How to receive international payments as a developer in Nigeria

Tunde Aladeloba

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Whether you’re building apps in Abuja or contributing to open-source projects from Enugu, getting paid by international clients should always be the easy part. However,  for many Nigerian developers, receiving foreign payments still comes with delays, high charges, and limited options.

Grey makes it simple for developers in Nigeria to receive payments from around the world through multi-currency accounts. And in this guide, you’ll learn how to use Grey to manage your earnings with ease.

Read also: How Fiverr freelancers in Nigeria can receive payments easily in 2025

Top platforms to find international developers gigs

  1. Upwork: A global freelance marketplace where Nigerian developers can find short- and long-term coding gigs. You can build a strong profile, bid on projects, and receive payment in USD.
  2. Toptal: This platform connects top-performing developers with high-paying clients. While it has a rigorous screening process, the reward is access to premium jobs from global companies.
  3. Fiverr: Ideal for developers offering specific services like bug fixes, website setup, or API integrations. You create “gigs” and international clients hire you directly at your rate.
  4. Remote OK: A job board that lists remote, full-time developer roles with companies around the world. Great for Nigerians looking for stable, contract-based or salaried work remotely.

Read also: The best freelance marketplaces for beginners

Common challenges of receiving international payments in Nigeria

  1. Limited access: Popular platforms like PayPal restrict Nigerian users from receiving money, limiting your options for global work.
  2. High transfer fees: Some services take up to 10% in fees when receiving or withdrawing funds, significantly reducing your earnings.
  3. Unfavourable exchange rates: Many platforms convert foreign currency at the official Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rates, which are often lower than the market rate, resulting in less value.
  4. Banking delays: CBN policies and strict KYC requirements can delay transfers or block payments, especially if not properly documented.

How to receive international payments as a Nigerian developer

  1. Wise: Wise gives you access to real exchange rates with minimal fees. Clients can pay you in their currency, and Wise converts and transfers to your Nigerian account efficiently.
  2. Deel: If you’re employed or contracted by foreign companies, Deel handles international payroll. It allows you to receive payments in USD, with the option to withdraw to local banks or crypto.
  3. Grey: Grey provides  foreign accounts that let you receive USD, GBP, or EUR. Once paid, you can convert and withdraw your funds directly to your Naira account at competitive rates.

Why Grey is a smart choice for receiving payments in Nigeria

Instant multi-currency accounts

Grey gives you a personal US, UK, or EU account you can share with clients. It works like a regular bank account for receiving payments.

Great exchange rates

Grey converts your money using near-market rates, and you avoid the poor official exchange rate or excessive banking charges.

Fast withdrawals

You can move your money from your Grey wallet to any Nigerian bank account, often in minutes, making it easy to access your funds.

Secure interface

The platform is user-friendly, mobile-optimised, and provides full visibility into every transaction. Plus, customer support is quick to resolve issues.

Getting paid as a Nigerian developer shouldn’t feel like a second job. With Grey, you can skip the stress, enjoy better rates, and access your money faster. Open a Grey account today and take control of how you receive your payments.

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