Aqaba today offers high quality of life, affordable living expenses as well as an opportunity to explore and enjoy a region that is rich with culture, heritage, and endowed with all the splendor the Red Sea has to offer. Living in Aqaba gives residents the opportunity not just live in a modern coastal city but also thrive and lead an enjoyable experience.
Aqaba is blessed with great weather throughout the year; hot and breezy in summer, warm and pleasant in winter. Aqaba is a year-round resort that has something to offer for everyone, and is a popular destination amongst all age groups. Activities in Aqaba include exciting water sports in Aqaba from sailing to diving or immersing desert activities from camel safaris to explorations in Petra.
The natural beauty of Aqaba is a unique attraction in itself. Local restaurants offer various specialties of Arabic and international cuisine. A downtown Souk area, and shopping centers offer plenty of shopping options, and the best part is that it's all tax-free!
Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority
Aqaba enjoys a Special Economic Zone status and is managed, regulated and developed by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA).
ASEZA operates a one stop shop that offers streamlines e-enabled services for investors, residents, and tourists. Such services include Visa, residency permits, enterprise registration and permitting, building licensing, foreign labor permits, social security as well as taxation.
Location and Connectivity
Aqaba is located in the south of Jordan on the northern tip of the Red Sea. The city is easily accessible from around the world by air, land and sea. There are flights from all major airports to Amman the capital of Jordan or direct to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba. Airlines serving Aqaba include regular and chartered flights namely Turkish airlines, Royal Jordanian, Norwegian, Ryan Air, EasyJet, Nord Wind and Ural Air.
It is also accessible through Israel via south Wadi Araba Crossing border. The option is also available to travel via ferry or speedboat from Taba and Nuweiba in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula to Aqaba. Aqaba is connected to Amman and other regions in Jordan via a modern bus fleet.
Aqaba is within close proximity to Wadi Rum located 66 kilometers north of Aqaba and Petra located 120 km north of Aqaba. Both are internationally recognized tourism sites and on the UNISCO’s list of world heritage sites.
The city is also a 3-hour drive from the Dead Sea and the Baptisms site.
Buying or Renting an Apartment
A lively city with a population of approximately 200 thousand, expatriates wishing to buy or rent an apartment or a villa get to choose from a variety of options. Renting or buying an apartment within one of Aqaba’s mega Real-estate projects that offer luxurious seaside accommodation, entertainment venues, and shopping areas amongst other facilities is one. Ayla Oasis, Tala Bay, Marsa Zayed and Saraya are four multibillion USD projects.
Additionally, renting or buying an apartment within Aqaba city neighborhoods is another option. Aqaba is a lively city with modern infrastructure and services. It is connected through public bus network. Building regulations are strictly enforced to insure highest standards.
Foreigners are allowed to buy property in Jordan, provided Jordan and the buyer´s country of residence have a reciprocal relationship. Real Property tax is levied at a rate of 15% of estimated annual rental value. Meanwhile, for property transfers, the government imposes a 4% paid by the seller and 6% by the buyer.
Cost of Living and Taxes
Aqaba is quite the tax haven for both individuals and corporations. The city is a low tax, duty free Zone that offers affordable living expenses catering for differing personal preferences and life styles. Expats will only pay taxes on the money that they earn in Jordan, which helps to make the country an attractive prospect to those who wish to retire.
Goods and services in Aqaba are exempted from SALES Tax, except for 13 goods and 3 services:
A 7% sales tax on hotel, restaurant and car rental services
A special variable tax on alcohol and tobacco within ASEZ
A 7% tax on cement and steel for construction purposes
Finally, it is important to note that Jordan enjoys a very well-developed banking sector by regional standards with a wide array of business, investment, and retail services. There are 25 banks in Jordan: 16 Jordanian banks out of which 3 are Islamic Bank and 9 non-Jordanian Banks. 19 banks have branches operating in Aqaba. Online payment services for available covering water and electricity bills.
Health Care & Education
Healthcare in Jordan meets international standards in terms of accreditation. The country is a regional medical tourism destination and considered among the leaders globally in certain specialties, with world class, internationally qualified physicians, staff and accredited hospitals equipped with latest technologies.
Aqaba provides advanced healthcare services with three hospitals (two private and one military hospital catering for military personnel as well as civilians). A high end medical complex is being designed, in addition to private practitioners for all specialties.
In addition, English is widely spoken in Jordan and the city enjoys high internet connectivity and is home to three universities. Public and private schools offer residents great options for education. Moreover, ADC established Aqaba International School offering expats and community members the choice to enroll their kids in.