How to Get Paid by a US Company as a Remote Worker in Pakistan
Have a remote offer from a US or UK company and live in Pakistan? Here are the three ways you can get paid — contractor, EOR employee, or your own company — what each means for your FBR taxes and benefits, and what to ask the employer.
Updated July 8, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
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A US or UK company can pay you in Pakistan in three ways: as an independent contractor (you invoice the company and handle your own Pakistani taxes and registration), as an Employer of Record employee (a provider like Deel or Remote employs you in Pakistan on the company’s behalf, where it covers Pakistan), or through your own registered company. For a single hire, contractor or EOR are the usual routes. You’re generally taxed in Pakistan, not the US; a US client will typically ask you to complete IRS Form W-8BEN. Receiving earnings through formal banking channels matters for documentation and tax treatment — confirm the current rules with a Pakistani tax advisor.
The Three Ways You Can Get Paid
1. Independent contractor
You invoice the company (usually in USD) and are self-employed in Pakistan, registering and filing with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). What it means for you: more take-home up front and the freedom to keep multiple clients, but no employer benefits or paid leave, and all the admin is yours. Price your rate to cover taxes and the benefits an employer would otherwise provide. See invoicing a US company as an international contractor.
2. EOR employee
A provider such as Deel, Remote, or Multiplier can employ you through a local entity on the company’s behalf — where the provider covers Pakistan, which varies, so check two or three. What it means for you: a local employment contract, payslips, statutory benefits, and tax handled at source. The employer pays the EOR fee and contributions, which can affect the gross salary offered. See what an EOR means for you.
3. Your own company
You can bill through your own registered Pakistani company. This mainly suits people already running a services business; for an employment-like role, a contractor arrangement or EOR is usually simpler.
The Pakistan-Specific Things to Sort Out
Structural checklist to confirm with a Pakistani tax advisor — rules and rates change with each budget, so don’t treat these as final:
- FBR registration and filing. As a contractor you register with the FBR (including obtaining a National Tax Number) and file your own returns; as an EOR employee, tax is handled through payroll.
- IT / export service income. Pakistan has historically offered favourable treatment for IT and IT-enabled export service income received through formal banking channels. The current rules, rates, and conditions change — confirm what applies to you with an advisor.
- Receiving foreign payments. Bank (SWIFT) transfers, Payoneer, and Wise are used where supported. Routing earnings through formal banking channels also supports documentation. Compare total cost — fees plus the exchange-rate spread. See the best ways to receive international payments.
What to Ask the Employer
- Which rail — contractor or EOR employee?
- If EOR, does the provider cover Pakistan, and which one?
- If contractor, what’s the rate, and does it cover your taxes and lack of benefits?
- Currency and who absorbs conversion on each payment?
If you’d prefer employment and they’ve offered contractor status, see how to ask your employer to hire you via an EOR. If an EOR can’t cover Pakistan for your case, here are your options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does a US company pay a remote worker in Pakistan?
Three common ways. As an independent contractor, you invoice the company and handle your own Pakistani taxes and registration. As an Employer of Record (EOR) employee, a provider like Deel or Remote employs you in Pakistan on the company's behalf, running local payroll, tax, and statutory benefits — where the provider covers Pakistan. Or you bill through your own registered company. Which one applies changes your taxes, benefits, and job security — confirm it before you sign.
Do I pay US taxes working for a US company from Pakistan?
Generally you're taxed in Pakistan, where you're a tax resident, on income for work performed there — not in the US. A US company will usually ask you, as a non-US contractor, to complete IRS Form W-8BEN certifying your foreign status, and generally won't withhold US income tax on work done entirely outside the US. Your Pakistani obligations still apply. Confirm your specific position with a local tax advisor.
Is there a tax benefit to receiving foreign income through banks in Pakistan?
Pakistan has historically offered favourable treatment for IT and IT-enabled export service income received through formal banking channels, which is one reason routing foreign earnings through your bank (rather than informal methods) matters. The exact rules, rates, and conditions change over time and by budget, so confirm what currently applies to your situation with a Pakistani tax advisor rather than relying on a general figure.
How do I receive money from a US company in Pakistan?
Common routes include bank (SWIFT) transfers into your Pakistani account and transfer services such as Payoneer or Wise where supported for your route. Receiving foreign earnings through formal banking channels also matters for documentation and any preferential tax treatment. Compare the total cost — fees plus the exchange-rate spread — and agree with the company who absorbs it before your first payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a US company pay a remote worker in Pakistan?
Three common ways. As an independent contractor, you invoice the company and handle your own Pakistani taxes and registration. As an Employer of Record (EOR) employee, a provider like Deel or Remote employs you in Pakistan on the company's behalf, running local payroll, tax, and statutory benefits — where the provider covers Pakistan. Or you bill through your own registered company. Which one applies changes your taxes, benefits, and job security — confirm it before you sign.
Do I pay US taxes working for a US company from Pakistan?
Generally you're taxed in Pakistan, where you're a tax resident, on income for work performed there — not in the US. A US company will usually ask you, as a non-US contractor, to complete IRS Form W-8BEN certifying your foreign status, and generally won't withhold US income tax on work done entirely outside the US. Your Pakistani obligations still apply. Confirm your specific position with a local tax advisor.
Is there a tax benefit to receiving foreign income through banks in Pakistan?
Pakistan has historically offered favourable treatment for IT and IT-enabled export service income received through formal banking channels, which is one reason routing foreign earnings through your bank (rather than informal methods) matters. The exact rules, rates, and conditions change over time and by budget, so confirm what currently applies to your situation with a Pakistani tax advisor rather than relying on a general figure.
How do I receive money from a US company in Pakistan?
Common routes include bank (SWIFT) transfers into your Pakistani account and transfer services such as Payoneer or Wise where supported for your route. Receiving foreign earnings through formal banking channels also matters for documentation and any preferential tax treatment. Compare the total cost — fees plus the exchange-rate spread — and agree with the company who absorbs it before your first payment.
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