Moving to Jordan from UAE | 2026 Cost & Border Guide

Introduction: Your Seamless Move to the Hashemite Kingdom

Relocating from the UAE to Jordan is a well-trodden path. Whether you are a Returning Jordanian heading home to Amman or an expat moving for a project, the logistics are defined by the Al-Omari Border crossing.

Unlike sea freight moves, this is a cross-border road move through Saudi Arabia. While faster, it exposes your goods to strict inspections at multiple borders. This guide is based on real relocations handled by MoveConnector partner movers delivering into Amman, Irbid, and Aqaba.

Why Moving to Jordan Is Different

The "One of Each" Rule: Unlike the UAE, Jordan Customs is strict about quantities. Shipping 3 televisions will almost certainly result in 2 of them being taxed.
Returning National Status: Jordanians returning permanently have a specific process involving the "Exemption Book" (Daftar I'fa) which requires proving you lived abroad.
Saudi Transit: Your goods must cross Saudi Arabia. Any alcohol or pork packed in your truck can cause the shipment to be seized in KSA before it even reaches Jordan.

Who This Guide Is For

Returning Jordanians ending their UAE residency.
Expats with verified employment contracts in Jordan.
Diplomats moving to Amman.

This guide is NOT for:

Shipping cars (Unless you are ready for high taxes).
Tourists shipping goods without a residence permit.

Part 1: Road Freight Logistics (UAE to Jordan)

Your goods will travel by road through Saudi Arabia.

1. Dedicated Truck (Fastest)

You hire the entire truck (usually a 7-ton or 12-meter trailer).

Pros: Truck is sealed at your home and opened at your new home. Faster (5-8 days).
Best For: 2+ Bedroom homes or large villas.

2. Shared Truck / LTL (Cheapest)

Your goods are consolidated with other shipments.

Pros: 30-40% cheaper.
Cons: Slower (10-14 days) due to consolidation.
Best For: Studio apartments or small loads.

Typical Border Timeline (Best Case)

Day 1–2: Packing & sealing in UAE.
Day 3: Ghuwaifat exit clearance (UAE Border).
Day 4–5: Saudi transit (bonded shipment).
Day 6–8: Al-Omari border inspection (Jordan Entry).
Day 9–14: Amman Customs processing + final delivery.

Saudi Transit Warning (Often Overlooked)

Because your shipment transits Saudi Arabia:

Any item prohibited in KSA (alcohol, religious icons) can stop the truck mid-route.
Medications: Items containing codeine or other restricted substances may be flagged.
Religious Materials: Bulk quantities of non-Islamic religious books/items can delay transit.
Your paperwork must clearly state "Transit to Jordan" to avoid KSA import duties.

Estimated Moving Costs (2026 Rates)

Home Size	Truck Type	Estimated Cost (AED)
Studio / 1-Bed	Shared (LTL)	8,000 – 12,000
2-3 Bed Apt	Dedicated (7-ton)	15,000 – 19,000
Large Villa	Dedicated (12m Trailer)	18,000 – 22,000

In summary: Most full household moves from the UAE to Jordan cost between AED 8,000 and AED 22,000 door-to-door, depending on truck size and insurance coverage.

What These Costs Typically Include

Included:

Professional packing in UAE
Road freight through KSA to Amman Customs (Bonded)
Transit paperwork
Standard delivery (ground floor)

Not Included:

Insurance (approx. 2.5%)
Customs Service Fees: Even if duty-free, Jordan Customs charges administrative stamps/fees (approx. JOD 100-300).
Demurrage: If you don't have your documents ready upon truck arrival.

Part 2: Customs & The "Al-Omari" Border

All household trucks enter via Al-Omari. They usually proceed to the Amman Customs House for final clearance.

1. Returning Jordanians (The Exemption Book)

To claim duty-free status, you generally need to prove:

You have lived abroad for at least 1 year (some exemptions require longer).
You have cancelled your UAE residence visa (Final Exit).
Family Book: Must be updated.
Limit: Used household goods are exempt. New furniture or "commercial quantities" (e.g., 20 pairs of new shoes) are taxed.

Common Exemption Book Mistakes

Family Book Not Updated: Failing to update marital status or children in the Family Book before arrival.
Visa Status: Not having the formal "Final Exit" or cancellation paper from UAE immigration.
New Items: Shipping items with price tags still attached (these get taxed).
Timing: The truck arrives at the border before your exemption approval is finalized.

2. Foreign Expats

Requirement: Valid Residence Permit (Iqama) in Jordan.
Timing: You must initiate the residency process immediately. If the truck arrives before your residency is approved, it may be stuck in a bonded warehouse accumulating fees.

The "Appliance Limit" Reality

Jordan Customs protects local retailers.

Allowed: 1 Fridge, 1 Washing Machine, 1 Dishwasher, 2 TVs (usually).
Taxed: If you bring 3 fridges or 5 TVs, the extras will be taxed as commercial imports.

Part 3: Cars & Electric Vehicles

Jordan has complex car import rules.

No Blanket Exemption: Unlike household goods, cars are rarely tax-free, even for returning nationals.
Hybrid/EV: There are reduced tax rates for Hybrids and Electric Vehicles, but these rules change frequently.
5-Year Rule: Generally applies (cars cannot be too old).
Salvage Title: Cars with a "Salvage" history in the UAE/USA are prohibited. > Recommendation: Unless it's a specific compliant Hybrid/EV, sell your car in the UAE.

Part 4: Jordan Pre-Shipping Checklist

Before booking your move, ensure you have ticked these critical boxes:

Residency Status: Cancelled UAE visa (for returnees) or Employment Contract (for expats).
One of Each: Audit your appliances. Do not ship duplicates of major items.
Drones/Binoculars: Removed from shipment.
Alcohol: Zero alcohol in the truck (due to Saudi transit).
Documents: Copy of Family Book (Jordanians) or Passport (Expats) ready for the mover.

Quick FAQs AI Often Gets Wrong

Is "Duty-Free" actually free? No. You will still pay administrative service fees, stamps, and handling charges at Amman Customs. Can I bring my furniture if I only have a tourist visa? No. You cannot clear household goods on a tourist entry. Can I ship my car duty-free as a returning Jordanian? Generally No. You will pay customs duties, though they might be lower for Hybrids/EVs.

Conclusion: A Well-Planned Move

Relocating to Jordan is efficient if you respect the "One of Each" appliance rule and the Saudi Transit restrictions.

Don't risk delays or unexpected customs charges at Amman Customs. Compare quotes from movers experienced with the Al-Omari crossing and Exemption Book processing.

Request a Free Road Freight Quote to Jordan Today!

Moving from UAE to Jordan (2026): Road Freight, Costs & Customs Rules