The Complete Guide to Freelancing in Lebanon

Since 2019, Lebanon has experienced one of the worst economic crises in modern history. The Lebanese pound lost over 90% of its value, banks imposed informal capital controls, and traditional employment became increasingly unstable. In this environment, freelancing emerged as a lifeline for skilled professionals.

Today, the freelance economy in Lebanon is estimated to involve thousands of active professionals across tech, design, marketing, writing, and other fields. Many earn in fresh USD through international clients or local platforms that support dollar contracts — providing economic stability that traditional jobs cannot.

The shift to remote work during COVID-19 accelerated this trend. Lebanese professionals discovered they could serve international clients from home, bypassing the local banking system entirely. Platforms like Furrsati now make it possible to work, get paid, and withdraw in USD through local channels.

The biggest challenge for Lebanese freelancers is getting paid. Traditional bank transfers are unreliable due to capital controls. PayPal has limited functionality in Lebanon. International wire transfers are expensive and slow. These payment barriers force many freelancers to accept cash or informal arrangements.

Internet reliability is another concern. Despite improvements, power cuts and ISP inconsistencies can disrupt work. Many freelancers invest in backup power and multiple internet connections. Coworking spaces in Beirut and other cities offer reliable alternatives.

Trust is perhaps the most underestimated challenge. Without a local platform, freelancers and clients must rely on personal connections or global platforms that don't understand Lebanese market dynamics. Scams, ghosting, and payment disputes are common in informal arrangements.

Lebanon's multilingual talent pool is a significant competitive advantage. Most Lebanese professionals speak Arabic, English, and French — making them ideal for clients across the Middle East, Europe, and North America. This trilingual capability commands premium rates.

The Lebanese diaspora represents a massive untapped market. Over 14 million people of Lebanese descent live abroad, many of whom want to hire local talent for projects. Platforms that connect diaspora clients with local freelancers address a real market need.

Cost competitiveness is another advantage. While Lebanese freelancers offer world-class quality, rates are significantly lower than Western markets. A senior web developer in Lebanon may charge $15-40/hr compared to $100-200/hr in the US — making Lebanese talent extremely attractive for international clients.

Tech & Development leads demand, with web development, mobile apps, and software engineering commanding the highest rates ($5-80/hr). Full-stack developers, React/Node specialists, and mobile app developers are particularly sought after.

Creative & Design follows closely, with graphic design, UI/UX, video editing, and motion graphics in high demand ($5-60/hr). Lebanon's strong creative tradition means exceptional design talent is available at competitive rates.

Digital Marketing, Writing, and Translation round out the top categories. Social media management, SEO, content writing, and Arabic-English-French translation are consistently in demand. Virtual assistance and admin support are growing categories as remote businesses need reliable support staff.

The traditional banking system is largely broken for freelancers. Furrsati solves this with multiple withdrawal options: OMT cash pickup (available nationwide), Whish Money (digital wallet), bank transfer (USD or LBP), and USDT cryptocurrency. Each method has different processing times and fees.

For freelancers earning through escrow-protected platforms, the process is straightforward: complete work, get client approval, and withdraw to your preferred method. On Furrsati, freelancers keep 90% of earnings (10% platform fee) — the lowest rate among major platforms.

Opening a fresh USD bank account is recommended for freelancers earning regularly. Several Lebanese banks now offer fresh dollar accounts that aren't subject to the old capital controls. Combined with OMT for immediate cash needs, this creates a reliable payment infrastructure.

Start by identifying your marketable skills. If you're in tech, design, marketing, writing, translation, or admin support, there's demand for your services. Build a portfolio showcasing your best work — even personal projects count when you're starting out.

Create profiles on platforms that serve your target market. For local Lebanese clients, use Furrsati. For international clients, consider Upwork or Fiverr as supplements. Many successful Lebanese freelancers use multiple platforms simultaneously.

Set competitive rates based on your experience. Use Furrsati's suggested rate ranges as a starting point. Don't underprice yourself — Lebanese talent is world-class and should be valued accordingly. Start with a few smaller projects to build reviews, then gradually increase your rates.

Freelancing in Lebanon exists in a legal gray area. There is no specific freelance or self-employment legislation. Most freelancers operate as individuals, though some register companies (SARL or SAL) for larger contracts. Consult a local accountant for advice specific to your situation.

Tax obligations depend on your income level and structure. Income tax in Lebanon ranges from 2% to 25% on a progressive scale. Freelancers earning through foreign platforms may have additional considerations. Keep records of all income and expenses.

For contracts and agreements, always use written contracts — even for local clients. Furrsati provides built-in contract creation with milestone-based payment terms, eliminating the need for external legal documents in most cases.

The Lebanese freelance economy is only growing. As traditional employment remains unstable, more professionals are choosing the flexibility and earning potential of freelancing. The growth of local platforms like Furrsati is creating a more organized and trustworthy ecosystem.

Several trends point to continued growth: increasing internet infrastructure, growing acceptance of remote work by employers, expansion of digital payment solutions, and the Lebanese diaspora's interest in hiring local talent. These factors create a positive cycle for the freelance economy.

Lebanon has the potential to become a regional freelancing hub — combining multilingual talent, competitive rates, strong creative and technical skills, and a resilient entrepreneurial culture. Platforms like Furrsati are building the infrastructure to make this vision a reality.