Jordan
Posted by ResidentDiver6387@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 22 comments
My husband and I have been married for 14 years. I'm US citizen by birth. He is a naturalized US citizen, and he was born in Jordan and thus also a Jordanian citizen. I am in the process of obtaining Jordanian citizenship through my marriage to him.
We are seriously considering a move to Jordan in the next 1-2 years. (It was my idea.). Any other Americans here that have moved to Jordan? I'd love to hear your experiences.
antizana@reddit
Seems like you’ve through through most potential issues. Jordan is a great country and it sounds like you have been there and like it. As the Middle East goes it has been generally considered more boring than places like Lebanon, sadly Lebanon these days is somewhat too exciting so maybe boring is good. Good luck and enjoy the knafeh
livsjollyranchers@reddit
Honestly, "boring" isn't a bad thing when describing a Middle Eastern country at this point.
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
Knafeh is my absolute favorite. There is a running family joke about it. They usually bring some to the airport when they come to get me. Haha! The presence of my husband's side of the family is a big draw to the country for me, too. I have close relationships with them.
Nofanta@reddit
Would never even consider Jordan, hard no. Incompatible values.
honestlydontcare4u@reddit
!remindme 1 year
Have you ever spent an extended period in Jordan?
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
I have spent two 6-week trips and countless 2-week trips over the years.
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mosaad40@reddit
I think it depends why you are actually looking to move ? Do you have remote work? If you're Muslims, then you look for better place to practice your religion and so on..
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
My husband is Muslim. I am Christian. We have passive income and won't need to work in Jordan. However, if my husband decides he wants to work, he currently works for Amazon and has a lot of experience running their distribution buildings. He could get a good job in Jordan if he decides to do that. We are looking to move because of the difference in culture. The US is an individualistic culture and Jordan is a collectivist culture. I really prefer the social culture in Jordan; I have family and friends in the US, yes, but I feel more connected and fulfilled socially when I am in Jordan.
Tardislass@reddit
Jordan is quite close to the Middle East and all the troubles. I don’t think I’d want to live that close. YVMV.
Also I would try living there for a few months or look up an Facebook group for American expats. Being on vacation somewhere and living long term are totally different.
look2thecookie@reddit
"close to?"
I'm not sure you know the geography or history of the region very well
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
Ah. I forgot to mention that I've been on 2 separate 6-week trips and multiple 2-week trips over the years. Hoping to make another 6+ week trip there in the coming year and plan to stay in our targeted neighborhood so we can get a better feel for it.
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
It is definitely the Middle East. I did join an expat FB group; good advice.
Late_Geologist_235@reddit
What happens to you if the marriage dissolves? If you have children, wha happens to them? I’d think about that before I left. And I mean legally, not promises.
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
Both of us believe in having things in writing.
Secretlysidhe@reddit
Make sure that anything you have in writing is something that will hold up in Jordan.
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
US assets will be handled by US documentation. Jordan assists will be handled by Jordanian documentation.
Secretlysidhe@reddit
I’m talking mostly about child custody if you have or will have children. That is the part that makes things extra messy for expats in these situations - you may not be able to leave Jordan with your kids. If you don’t have kids and don’t plan to have kids, ignore my comment obviously, but a lot of folks don’t realize this.
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
His kid is 22 years old. He was her step dad and adopted her as an adult at her request once her bio father no longer had a say in the matter. She’s a US citizen living in the US so I think she’s good. 👍🏻
Late_Geologist_235@reddit
I was unclear. You need to know Jordanian family law. What is in writing means nothing if it does not follow that country’s family law. Take actress Kelly Rutherford’s divorce and child custody battle as a warning. Americans seem to think our laws apply everywhere and they don’t.
ResidentDiver6387@reddit (OP)
I am familiar with Jordanian family law. I am also familiar with ways around it. All Jordanian property will be in my name only. All Jordanian bank accounts will be in my name only. He has agreed to this for my comfort and protection. All of our US assets are handled in a standard US-style with survivorship clauses and a US will.
Late_Geologist_235@reddit
Good luck to you on your next adventure.