Country guide
Jordan
A civil-law system influenced by Egyptian and French codes, with Sharia courts for Muslims’ personal-status matters and ecclesiastical councils for recognised Christian communities.
General information — last reviewed 20 October 2026 — to be reviewed by a licensed lawyer. Not legal advice.
Courts
- Magistrates’ and First Instance courts
- Courts of Appeal and the Court of Cassation
- Sharia courts (personal status)
- Administrative courts
How matters are filed
- Civil claims are filed at the competent court, in Arabic, through a lawyer registered with the Jordan Bar Association where representation is required.
- Labour complaints can be raised with the Ministry of Labour before going to court.
Practice areas
Labour & Employment
Labour Law No. 8 of 1996 (as amended)
Covers contracts, wages, leave, termination and end-of-service rights. The Ministry of Labour handles complaints and inspections.
Tenancy & Real Estate
Owners and Tenants Law No. 11 of 1994 (as amended)
Governs leases, rent and eviction; disputes go to the civil courts.
Family & Personal Status
Personal Status Law No. 15 of 2019
Applied by the Sharia courts to marriage, divorce, custody, maintenance and inheritance for Muslims.
Corporate & Commercial
Companies Law No. 22 of 1997 (as amended)
Companies are registered with the Companies Control Department (CCD).
Immigration & Golden Visa
Residence and work permits for foreigners are handled by the Ministry of Interior’s residency department and the Ministry of Labour.
Criminal Defence
Offences are investigated by the Public Prosecution and tried in the criminal courts under the penal code and criminal-procedure law.
Debt, Banking & Insolvency
Debts are recovered through civil claims and the execution departments; bounced-cheque rules were reformed in recent years.
FAQs
Can an expat employee bring a labour claim in Jordan?
Yes. Labour Law No. 8 of 1996 applies to employees in Jordan; complaints can be raised with the Ministry of Labour or the courts.
Which court hears divorce for Muslims?
The Sharia courts, applying Personal Status Law No. 15 of 2019.