PayPal is a globally recognized online payment system that allows users to send and receive money, pay bills, and shop online securely. Unfortunately, PayPal has not officially launched in Pakistan, making it difficult for freelancers, YouTubers, bloggers, and online earners to receive payments directly.
However, there are legal workarounds to create and use a PayPal account in Pakistan by linking it to supported countries. This 2025 updated guide provides a step-by-step method to open a PayPal account in Pakistan, along with requirements, limitations, and alternatives.
Current Status of PayPal in Pakistan (2025)
As of 2025, PayPal is still not officially available in Pakistan for personal or business transactions. However, many Pakistanis use indirect methods to create and operate PayPal accounts by linking them to:
- Foreign bank accounts (US, UK, UAE)
- Virtual bank accounts (Wise, Payoneer)
- Friends or relatives abroad (for address & verification)
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been in talks with PayPal, but no official launch has been announced yet.
Requirements to Open a PayPal Account in Pakistan
Since PayPal does not support Pakistan directly, you need the following to create an account:
1. A Supported Country’s PayPal Account
You must register using a country where PayPal operates, such as:
✔ United States (Best option)
✔ United Kingdom
✔ United Arab Emirates (UAE)
2. A Foreign Bank Account or Virtual Account
You need:
✔ Wise (Formerly TransferWise) Account – Provides US/UK bank details
✔ Payoneer Account – Offers a US bank account for freelancers
✔ A friend’s foreign bank account (if they allow linking)
3. A Valid Foreign Address & Phone Number
✔ Virtual mailing address (US/UK-based)
✔ Foreign SIM card (for verification)
4. VPN (Recommended for Registration)
✔ Use a US/UK IP address during signup
5. Identity Verification Documents
✔ Passport (Preferred)
✔ Driver’s license (foreign)
✔ National ID (if using UAE account)
Step-by-Step Method to Create a PayPal Account in Pakistan
Method 1: Using Wise (TransferWise) or Payoneer
This is the easiest and safest way to use PayPal in Pakistan.
Step 1: Create a Wise or Payoneer Account
- Sign up on Wise.com or Payoneer.com
- Complete KYC verification (Passport required)
- Get a US/UK virtual bank account
Step 2: Sign Up for PayPal
- Use a VPN (US/UK server)
- Go to PayPal’s official website
- Select Personal Account (for freelancers) or Business Account (for companies)
Step 3: Enter Foreign Details
- Use a US/UK address (can be from Wise/Payoneer)
- Provide a foreign phone number (use a virtual number like Google Voice)
- Link your Wise/Payoneer USD bank account
Step 4: Verify Your PayPal Account
- PayPal will send 2 small deposits (less than $1) to your Wise/Payoneer account
- Check the exact amounts in 2-3 days and confirm in PayPal
Step 5: Start Using PayPal
✔ Receive payments from clients worldwide
✔ Withdraw funds to Wise/Payoneer → Local bank
Method 2: Using a Friend’s Foreign Account
If you have a trusted friend or relative in the US/UK/UAE:
- Ask them to create a PayPal account for you
- Use their bank account & address
- Link your Pakistani email & phone (for security)
⚠ Risk: Your friend has full control over the account.
How to Verify and Secure Your PayPal Account
To avoid suspension or limitations, follow these steps:
1. Complete Identity Verification
- Upload a passport or foreign ID
- Add 2-step verification (SMS/Google Authenticator)
2. Maintain a Good Transaction History
- Avoid sudden large transactions
- Keep consistent payment activity
3. Use a Reliable VPN for Login
- Always log in from a US/UK IP
4. Never Share Account Access
- Use strong passwords
- Enable security alerts
Limitations of Using PayPal in Pakistan
| Limitation | Details |
|---|---|
| No Direct Support | PayPal does not operate in Pakistan |
| Withdrawal Issues | Must use Wise/Payoneer for transfers |
| Account Suspension Risk | If PayPal detects a fake address |
| Currency Conversion Fees | High charges for PKR conversions |
| Limited Customer Support | Difficult to resolve disputes |
Best PayPal Alternatives in Pakistan
Since PayPal is not officially available, consider:
1. Payoneer
✔ US bank account for freelancers
✔ Direct withdrawals to Pakistani banks
2. Wise (TransferWise)
✔ Multi-currency account
✔ Low-fee transfers
3. Skrill
✔ Accepts Pakistani users
✔ Supports local bank withdrawals
4. JazzCash / EasyPaisa
✔ Local payment solutions
✔ Freelancer-friendly
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I open a PayPal account in Pakistan without a foreign bank?
No, you need a US/UK/UAE bank account or Wise/Payoneer.
Q2. Is it legal to use PayPal in Pakistan?
Yes, but not officially supported. Use at your own risk.
Q3. What’s the best way to withdraw PayPal funds in Pakistan?
Through Wise or Payoneer → Local bank.
Q4. Will PayPal launch in Pakistan soon?
No official announcement yet (as of 2025).
Q5. Can I receive money from Fiverr/Upwork via PayPal?
Yes, but Fiverr/Upwork also support Payoneer & direct transfers.
Final Verdict: Should You Use PayPal in Pakistan?
✅ Pros:
- Global acceptance
- Secure transactions
- Good for freelancers
❌ Cons:
- No direct support in Pakistan
- Risk of account suspension
- Complex withdrawal process
Recommendation:
Use Payoneer or Wise for easier transactions. If you must use PayPal, follow the step-by-step guide above carefully.
Conclusion
While PayPal is not officially available in Pakistan, freelancers and online earners can still legally access it through Wise, Payoneer, or foreign contacts. This 2025 guide provides the latest working methods to create, verify, and use PayPal securely
