If you’re a freelancer in Pakistan receiving payments from abroad through Worksuite, your bank may request supporting documents before crediting your funds. This usually happens due to a local reporting requirement known as Form R.
Here’s what you need to know to avoid delays.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is Form R?
- Do I Need to Fill Out Form R Myself?
- What Your Bank May Request
- How to Avoid Delays
- Using a Foreign Currency Account
- Still Need Help?
What is Form R?
Form R is a document that banks in Pakistan use to report international remittances, especially payments for service-based work like freelancing. It is submitted to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) by your bank.
Do I Need to Fill Out Form R Myself?
No, you are not required to fill out or submit Form R. Your bank handles this process.
However, they might ask you for certain documents to complete the filing on their end. This does not mean you are submitting the Form R yourself, it simply means you are helping your bank comply with local regulations.
What Your Bank May Request
If your bank needs to process a Form R for your payment, they may contact you requesting the following information:
A copy of your CNIC or NTN
A simple invoice that includes:
Your name and contact information
A short description of the work completed
The amount paid
A short written statement confirming the purpose of the payment
Once your bank receives the required information, you can expect them to release the payment within a few business days.
How to Avoid Delays
Respond quickly to any document requests from your bank
Keep an invoice template ready to customize when needed
Ensure your bank account details in Worksuite are accurate and up to date
Using a Foreign Currency Account
Some freelancers choose to open a foreign currency account (or ESFCA) to receive payments in USD, EUR, or GBP. These accounts can offer benefits such as:
Faster access to funds
Lower withholding tax for eligible services
The ability to retain income in foreign currency instead of converting to PKR
Check with your bank to see if this option is available for your type of work.
This is the recommended method if you use a virtual bank or want faster processing.
Still Need Help?
If you're unsure what documents are needed or are seeing a delay in your payment, click the Support button inside your Worksuite account or submit a ticket. We’re here to help.