How to Start on Upwork: Complete Guide for Pakistanis (2026)

Last Updated: January 14, 2026

TL;DR (Quick Summary)

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to start on upwork: complete guide for pakistanis (2026). Includes practical steps and tips for Pakistani freelancers.

Introduction

Quick Platform Comparison for Pakistan

Platform	Best For	Commission	Payment Methods	Min. Payout
Fiverr	Beginners	20%	Payoneer, Bank	$10
Upwork	Professionals	10-20%	Payoneer, Wire	$100
Freelancer	Variety	10%	Payoneer	$30
PeoplePerHour	UK Clients	20%	Payoneer	$50

I still remember the day I landed my first gig on Upwork. It was 2016, and I was sitting in my small room in Lahore, excited yet nervous. I had just secured a $500 project that would ultimately change my life. Fast forward to today, I have earned over $100,000 from freelancing, primarily through platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. If you’re a Pakistani Freelancer looking to kickstart your journey on Upwork, you're in the right place! I’m here to share my insights on how to navigate this platform, withdraw your hard-earned money, and ultimately thrive in the freelance market.

Getting Started on Upwork

Starting on Upwork can feel overwhelming, especially with the numerous freelancers competing for the same gigs. However, with the right approach, you can carve out your niche and earn a sustainable income. Here’s how you can get started:

Create Your Profile

Your Upwork profile is your storefront. It must stand out to attract clients. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Professional Profile Picture: Use a high-quality, professional photo. Your face should be clearly visible. A smiling photo tends to work well.
Compelling Title and Overview: Use keywords that describe your skills. For example, “Graphic Designer Specializing in Logo Design.” In your overview, tell your story and what makes you unique.
Showcase Your Skills: Add relevant skills that match your service offerings. This could include tools like Adobe Photoshop, WordPress, or Python coding.

When I first created my profile, I spent a good amount of time perfecting my overview. It was worth it; I received my first job within a week!

Finding Your First Job

Once your profile is set up, it’s time to start applying for jobs. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Search for Relevant Jobs: Use filters to find jobs that match your skills. Apply for jobs that have received fewer proposals.
Write Tailored Proposals: Address the client by name, show that you understand their needs, and explain how you can help.
Start with Lower Rates: When you’re just starting, consider setting a lower rate to attract clients. For example, if graphic designers typically charge $25/hour, you might start at $15/hour to build your portfolio.

In my early days, I applied to many jobs with tailored proposals. I learned that personalizing each application increased my chances of landing the job.

Understanding Upwork Payment Methods in Pakistan

One of the most crucial aspects of freelancing on Upwork is understanding how to get paid. Since PayPal does not operate in Pakistan, we rely on alternatives like Payoneer.

Setting Up Payoneer

Payoneer is a lifesaver for Pakistani freelancers. It allows you to withdraw your funds from Upwork directly to your local bank account. Here’s how to set it up: 1. **Sign Up for Payoneer:** Go to the Payoneer website and create an account. The process is straightforward, and you’ll need to provide some personal information. 2. **Link Your Upwork Account:** Log into your Upwork account, go to "Settings," click on "Payment Methods," and select "Add a Payment Method." Choose Payoneer. 3. **Withdraw to Your Local Bank:** Once you've set up Payoneer, you can withdraw your funds directly to your bank account (HBL, MCB, UBL, etc.). When I first received my payment through Payoneer, I was thrilled. I remember withdrawing $500 and receiving it in my HBL account within two business days! Payoneer also offers a $25 bonus for new users, which is an added incentive.

Withdrawing from Upwork

Now that you’ve earned your money, it’s essential to know how to withdraw it. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 1. **Go to Your Upwork Account:** Click on “Settings” and then “Get Paid.” 2. **Select “Withdraw Funds”:** Choose your linked Payoneer account as the withdrawal method. 3. **Enter the Amount:** Specify the amount you wish to withdraw. Upwork charges a small processing fee (around 3%). 4. **Confirm the Transaction:** Review the details and hit “Confirm.” It usually takes 2-5 business days for the money to reflect in your bank account, depending on your bank’s processing times.

How to Earn Money on Upwork

Now that you know how to get started and withdraw your funds, let’s discuss how to earn money effectively on Upwork.

Build Your Reputation

Your reputation on Upwork is paramount. Here’s how to build it:

Deliver Quality Work: Always aim to exceed client expectations. Happy clients lead to repeat business and referrals.
Communicate Effectively: Keep your clients updated on project progress. Good communication fosters trust.
Request Reviews: After completing a project, politely ask your clients to leave a review for you. Positive reviews boost your profile visibility.

In my experience, I made it a point to over-deliver on my first few projects. This not only earned me great reviews but also led to clients returning for more work.

Expand Your Skill Set

Freelancing is competitive, and continuously enhancing your skills can set you apart. Consider the following: - Enroll in online courses (Udemy, Coursera) to learn new skills relevant to your field. - Stay updated with industry trends and tools. - Join online communities (Facebook groups, LinkedIn) to network with other professionals. For instance, I took a course on SEO optimization, which allowed me to offer additional services to my existing clients, resulting in a 30% income increase.

My Experience: What I Learned

Reflecting on my journey, I’ve learned several valuable lessons: 1. **Patience is Key:** Success doesn’t come overnight. I faced numerous rejections in the beginning, but I didn’t let that discourage me. 2. **Networking Matters:** Building relationships with clients can lead to long-term collaborations. I still work with clients I met in my early days on Upwork. 3. **Stay Organized:** Use tools like Trello or Asana to manage your projects effectively. This keeps you on track and helps meet deadlines.

Practical Tips for Success on Upwork

To help you on your path to success, here are some practical tips:

Set Realistic Goals: Set monthly income goals to keep you motivated.
Invest in Your Profile: Consider getting a professional profile review to enhance your visibility.
Utilize Upwork’s Resources: Take advantage of Upwork's webinars and resources designed to help freelancers succeed.
Understand Tax Obligations: As a freelancer in Pakistan, you should be aware of FBR tax regulations. Registering with PSEB can help you with guidance on taxes.

Conclusion

Starting on Upwork as a freelancer in Pakistan can be both exciting and daunting. With the right approach and tools like Payoneer for payments, you can navigate this platform successfully. Remember, building a reputation takes time, and continuous learning is key to staying competitive. Take the first step today, and who knows? You might be sharing your success story in a few years, just like I am now! Good luck on your freelancing journey!

About the Author

Ahmed Hassan is a Freelancer & Remote Work Consultant from Pakistan with over 5 years of experience. He has earned more than $100,000 USD through platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and direct clients. Ahmed is PSEB registered and helps Pakistani freelancers succeed in the global marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start working on Upwork from Pakistan?

Create an Upwork account, complete your profile, take skills tests, and start sending proposals. Take some jobs at lower rates initially to build reviews.

What are the best Upwork jobs for Pakistanis?

Web development, graphic design, content writing, SEO, virtual assistant, and data entry are the best categories for Pakistani freelancers.

What are Upwork connects and how many do I need?

Connects are Upwork's currency for sending proposals. You get 10 free connects monthly. New freelancers should send 3-5 quality proposals daily.