Jordan Crypto Licensing Cost Calculator
Licensing Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost of obtaining a crypto license in Jordan based on the 2025 Virtual Assets Transactions Regulation Law.
How It Works
This calculator estimates costs based on:
- Upfront licensing fees (JD 30,000)
- AML compliance staffing costs (JD 20,000/year per AML officer)
- Transaction monitoring costs (0.5% of transaction volume)
- Potential penalties for non-compliance (up to JD 100,000)
Key Requirements
Under Jordan's 2025 law, VASPs must:
- Get licensed by the Jordan Securities Commission
- Implement AML/CFT policies per Law No. 46 of 2007
- Report transactions over JD 10,000 to AMLU
- Appoint a dedicated AML compliance officer
Regional Comparison
Jordan's regulatory framework compared to neighbors:
| Category | Jordan | UAE | Kuwait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront License Cost | JD 30,000 | Up to JD 150,000 | Prohibited |
| Max Penalty | JD 100,000 | US$500,000+ | JD 100,000 |
| Compliance Burden | Medium | High | N/A |
| Regulatory Authority | Jordan Securities Commission | DFSA & ADGM | N/A |
Since the first Bitcoin warning in 2014, Jordan’s stance on digital money has swung from outright bans to a detailed licensing regime. The Jordan crypto policy now sits under a law that obliges every crypto‑related business to obtain a license, follow strict AML rules, and report large transfers. This guide breaks down where the policy started, what the 2025 law demands, how it stacks up against neighbouring countries, and what practical steps you need to take if you want to operate in the Kingdom.
From Prohibition to Regulation - A Quick History
On 20 February 2014 the Central Bank of Jordan issued Circular No. 2014‑02‑20, explicitly forbidding banks and other regulated entities from dealing in Bitcoin or any virtual asset. That warning kept formal crypto activity off the books for more than a decade, even as peer‑to‑peer trading flourished on informal platforms.
The tide began to turn in 2023 when the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Jordan on its grey list, citing weak safeguards against money‑laundering in the virtual‑asset space. International pressure and a growing domestic user base forced policymakers to rethink the all‑or‑nothing approach.
The 2025 Virtual Assets Transactions Regulation Law
Law No. 14 of 2025, formally called the Virtual Assets Transactions Regulation Law established a comprehensive licensing framework for virtual‑asset service providers (VASPs) in Jordan, was published in the Government Gazette on 15 October 2025 and became effective on 14 September 2025.
Key provisions include:
- Only the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) can issue licences for crypto exchanges, custodians, and wallet providers.
- Operating within Jordan means either a physical presence, a local office, or marketing services to Jordanian residents.
- Violations attract a minimum one‑year prison term and fines up to JD 100 000 (≈ US$141 000).
- CBDCs and digitised securities are excluded; they remain under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Bank and the JSC respectively.
Licensing & Compliance Requirements
To get a licence, a VASP must file a three‑stage application:
- Pre‑application fee of JD 5 000, plus a brief business plan.
- Detailed compliance documentation (AML policies, KYC procedures, IT security) alongside a JD 15 000 processing fee.
- Operational readiness assessment, which includes a JD 10 000 site‑inspection fee.
The total upfront cost runs around JD 30 000 (≈ US$42 250). Once licensed, firms must:
- Appoint a dedicated AML compliance officer.
- Maintain transaction records for five years.
- Conduct Customer Due Diligence (CDD) per AML/CFT Law No. 46 of 2007, with Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) for politically exposed persons.
- Report any transaction above JD 10 000 to the Anti‑Money Laundering Unit (AMLU) and follow the Travel Rule for cross‑border transfers.
Non‑compliance triggers the penalties mentioned earlier, plus possible suspension of the licence.
Penalties, Enforcement, and the Role of Regulators
The JSC acts as the primary supervisory body, while the Central Bank monitors systemic risks. The AMLU, part of the Central Bank, receives suspicious‑activity reports and can freeze assets if needed.
Article 28 of the law spells out the enforcement toolkit: audits, on‑site inspections, and the power to issue cease‑and‑desist orders. In practice, the JSC has already opened 12 investigations within the first month of the law’s rollout, focusing on unlicensed peer‑to‑peer platforms still operating under the radar.
How Jordan Stacks Up Against Regional Peers
Below is a snapshot of how the new framework compares with three neighbouring jurisdictions:
| Aspect | Jordan | UAE | Kuwait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensing Authority | Jordan Securities Commission | Dubai Financial Services Authority & Abu Dhabi Global Market | None (prohibited) |
| FATF Status (2025) | Grey list (pending delisting) | White list | Grey list |
| Maximum Fine | JD 100 000 (~US$141 k) | US$500 k+ | JD 100 000 (same law, but rarely enforced) |
| CBDC Plans | Pilot in Q3 2026 | Digital Dirham pilot 2024‑2025 | No public plan |
Jordan’s approach is a middle ground: stricter than Kuwait’s outright ban, but less mature than the UAE’s multi‑jurisdictional ecosystem. The licensing fees are lower than the UAE’s, yet the compliance burden remains high for small startups.
Practical Challenges for Crypto Businesses
Survey data from the Jordan Fintech Association (Sept 2025) shows that 73 % of fintech startups consider integrating AML transaction‑monitoring tools the biggest technical hurdle. The shortage of qualified AML‑compliance professionals-reported at a 40 % gap by the National Employment Council-means hiring costs are skyrocketing.
Typical steps for a new exchange looking to launch in Amman:
- Hire a certified AML officer (average salary JD 20 000 per year).
- Select a compliance‑software vendor that supports Jordan’s Travel Rule specifications.
- Run a mock audit with the JSC Help Desk (available 24/7 in Arabic and English).
- Submit the three‑stage licence application and allocate a buffer of 6‑8 months for approval, as advised by the JSC implementation guide.
Business owners also warn that the 90‑day window between law publication and enforcement left little time for legacy operators to retrofit their platforms. Many still run on legacy KYC frameworks that do not capture the required data fields for Jordanian nationals.
Future Outlook - What’s Next for Jordan’s Digital Asset Space?
Two major developments are already on the horizon:
- DeFi Regulation: A ministerial committee, chaired by the Minister of Digital Economy, pledged a supplemental decree on decentralized finance by Q1 2026. The draft will likely extend AML obligations to smart‑contract platforms.
- Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): The Central Bank announced a pilot for a digital Jordanian dinar in Q3 2026. Early pilots will focus on government payments, but a later phase may open the floor to private‑sector wallets that must interoperate with the VASP licensing framework.
International bodies such as the IMF and World Bank continue to provide technical assistance. The IMF’s June 2025 assessment highlighted Jordan’s “commendable alignment” with FATF recommendations, but warned that the small staff size at the JSC (12 dedicated analysts) could become a bottleneck.
Market forecasts from Fitch Solutions predict the domestic crypto‑transaction volume could rise from US$150 million in 2024 to US$750 million by 2027-an annual growth rate of roughly 71 %-provided that the regulatory ecosystem stabilises and investors regain confidence.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- The 2025 law replaces a decade‑long ban with a clear licensing path, but the compliance cost is steep for small players.
- AML/CFT obligations mirror Jordan’s existing anti‑money‑laundering law (No. 46 of 2007) and require robust customer‑screening processes.
- Penalties are severe; businesses should treat licensing as a non‑negotiable prerequisite.
- Regional comparison shows Jordan lagging behind the UAE but offering a more affordable entry point than many Arab markets.
- Upcoming DeFi rules and a CBDC pilot could further reshape the market; early adopters should monitor official announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to own Bitcoin as an individual in Jordan?
No. The licensing requirement applies only to businesses that provide services such as exchanges, custodial wallets, or payment gateways. Private individuals can hold crypto, but they must not engage in activities classified as “virtual‑asset service provision.”
What AML thresholds trigger a mandatory report?
Any single transaction or series of linked transactions that exceed JD 10 000 must be reported to the AMLU within 24 hours. The report must include sender and receiver identification, transaction hash, and purpose of the transfer.
How long does the licensing process usually take?
The Jordan Securities Commission estimates 6‑8 months for a full review, assuming the applicant submits all required documentation and passes the technical audit on the first attempt.
Will the new law affect existing peer‑to‑peer traders?
Unlicensed peer‑to‑peer activity is now illegal. Traders must either migrate to a licensed platform or obtain a VASP licence themselves. Enforcement actions have already begun against high‑volume informal operators.
Is Jordan planning a CBDC and how will it interact with private crypto licences?
Yes. The Central Bank has announced a pilot for a digital Jordanian dinar in Q3 2026. The CBDC will be overseen directly by the Central Bank, while private VASPs will continue to operate under the 2025 law and must support interoperability with the CBDC’s settlement layer.
Marina Campenni
October 11, 2025 AT 10:33Jordan’s new framework marks a notable shift from prohibition to structured oversight. The licensing regime, while rigorous, offers a clear pathway for legitimate businesses. It is encouraging to see AML standards being taken seriously, as they protect both investors and the broader financial system. I hope smaller fintech firms can navigate the requirements without undue burden.
Irish Mae Lariosa
October 14, 2025 AT 16:53The 2025 Virtual Assets Transactions Regulation Law represents a watershed moment for Jordan’s fintech ecosystem. By moving away from an outright ban, the government acknowledges the reality of digital assets in the modern economy. The licensing process, though detailed, provides a tangible roadmap for compliance. Requiring a three‑stage application signals a commitment to thorough vetting of service providers. The involvement of the Jordan Securities Commission centralizes oversight, which should reduce regulatory fragmentation. However, the stipulated fees and mandatory AML officer appointments impose a significant cost burden on startups. The minimum one‑year prison term for violations underscores a punitive stance that may deter innovation. Compared to the UAE’s multi‑jurisdictional approach, Jordan’s model is comparatively modest in fee structure but heavier in procedural demands. The requirement to maintain five years of transaction records aligns with global best practices but may strain smaller firms lacking robust data infrastructure. The Travel Rule reporting threshold of JD 10 000 is reasonable, yet enforcement actions already underway suggest a low tolerance for non‑compliance. The law’s exclusion of CBDCs from the VASP framework reflects a nuanced understanding of sovereign digital currencies. While the grey‑list FATF status adds pressure, the proactive regulatory response could accelerate delisting. Regional peers such as Kuwait maintain a prohibition stance, highlighting Jordan’s willingness to engage with the crypto market. The upcoming DeFi decree will further test the adaptability of the current regulatory architecture. Ultimately, the success of this regime will depend on the balance between stringent oversight and practical support for emerging businesses. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the implementation unfolds.
Nick O'Connor
October 14, 2025 AT 17:10Indeed, the law is thorough-perhaps overly so!!!, yet the clarity it brings cannot be dismissed,, especially when considering cross‑border compliance, AML obligations, and the need for a stable regulatory environment??
DeAnna Brown
October 17, 2025 AT 19:53Wow, folks, Jordan finally got its act together! This is the kind of bold move that puts the Kingdom on the same playing field as the UAE and shows we’re not afraid to embrace the future. As an American, I’m proud to see a Middle Eastern nation taking a stand for innovation while keeping the safety nets strong. Keep up the great work, and let’s hope the rest of the region follows suit!
Chris Morano
October 17, 2025 AT 20:10Jordan’s effort is a step forward and I think it will give local entrepreneurs a chance to grow with confidence.
Carolyn Pritchett
October 21, 2025 AT 01:40This law is a disaster that will crush any crypto ambition.
Cecilia Cecilia
October 21, 2025 AT 01:41While the strict requirements may seem daunting, the regulatory clarity could ultimately foster a more trustworthy market environment.