Are you considering expanding your business into Jordan's strategic Middle Eastern market without establishing a legal entity? Jordan's stable business environment, skilled workforce, and gateway position to regional markets make it an appealing destination for international companies—but navigating its specific employment regulations can be demanding. This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) service becomes your valuable expansion partner. An Employer of Record in Jordan enables your company to hire local talent legally and compliantly without setting up a subsidiary, eliminating complex registration procedures and significant setup costs. From handling payroll and ensuring compliance with Jordan's Labor Law to managing employee benefits according to local standards, an EOR solution offers the practical approach for exploring the Jordanian market or building dedicated teams with qualified local professionals. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about using an Employer of Record in Jordan, including key advantages, compliance considerations, and essential factors for selecting the right EOR partner to support your business objectives in this promising market.
Business culture in Jordan
Business culture in Jordan is characterized by relationship-building, respect for hierarchy, and traditional values that shape workplace interactions. Unlike Western business environments where transactions may move quickly, Jordanian business requires patience and personal connection before deals progress. Understanding these cultural elements helps international managers build trust and avoid missteps that could damage professional relationships.
Communication
In Jordan, business communication tends to be indirect with an emphasis on politeness and saving face. Jordanians often use diplomatic language and avoid direct criticism, especially in group settings. Conversations typically begin with personal questions about family and health before discussing business matters.
Hierarchy
Workplace hierarchy in Jordan typically follows a top-down structure which influences decision-making and reporting relationships. Senior leaders make most decisions, and questioning authority is generally viewed as disrespectful. Titles are important and should be used when addressing colleagues, especially those in higher positions.
Relationships
Professional relationships in Jordan are built through personal connections, shared meals, and demonstrating trustworthiness over time. Business partnerships often develop slowly as Jordanians value getting to know potential partners personally before committing to business arrangements.
Time management
Attitudes toward time and punctuality in Jordan tend to be more flexible than in Western countries, which affects scheduling and deadlines. While foreigners are expected to be punctual, meetings may start late or be interrupted for prayer times or personal matters. The workweek runs Sunday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday as weekend days.
Practical applications
When working with colleagues in Jordan, international managers should invest time in relationship-building to establish trust and credibility. Accept invitations for coffee or meals, as these social interactions are crucial for business success. Dress conservatively in business settings, with men wearing suits and women choosing modest attire that covers shoulders and knees. Show respect for prayer times and religious holidays, especially during Ramadan when work schedules may adjust to accommodate fasting.
Jordan employment market overview
The Jordan employment market is characterized by high education levels, significant youth unemployment, and growing technology sectors that shape hiring opportunities and challenges. Jordan's job market is growing in technology, healthcare, and engineering, with a 22% overall unemployment rate. The country has a highly educated workforce but faces challenges matching skills to market needs.
Talent availability
Skilled professionals in Jordan are abundant in engineering and IT with over 5,000 tech graduates annually. However, there's a skills gap between education and employer needs, especially in technical fields. Companies often compete for experienced professionals in high-demand sectors.
Key industries
Jordan's strongest employment sectors include technology, healthcare, engineering and finance which offer opportunities for international companies. The technology sector is growing fastest, with increasing demand for software developers, data analysts, and digital project managers.
Salary expectations
Salary ranges for professionals in Jordan typically range from 500-2,000 JOD monthly for mid-level positions, affecting hiring budgets. The minimum wage recently increased to 290 JOD per month. Tech professionals and engineers command higher salaries than other sectors.
Hiring implications
Companies hiring in Jordan should leverage digital recruitment platforms to access qualified candidates efficiently. The high youth unemployment presents an opportunity to develop entry-level talent through structured training programs. Companies should also emphasize employer branding and competitive benefits packages to attract top talent in a market where skilled professionals have multiple options, especially in technology sectors.
What are the benefits of using an EOR in Jordan?
The key benefits of using an Employer of Record (EOR) in Jordan include quick market entry, simplified compliance, reduced administrative workload, cost reduction, and access to local expertise.
Here are the 5 benefits of using an EOR in Jordan:
Quick market entry. An EOR lets you hire workers in Jordan within days instead of months. You don't need to set up your own company in Jordan, which saves a lot of time and paperwork. This is perfect if you want to test the Jordanian market or need to start a project quickly.
Simplified compliance. Jordan has specific labor laws that can be tricky to understand. An EOR handles all the legal requirements like work permits, tax filings, and social security payments. They keep up with any law changes, so you don't have to worry about breaking rules you didn't know about.
Reduced administrative workload. The EOR takes care of payroll, benefits, and employee paperwork in Jordan. They handle everything from creating job contracts to managing time off and handling terminations. This frees up your time to focus on growing your business instead of dealing with HR tasks.
Cost reduction. Setting up a company in Jordan costs a lot of money. Using an EOR means you avoid these setup costs, legal fees, and the expense of hiring HR staff. This makes it much cheaper to employ people in Jordan, especially if you only need a few workers.
Local expertise access. Jordan has a unique business culture and job market. An EOR provides valuable insights about local customs, hiring practices, and employee expectations. They can help you understand what makes a competitive salary and benefits package in Jordan, making it easier to attract top talent.