How to Get Paid as a Freelancer in Lebanon: Complete Payment Guide 2025

Getting paid as a freelancer in Lebanon has become one of the most critical—and complex—aspects of running a successful independent business. The banking crisis, currency restrictions, and evolving regulations have created a maze of payment options, each with its own advantages and limitations.

But here's the good news: Lebanese freelancers are more resourceful than ever, and there are multiple reliable ways to receive your hard-earned money. This guide breaks down every payment method available, helping you choose the right mix for your freelance business.

The Lebanese Payment Landscape in 2025

Before diving into specific methods, let's understand the current environment:

• Banking restrictions continue to affect traditional transfers
• Fresh USD accounts are now the standard for international payments
• Digital payment platforms have become essential
• Cryptocurrency has gained mainstream acceptance
• Escrow services provide security for larger projects

The key is diversifying your payment options so you're never stuck waiting for money.

Fresh USD Bank Accounts

What Are Fresh USD Accounts?

Fresh USD accounts (also called "fresh money" or "external" accounts) hold dollars that entered Lebanon after the banking crisis began. Unlike "old" dollars trapped in the banking system, fresh dollars can be freely withdrawn and transferred.

How to Open a Fresh USD Account

Most Lebanese banks now offer fresh dollar accounts:

1. Visit your bank with valid ID and proof of income
2. Specify you want a fresh USD account for freelance income
3. Get international transfer details (SWIFT/BIC codes)
4. Request a USD debit card for easy access

Best Banks for Freelancers

Consider these factors when choosing:

• Transfer fees: Some banks charge less for incoming wires
• Withdrawal limits: Check daily ATM limits
• Online banking: Essential for tracking payments
• Debit card fees: Compare foreign transaction charges

Popular choices include Bank Audi, BLOM Bank, and Byblos Bank, but compare current terms as they change frequently.

Receiving International Wire Transfers

To receive payments via wire transfer:

1. Provide clients with your:

   • Account holder name (exactly as on account)
   • IBAN number
   • Bank name and address
   • SWIFT/BIC code

2. Expect fees:

   • Sender may pay $25-50 for outgoing wire
   • Your bank may charge $10-25 for incoming
   • Intermediary banks may take $15-30

3. Timeline: 2-5 business days typically

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Direct access to physical cash
• No platform fees
• Works for large amounts
• Builds banking relationship

Cons:

• High wire transfer fees (eat into small payments)
• Requires client trust with bank details
• Slower than digital alternatives
• Some international banks avoid Lebanese transfers

Wise (TransferWise)

Wise has become the go-to option for many Lebanese freelancers receiving international payments.

How Wise Works for Lebanese Freelancers

While Wise doesn't offer full accounts for Lebanese residents, you can:

1. Receive payments to Wise from clients who have Wise accounts
2. Use Wise for transfers to your Lebanese bank (limited)
3. Get paid via client's Wise using their local bank details

The Workaround: Wise Business Through Agents

Some freelancers use:

• Third-party agents who receive Wise payments and convert to cash
• Friends/family abroad who can receive and forward funds
• Wise accounts registered in other countries (if you have residency)

Wise Fees

• Sending to Lebanon: ~1-2% of transfer amount
• Much cheaper than traditional wire transfers
• Transparent, real exchange rates

Best Use Cases

Wise works best when:

• Clients are in US, UK, EU, or other Wise-supported countries
• Payment amounts are $500-5,000
• You have a reliable way to access the funds

PayPal in Lebanon

PayPal's relationship with Lebanon is complicated, but it's still usable with the right approach.

Current PayPal Status

• Receiving payments: Works for most Lebanese accounts
• Withdrawing to Lebanese banks: Suspended
• Withdrawing to cards: Limited functionality

How Lebanese Freelancers Use PayPal

1. Receive client payments to your PayPal account
2. Use PayPal balance for online purchases
3. Transfer to Payoneer (if linked)
4. Use Airtm or similar services to convert
5. Find local exchangers who buy PayPal balance

PayPal Fees

• Receiving payments: 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction
• Currency conversion: 3-4% above mid-market rate
• Additional fees when converting or withdrawing

Tips for PayPal Users

• Keep your account verified and active
• Don't let large balances sit (dispute risks)
• Have a backup plan for accessing funds
• Consider PayPal Business for invoicing features

Payoneer

Payoneer is one of the most reliable options for Lebanese freelancers, especially those working with international platforms.

Why Payoneer Works in Lebanon

• Debit card shipped to Lebanon (Mastercard)
• Local ATM withdrawals in USD
• Direct bank transfers from clients
• Marketplace integrations (Upwork, Fiverr, etc.)

Setting Up Payoneer

1. Sign up at payoneer.com with Lebanese address
2. Verify identity with passport or ID
3. Wait for card delivery (2-4 weeks)
4. Activate and start receiving

Payoneer Receiving Options

• Global Payment Service: Get virtual bank accounts in USD, EUR, GBP
• Direct payments: Clients pay via Payoneer
• Marketplace payouts: Connect freelance platforms

Payoneer Fees

• Receiving from clients: Up to 3%
• Currency conversion: 0.5% above mid-market
• ATM withdrawal: $3.15 per transaction
• Annual card fee: $29.95

Accessing Your Money

With a Payoneer card in Lebanon:

• Withdraw USD from ATMs
• Pay directly at stores
• Online shopping
• Transfer to bank account (where available)

Cryptocurrency Payments

Crypto has become a mainstream payment option for Lebanese freelancers, offering speed and accessibility.

Popular Cryptocurrencies for Freelancing

• USDT (Tether): Stable, pegged to USD, most popular
• USDC: Another stable option
• Bitcoin: For larger, less frequent payments
• Ethereum: Common for tech clients

How to Receive Crypto Payments

1. Set up a wallet:

   • Binance (exchange + wallet)
   • Trust Wallet (mobile)
   • MetaMask (for Ethereum/USDT)
   • Hardware wallet for large amounts

2. Choose your network:

   • TRC-20 (Tron): Low fees, fast
   • ERC-20 (Ethereum): Higher fees
   • BEP-20 (BSC): Moderate fees

3. Share your wallet address with clients

4. Verify receipt and convert if needed

Converting Crypto to Cash in Lebanon

Several options exist:

• Local exchangers: Cash pickup in Beirut and major cities
• Peer-to-peer platforms: Binance P2P, LocalBitcoins
• Crypto ATMs: Limited availability
• Direct spending: Some merchants accept crypto

Crypto Payment Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fast (minutes vs. days)
• Lower fees than banks
• No banking restrictions
• Privacy
• 24/7 availability

Cons:

• Volatility (unless using stablecoins)
• Learning curve
• Scam risks if careless
• Client adoption still growing

Security Tips

• Never share private keys
• Use two-factor authentication
• Verify wallet addresses carefully
• Start with small amounts
• Keep backup of recovery phrases

OMT and Cash Transfer Services

For clients within Lebanon or the region, OMT and similar services remain practical.

How OMT Works

1. Client deposits cash at any OMT location
2. You receive a code
3. Pick up cash at your nearest OMT
4. Instant availability

OMT Fees

• Sender pays based on amount
• Usually 1-3% of transfer
• Receiver pays nothing

When to Use OMT

Best for:

• Local Lebanese clients
• Urgent payments
• Clients without bank access
• Small to medium amounts

Alternative Cash Services

• Western Union: Good for international
• MoneyGram: Similar to Western Union
• BOB Finance: Local option
• Cash United: Growing network

Escrow Services: The Secure Option

For larger projects or new client relationships, escrow provides crucial protection.

What Is Escrow?

An escrow service holds payment from the client until work is completed, then releases funds to the freelancer. Neither party can unilaterally access the money.

How Furrsati's Escrow Works

1. Client funds the project milestone
2. Money is held securely in escrow
3. Freelancer completes the work
4. Client approves delivery
5. Funds released to freelancer
6. Platform handles payment (Payoneer, crypto, bank)

Benefits of Escrow

• Payment guarantee: Know the money exists before starting
• Dispute resolution: Third party mediates if issues arise
• Trust building: Work with new clients confidently
• Professional: Demonstrates your legitimacy

When to Insist on Escrow

• First project with a new client
• Large project values ($500+)
• Complex deliverables
• Clients you can't verify

Creating Your Payment Stack

No single payment method is perfect. Smart freelancers combine multiple options:

Recommended Setup

1. Fresh USD bank account: For large payments and cash access
2. Payoneer: For platform payouts and card convenience
3. USDT wallet: For tech clients and quick payments
4. PayPal: For clients who only use PayPal
5. Escrow platform: For new client protection

Payment Method by Client Type

Client Type	Primary Method	Backup
US/EU Companies	Wire or Wise	Payoneer
Gulf Clients	Wire transfer	Crypto
Tech Startups	Crypto (USDT)	Wire
Local Lebanese	OMT/Cash	Bank transfer
Platform Work	Payoneer	Bank transfer

Invoicing for International Payments

Professional invoicing improves payment success:

Invoice Essentials

• Your business name and contact
• Client details
• Clear description of services
• Amount in agreed currency
• Payment deadline
• Multiple payment options listed
• Bank/wallet details

Invoice Tools

• Wave: Free, professional invoices
• Zoho Invoice: Feature-rich, affordable
• PayPal Invoicing: If client uses PayPal
• Notion/Google Docs: Simple templates

Payment Terms

Standard terms for Lebanese freelancers:

• 50% upfront, 50% on delivery (projects)
• Net 15 or Net 30 (ongoing clients)
• Immediate payment for small tasks
• Milestone payments for large projects

Tax Considerations

While Lebanon's tax enforcement on freelancers is limited, it's wise to understand the basics:

Current Situation

• Freelance income is technically taxable
• Enforcement is minimal for small earners
• Keep records in case regulations change
• Consult an accountant for significant income

Record Keeping

Maintain records of:

• All invoices sent
• Payments received (screenshots, confirmations)
• Expenses related to work
• Currency conversion rates

Common Payment Problems and Solutions

Client Won't Pay

1. Send payment reminder
2. Pause ongoing work
3. Escalate with formal notice
4. Consider escrow for future protection
5. Report on freelance platforms if applicable

Payment Stuck in Transit

1. Check with your bank
2. Ask client for transfer confirmation
3. Trace via SWIFT code
4. Contact intermediary banks
5. Be patient (can take 5-7 business days)

Platform Holding Funds

1. Verify account status
2. Complete any required verification
3. Contact platform support
4. Check for policy violations
5. Document everything

Currency Conversion Losses

Minimize losses by:

• Requesting payment in USD
• Using services with better rates (Wise over banks)
• Converting at optimal times
• Accepting crypto stablecoins

Looking Ahead: Future of Payments for Lebanese Freelancers

The payment landscape continues evolving:

• More crypto adoption as clients become comfortable
• New fintech solutions targeting MENA market
• Improved banking as reforms progress
• Regional payment networks connecting Arab markets

Stay adaptable and keep exploring new options as they emerge.

Conclusion

Getting paid as a freelancer in Lebanon requires flexibility and planning. By building a diverse payment stack, you'll never be stuck waiting for money or limited by a single method's restrictions.

Start with the essentials—a fresh USD account and Payoneer—then add crypto and other options as your business grows. Most importantly, always protect yourself with clear contracts and escrow for new relationships.

Ready to get paid securely? Join Furrsati and access our built-in escrow system that ensures you always receive payment for completed work.