This article will discuss the two best ways for freelancing payment in Pakistan, which solve all online payment issues and make transfers easy.
There are many payment solutions in Pakistan, but none is fully functional for online businesses.
Despite such obstacles, the Pakistani freelance community ranks fourth globally in market share and is growing by 40% every year.
Challenges Facing Freelancers in Pakistan
Due to covid-19, the freelancing trend is on the rise. Now, this is a huge job market. Some freelancers work to hone their skills, while most freelancers work to earn a living through it.
The majority of freelancers could not make their payments on time. The freelancing site has issues with payment handling delays and transfer speeds, and limited options.
Here are some of the major challenges faced by Pakistani freelancers and online businesses:
- Difficulty in sending and receiving money around the world
- Pakistani freelancers are offered limited payment globally
- Time taken by the banks to verify the payment sources.
- Paypal does not exist
- Strict government rules
Pakistani laws compel individuals and businesses to not bring any money into Pakistan.
If one succeeds in sending his money to Pakistan, then he faces another problem of not sending his money worldwide. This is the economic trap of using your property for yourself.
Freelance Payments through JazzCash via Payoneer
JazzCash is one of the best and easiest way to get paid through the freelancing marketplace.
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Freelance Payments through JazzCash via Payoneer
JazzCash and Payoneer have teamed up to facilitate access to funds by enabling freelancers in Pakistan to create or link their Payoneer accounts directly from the JazzCash application.
Freelancers can now register their new Payoneer account through the JazzCash mobile account application or link their existing Payoneer account to JazzCash.
There is no need to visit bank branches and provide extensive documents to open an account.
Funds from Payoneer can be received instantly in the freelancer’s mobile account. Once received, the funds can be used to pay utility bills, transfer funds, purchase mobile top-ups and make online payments, etc.
Additionally, withdrawals can be made easily by visiting any of the 121,000 JazzCash agents or visiting the nearest ATM by Using JazzCash Credit & Debit Card.
Easy guide to an open bank account for freelancers
A few years ago opening a bank account was a child’s task. It is still easy and convenient but due to many different unethical and unauthorized activities in Pakistan, it requires some banking process (mandated by the State Bank of Pakistan) to open a bank account.
Basic Types of Banking Accounts
- Current Account
- Savings Account
In a current account, you deposit your money and there is no reward or interest on the deposited amount whereas in a savings account you get some percentage from the bank which varies from bank to bank. Both accounts are a basic requirement.
- Source of Income: How do you earn the money that you want to deposit in the bank?
- Along with valid copies of the Computerized National Identity Card
- Correct your home/office mailing address to receive letters from the bank.
How can freelancers open a bank account in Pakistan?
Collect all documents and visit the nearest branch of any bank of your choice, there are many options and each bank offers different services and some different requirements as well as benefits of opening an account with your bank like a free cheque book, and free ATM Card.
Issue of bank accounts for freelancers
As a freelancer, you can’t provide a valid source of income because you’re neither employed nor running a business. You are only providing services online.
The fact that “Pakistan is one of the largest freelancer providers worldwide. Pakistan is ranked 4th out of 10.”
Create a valid and authentic source of income
The first and most sincere advice is to register yourself as a service provider with FBR and visit your RTO for that purpose.
You can get a payslip or a letter of employment from a friend or family member who runs a small or large-scale business. Just provide it to the bank and your problem is solved.
This is the easiest way. You may represent yourself as a business entity; Providing services and generating revenue. (Don’t use it in fake manners as authorities may track and disable your account in future).
For this task, you will need to create a company letterhead with your business name and your address (both office and home are accepted).
You can easily google this question and get hundreds of formats and get a designer to do it for you.
The bank may ask you for a visiting card, yes, but it’s not a big deal to answer.
You can also open your bank account as a student. For this, you need to be a student of a college or university and you need to provide your student ID card along with CNIC. This account will be valid only for the duration of your studies.
Once your documents are complete, you can visit any bank and provide them with your details and request them to open an account.
You will provide an account opening form (usually staff will fill it out for you). Fill it out and submit it to the bank with an initial deposit, maybe Rs 1000 or more.
Taxes on Freelancers in Pakistan
Pakistani freelancing industry grows by 40% annually. Due to the growing gig economy sector, all the past governments have taken the initiative of not imposing on Pakistan’s IT exports.
But recently the Pakistani government announced to tax freelancers. He has explained that all freelancers who earn $400 a year will have to pay taxes, but will no longer be paid to the government.
The government has a free tax on IT exports till 2025, however all those who come under the tax limit will have to submit their income file to FBR.
You have to show that the income is generated through IT then the tax amount will be refunded or not applicable.
