وجهتك الدراسية

Student Residency in Jordan: Complete 2025 Guide

2025-11-14 • 8 min read

Obtaining student residency in Jordan is an essential step for international students pursuing education in Jordanian universities. Whether you plan to study medicine, engineering, pharmacy, IT, or any other field, securing legal residency ensures you can remain in the country, access services, and complete your academic program without interruption.

This comprehensive 2025 guide explains everything in clear detail — requirements, fees, steps, documents, renewals, timelines, and expert tips. The goal is to give you confidence and clarity, whether you are coming to Jordan for the first time or renewing your residency for another academic year.

This guide is part of Wujhatak’s student support series.
Visit our main platform: https://wujhatak.com/en

## Table of Contents

## Overview: What Is Student Residency in Jordan?

Student residency is a temporary legal permit that allows foreign students to stay in Jordan for the duration of their academic program. It is issued by the Jordanian Ministry of Interior, usually through regional police directorates.

The residency is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually as long as the student continues studying.

## Who Needs Student Residency?

You must apply for student residency if you are:

  • A non-Jordanian studying at a Jordanian university (public or private)
  • A student enrolled in:
    • Bachelor’s programs
    • Master’s programs
    • PhD programs
    • Diploma programs
    • Language institutes (case-by-case)
  • A student staying in Jordan for more than 90 days

You do not need residency if you are:

  • A tourist visiting Jordan briefly
  • A citizen of a country with special residency agreements (very limited cases)

However, all university students are strongly encouraged to obtain legal residency to avoid penalties and facilitate student services.

## Benefits of Student Residency

Holding valid student residency comes with many advantages:

1. Legal Stay in Jordan

Protects you from overstaying penalties and ensures smooth campus access.

2. Ability to Open Bank Accounts

Most banks require valid residency for foreign students.

3. Access to Student Services

Residency may be required for:

  • University systems
  • Health services
  • Housing
  • Exam registrations

4. Travel Convenience

You can enter and exit Jordan without complications.

5. Eligibility for Discounts

Some services offer reduced fees for students with valid residency.

## Required Documents (2025)

Below is the updated list of documents needed for student residency in Jordan:

Mandatory Documents

  • Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
  • Admission letter from a recognized Jordanian university
  • Enrollment certificate (issued every semester)
  • Proof of tuition payment
  • Recent personal photos (passport-sized)
  • Health certificate / Medical test results
  • Clean criminal record (from your home country or embassy)
  • Lease contract or proof of residence
  • Copy of guardian’s passport (for minors)

Special Cases

Some students may be asked for:

  • Financial statements
  • Embassy letter
  • Previous residency card (for renewal)

Tip: Always make at least 3 photocopies of every document before visiting the residency office.

## Eligibility Conditions

To qualify for student residency in Jordan, you must meet the following:

  • Be enrolled full-time in an accredited institution
  • Attend regular classes
  • Pass medical checks
  • Have no security restrictions
  • Maintain clean legal status (no overdue visas)

## Step-by-Step Application Process

This is the full step-by-step residency process for 2025.

1. Receive Your University Acceptance

Your university must be recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education.

2. Enter Jordan Legally

Students usually enter on a tourist visa, valid for 30–90 days.

3. Visit Your University’s Student Affairs Office

They will:

  • Issue an official enrollment letter
  • Stamp and verify your documents
  • Guide you to the correct police directorate

4. Medical Examination

Required for most nationalities. Details provided below.

5. Submit the Residency Application

At the relevant police residency department:

  • Submit all documents
  • Fill out the residency form
  • Provide fingerprints if necessary

6. Pay Residency Fees

Amounts vary by nationality and program.

7. Wait for Processing

Usually 5–14 working days, depending on season.

8. Receive Your Residency Card

You must carry it alongside your passport.

## Residency Fees & Timelines

Residency fees in 2025 depend on nationality but typically include:

ItemEstimated Fee
Residency application40–120 JOD
Medical exam20–40 JOD
Service fees10–20 JOD

Processing Time

  • Regular season: 5–10 days
  • Peak season (September–November): 10–21 days

Students should apply early to avoid delays.

## Medical Examination Requirements

The medical exam is required for most students and includes:

  • General health check
  • Chest scan (varies)
  • Blood tests
  • Infectious disease screening

Results are sent electronically to the Ministry of Interior.

## Renewing Student Residency

Residency must be renewed every year. Requirements include:

  • Updated enrollment certificate
  • Proof of academic progress
  • Tuition payment confirmation
  • Medical tests (sometimes repeated)
  • Previous residency card

Apply at least 30 days before your residency expires.

## Residency for Language Students

Students enrolled in language institutes (Arabic, English, etc.) can apply for residency if:

  • The institute is recognized
  • The student attends full-time courses
  • The program lasts 6+ months

Residency approval is discretionary and varies by nationality.

## Residency for Postgraduate Students

Master’s and PhD students may receive multi-year residency in rare cases, but most receive annual residency like undergraduates.

They must provide:

  • Thesis registration certificate
  • Research advisor approval
  • Proof of continuous progress

## Residency Rules for Under-18 Students

Students under 18 require:

  • Guardian’s passport copy
  • Guardian’s residency (if in Jordan)
  • Consent letter

Some nationalities require additional embassy paperwork.

## Residency for Accompanying Family

International students may request residency for:

  • Parents
  • Siblings
  • Spouse and children

Family residency approvals depend on:

  • Financial capability
  • Security clearance
  • Duration of study

Fees differ from student residency fees.

## Common Problems & Solutions

1. Missing Documents

Solution: Prepare copies in advance; university legal offices can help.

2. Delayed Medical Results

Solution: Use authorized government centers only.

3. Overstaying Visa

Solution: Pay fines immediately; avoid repeating the issue.

4. Wrong Residency Directorate

Solution: Universities guide students to the correct location.

5. Late Renewal

Solution: Start the process early, especially before exam season.

Pro Tip: Keep digital copies of everything on your phone and cloud storage.

## FAQ

How long is student residency valid?

Usually 1 year.

Can I work while holding student residency?

No — working without a work permit is illegal.

Do I need health insurance?

Some universities require it; others recommend it.

Can I travel during residency processing?

Better not — your passport may be required.

What happens if my residency expires?

You may face fines and could be prevented from registering courses.

## Useful Wujhatak Resources

## Final Thoughts

Student residency in Jordan is a straightforward process once you understand the requirements and steps. With this complete guide, you can confidently prepare your documents, avoid delays, and ensure a smooth academic journey.

Whether you are a new student, returning for another year, or planning postgraduate studies, Wujhatak is here to support you with accurate, up-to-date, and helpful information.

If you need personal assistance, you’re welcome to contact us anytime:
https://wujhatak.com/en/contact

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