How Egyptians can get paid by companies in the Gulf, Europe and the US

Companies in the Gulf, Europe, and the US often view Egypt as a promising labour market due to its talented, youthful population, multilingual capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. While securing the job is one challenge, getting paid smoothly, legally, and without incurring fees or delays is often the bigger hurdle. In this article, we explore how Egyptians can get paid by companies in the Gulf, Europe, and the US, using emerging payment solutions that minimise cost.

Also read: What Egypt’s currency controls mean for international payments

Methods for receiving payments from the Gulf, Europe, and the US

There are several reliable options for Egyptians receiving payments from companies in the Gulf, Europe, and the US. Before choosing an option, consider your needs and the platform's fees.

1. Fintech platforms

These are the most efficient for freelancers, offering virtual foreign accounts to receive and hold funds without immediate conversion.

• Grey: This platform is highly recommended, as it provides Egyptian freelancers with free virtual bank accounts in major currencies, including USD, EUR, and GBP. US clients can pay into your USD account via ACH, while European clients can pay into your EUR account via SEPA. This is faster and often cheaper than a traditional wire transfer. To get started:
  • Sign up on Grey’s website or download the app.
  • Verify your identity with a valid ID, proof of address, and upload a selfie.
  • Once verified, request account details in USD, EUR, and GBP.
  • Share the details with your employer.
• Payoneer: This is another popular choice, particularly for those working on freelance marketplaces like Upwork and Fiverr. It allows you to receive international payments and withdraw funds to a local Egyptian bank account, which is usually more expensive than most other digital payment options. To use Payoneer:
  • Sign up on payoneer.com
  • Verify your identity
  • Request for your international accounts
  • Link to the employer or platform
  • Withdraw to an Egyptian bank (e.g., CIB, NBE) or to a prepaid card.
• Wise: Wise is known for its transparent, mid-market exchange rates and low transfer fees. It supports EGP and other currencies, making it a viable option for receiving and managing foreign income, though withdrawal times can sometimes be a factor.

2. Freelance platforms' built-in payments

If you use freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, you receive payments through the platform to your linked account (e.g., Grey, Payoneer, Wise, or a direct bank account). Just set up a payout method in your profile and go there whenever you are eligible to withdraw.

Also read: How to start freelancing in Egypt (step by step)

3. Bank transfers

Traditional bank transfers are also an option to receive salaries from Gulf/Europe/US companies. They are usually more expensive and might take some time.

• SWIFT (global): If your company pays in USD, they can pay directly into your Egyptian bank (e.g., NBE, CIB). You may need to provide your IBAN/SWIFT code. Your earnings are converted to EGP automatically. This forced conversion may mean you're not getting the best rate.
• SEPA (Europe): This is a fast, cost-effective option for EUR. You can use it on a fintech platform that supports EUR.
• Buna (Gulf/Arab region): The Buna payment system is a centralised, multi-currency cross-border payment system owned by the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF). It enables financial institutions and central banks in the Arab region and beyond to securely, cost-effectively, and transparently send and receive payments in local and international currencies. This network supports the UAE Dirham (AED), Saudi Riyal (SAR), Egyptian Pound (EGP), Jordanian Dinar (JOD), US Dollar (USD), and Euro (EUR). If you work for an Arab company, then you can receive your earnings through the Buna network.

4. PayPal

PayPal is widely used and available in Egypt for sending and receiving money. While convenient, withdrawing funds to Egyptian banks can incur higher fees and less favourable exchange rates than other services. Egyptian users might also face restrictions when using PayPal.

See also: Side hustle in Egypt? Here’s how to receive international payments

Getting paid with Grey

Egyptians can efficiently receive payments using fintechs or traditional banks. However, with Grey, Egyptian remote workers and freelancers can access USD, EUR, and GBP accounts on one platform. Grey offers a transparent fee structure, low fees, swift payment processing, and competitive exchange rates. This bridges the payment gap between you and companies in the Gulf, Europe, and the US.

Sign up on Grey or download the app to get started today.

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