Moving to Jordan from UAE | A Relocation Guide

Introduction: Your Seamless Move to the Hashemite Kingdom

Relocating from the United Arab Emirates to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a common journey for many professionals and families, bridging two key hubs of the Middle East. A move to Jordan, often to the bustling capital of Amman, offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern city life. While the move is a cross-border road journey rather than an overseas shipment, it requires precise logistical planning and strict adherence to Jordanian customs regulations.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for residents moving from the UAE to Jordan. We'll cover the process of a road-based move, provide cost estimates, detail the essential documents for customs clearance, and offer practical tips to ensure your transition is smooth and successful.

Part 1: The Logistics of a UAE to Jordan Road Move

The journey for your household goods from the UAE to Jordan is a significant road freight operation, typically transiting through Saudi Arabia.

The Moving Process:

Packing & Loading: A professional moving crew packs your items at your UAE residence and loads them onto a truck.
Road Transit: The truck travels from the UAE, across Saudi Arabia, to the Jordanian border. The primary crossing is the Al-Omari border.
Customs Clearance: This is the most critical stage, where your shipment is inspected by Jordanian customs.
Final Delivery: Once cleared, the truck proceeds to your new home in Amman or another Jordanian city for unloading.

Transit Time: The entire door-to-door process, including packing and customs, usually takes 7 to 14 days.

Cost of Moving from UAE to Jordan

The cost is primarily determined by the volume of your goods and whether you need a dedicated or shared truck.

Shared Truck (LTL) - 10 cbm

Estimated Cost: 8,000 - 12,000 AED
Best For: A 1-bedroom apartment's contents.

Dedicated Truck (approx. 25-30 cbm)

Estimated Cost: 15,000 - 22,000 AED
Best For: A full 2-3 bedroom home.

To get an accurate estimate of your shipment size, use our free Moving Volume Calculator.

Part 2: Navigating Jordanian Customs

Successfully clearing Jordanian customs requires flawless documentation and strict adherence to the country's rules. For the most up-to-date information, always consult the official Jordan Customs website.

Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods

Foreign nationals moving to Jordan with a valid residence permit can import their used household goods and personal effects free of customs duties one time only.

Key Conditions:

The goods must be used and show signs of wear. New items will be subject to duties.
The shipment must be imported within 6 months of your first entry into Jordan under your residency permit.
You must have a valid Jordanian Residence Permit. A shipment cannot be cleared on a tourist visa.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Prohibited: Narcotics, firearms, and materials deemed offensive to Islamic values.
Restricted: All communications equipment, including drones, satellite phones, and powerful radios, require a special permit from the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC).

Essential Documents for Customs:

Your moving company will require these documents to manage the clearance process.

Copy of your Passport & Jordanian Residence Permit.
Letter of Employment or proof of your status in Jordan.
A detailed inventory list (packing list) of all items in the shipment.
An authorization letter allowing your moving company to act as your customs broker.

FAQs: Moving from the UAE to Jordan

1. Can I move before my Jordanian Residence Permit is issued? No. You cannot clear a household goods shipment through Jordanian customs without a valid residence permit. You must have your residency sorted before your shipment arrives at the border.

2. Is it better to move my furniture or buy new in Amman? The furniture market in Amman is well-developed. However, if you have good-quality furniture in the UAE, it is generally more cost-effective to move it with you, especially since it is a road freight move.

3. What happens if there are customs delays at the border? Delays are usually caused by incomplete paperwork or restricted items. If the truck is held at the border, you may be liable for daily "demurrage" or waiting fees. This is why using an experienced cross-border mover is critical.

4. Can I drive my UAE car to Jordan and keep it? You can temporarily bring your car, but permanently importing a used vehicle into Jordan is subject to complex regulations and high taxes based on the car's age and engine size. It is often more practical to sell your car in the UAE and buy one locally in Jordan.

Conclusion: A Well-Planned Move to Jordan

Relocating to Jordan from the UAE is a well-trodden path that, with proper planning, can be executed smoothly. The key to success lies in securing your residency first, preparing all your documents meticulously, and choosing a mover with proven expertise in navigating the cross-border journey through Saudi Arabia and the Jordanian customs process.

Ready to start planning your move to Jordan?

Request a Free Road Freight Moving Quote Today! Our network features pre-screened, expert movers who specialize in the UAE-to-Jordan relocation route.

A Guide to Moving from UAE to Jordan: Costs, Customs & Tips