensure those documents are valid, enforceable and properly filed. Common situations where people need legal help include preparing or reviewing contracts, buying or selling property, drafting or executing powers of attorney, preparing wills and inheritance arrangements, registering a business or branch in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, handling notarization and document legalization, resolving disputes over contracts or property, and representing clients before local courts or administrative agencies.
A lawyer can also protect you from costly mistakes such as ambiguous contract language, missing signatures, incorrect legal descriptions of land, incomplete company formation paperwork, or failure to comply with language and authentication requirements for foreign documents.
Language requirement - Arabic is the official language for court filings and most government procedures. Foreign-language documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator and the translation must be certified when submitted to authorities.
Notarization and authentication - Jordan uses public notaries to witness signatures and authenticate documents. Many foreign documents require additional authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, where applicable, legalization by a consulate or embassy. Check the receiving authority for the exact sequence.
Property and land registration - Property ownership and transfers are recorded at the Land and Survey Department and through the Real Estate Registration system. Accurate title descriptions and properly executed deeds are essential. Foreign ownership of land may be subject to restrictions and approvals, especially outside designated zones.
Aqaba Special Economic Zone - ASEZA offers special incentives and regulatory procedures for investment. Company formation, land use and licensing within the zone can follow bespoke rules. Legal advice is often necessary to navigate these specialized procedures.
Family and inheritance - Personal status matters for Muslims are generally governed by Islamic law under Jordanian personal status legislation. Non-Muslims may be subject to civil law or their own religious laws in some matters. Wills and inheritance should be drafted with local rules in mind to avoid unintended outcomes.
Corporate and commercial law - Company formation, shareholder agreements, commercial contracts and employment documents must comply with Jordanian commercial law. Contracts should specify governing law and dispute resolution, but local courts will generally apply Jordanian public policy and mandatory rules.
Visit a licensed public notary office with the original document and valid identification. The notary will verify identity, witness signatures and attach a notarization certificate. Notaries may also notarize copies and administer oaths. For some transactions, notarized documents must later be registered or authenticated by government offices.
Yes. Most government agencies and courts require documents in Arabic. Use a certified translator and have the translation certified or stamped as required. For important foreign documents you may also need the original document authenticated by the issuing authority and the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the relevant embassy.
Foreign investment in Aqaba is encouraged, particularly within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, but ownership rules vary. Some property transactions require prior approvals or are limited by zoning regulations. Before buying property obtain legal advice and perform due diligence on title, encumbrances and any required governmental approvals.
Authentication typically involves notarization in the country of origin, certification by that country’s relevant authority, and authentication by the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some countries require additional embassy or consulate legalization. Consult the receiving Jordanian authority to confirm the exact sequence for your document.
A power of attorney is a legal document that authorizes another person to act on your behalf. In Aqaba it must be drafted in compliance with Jordanian formalities, often notarized, and if issued abroad it must be translated and authenticated before use. Specify the scope, duration and limitations clearly to avoid disputes.
Jordan has legislation and regulations that recognize electronic signatures in certain contexts, but acceptance varies by authority. Major transactions such as property transfers generally require physical signatures and notarization. Confirm with the relevant government office or your lawyer whether an electronic signature is acceptable for your specific document.
Timeframes depend on the complexity of the transaction, completeness of documentation and any required approvals. Simple transfers with clear title can take a few weeks, while transactions needing approvals or clearing encumbrances may take longer. Your lawyer or notary can advise on expected timelines and help expedite the process where possible.
Look for a lawyer licensed in Jordan and experienced in the relevant area - property, commercial law, family law, or administrative matters. Ask for references, confirm membership in the Jordanian Bar Association, request an engagement letter that sets fees and scope, and consider language ability if you do not speak Arabic. Initial consultations can help you assess fit and expertise.
An engagement letter should state the lawyer or firm’s name, scope of work, estimated fees and billing method, retainer requirements, who will handle your matter, expected timelines, confidentiality terms and how to end the relationship. A clear engagement letter reduces the risk of misunderstandings.
You may draft your own documents, but personal drafting increases the risk of errors that make the document invalid or unenforceable. For important matters such as property transfers, wills, powers of attorney, and commercial agreements it is strongly recommended to have a lawyer review or prepare the document to ensure compliance with Jordanian requirements.
Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - for information on investment, licensing and zone-specific regulations.
Ministry of Justice - for guidance on notaries, court procedures and legal formalities.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - for document authentication and consular matters.
Jordanian Bar Association - for information about licensed lawyers and professional standards.
Land and Survey Department and Real Estate Registration - for land title searches and property registration requirements.
Aqaba Governorate offices and local courts - for administrative procedures and dispute resolution in Aqaba.
Certified translation offices and public notaries in Aqaba - for translation and notarization services needed for official use.
1. Identify your goal - sale or purchase of property, company formation, a power of attorney, will, contract review, or another need. Be specific about what outcome you seek.
2. Gather documents - collect identification, title deeds, existing agreements, corporate records, and any foreign documents you will use. Prepare certified translations if documents are not in Arabic.
3. Check authentication - confirm with the receiving Jordanian authority whether documents issued abroad require notarization, ministry authentication, or consular legalization.
4. Consult a local lawyer - schedule an initial consultation with a Jordanian lawyer experienced in Aqaba matters. Ask about their experience with similar cases, fee structure and the likely timeline.
5. Follow formalities - have documents drafted or reviewed by your lawyer, notarized as required, and filed or registered with the proper government office.
6. Keep records - retain certified copies, translations and receipts of filings. Maintain a clear file of communications, engagement letters and payment records.
If you are unfamiliar with Arabic or Jordanian procedure, engage a lawyer early. Proper legal advice and correct documentation reduce delays, lower risk and protect your rights in Aqaba.
