How to Open a PayPal Account in Nigeria (Step-by-Step Guide for 2025)
If you live in Nigeria, you may have heard that PayPal is restricted. While that’s true for receiving payments, you can still open a PayPal account legally and use it for online transactions.
But here’s the big question:
“How do I open a PayPal account in Nigeria that works?”
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you:
- The types of PayPal accounts you can open in Nigeria.
- How to register a Nigerian PayPal account (the right way)
- How to open a PayPal account that can receive money
- How to link your bank or card for withdrawals
Let’s dive in.
Can Nigerians Use PayPal? (The Truth)
Yes, Nigerians can use PayPal, but with limitations.
Here’s how PayPal works in Nigeria:
- You can create a PayPal account (only for sending payments). They are reasoning for it.
- You cannot receive money with a standard Nigerian PayPal account.
- You can link your debit or credit card to make online purchases.
- You cannot withdraw funds from PayPal to a Nigerian bank directly.
However, there are workarounds for receiving PayPal payments in Nigeria (more on that later).
Types of PayPal Accounts in Nigeria
Before you register, it’s important to know the two types of PayPal accounts:
Personal PayPal Account
Used for buying online and making payments. Nigerian users cannot receive money with this type of account.
2. Business PayPal Account
Used for sending and receiving money if registered correctly. This is the best option for freelancers, business owners, and anyone who wants to get paid.
Now, let’s go through the step-by-step process of opening a PayPal account in Nigeria.
How to Open a PayPal Account in Nigeria (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Visit the PayPal Nigeria Website
Go to www.paypal.com/ng.
This is the official PayPal website for Nigeria. Do not use VPNs or fake locations, as PayPal may detect and block your account.
Step 2: Click on “Sign Up”
You’ll see an option to create a PayPal account. Click on Sign Up for Free to continue.
Step 3: Choose an Account Type
PayPal will ask you to select between “Personal” or “Business”.
- If you just want to pay for goods and services, choose Personal Account.
- If you want to receive payments from international clients, choose Business Account.
For Nigerians who want to make money online, a Business PayPal account is recommended.
Step 4: Enter Your Details
PayPal will ask for:
- Your email address (use a valid one)
- Your full name (must match your ID)
- A secure password
Click Next after filling in your details.
Step 5: Provide Your Business Information (For Business Accounts Only)
If you selected a Business Account, PayPal will request:
- Your business name (can be your own name if you don’t have a company)
- Your business phone number
- Your business address
Don’t worry if you don’t have a registered company—just enter your details correctly.
Step 6: Confirm Your Identity
PayPal will send a verification email to your registered email address.
- Open your email and click the confirmation link to verify your account.
- You may also be asked to verify your phone number—enter the OTP sent via SMS.
Step 7: Link Your Debit or Credit Card
To start using PayPal in Nigeria, you need to link a valid debit or credit card.
- Go to Wallet in your PayPal dashboard
- Click Link a Card
- Enter your card details (Visa or Mastercard)
- Click Link Card
PayPal will charge a small amount (about ₦400) to confirm your card. This amount will be refunded later.
How to Open a PayPal Account That Can Receive Money in Nigeria
Since a Nigerian PayPal cannot receive funds, you need to use a PayPal Business Account from a supported country.
Best Option: Open a PayPal Business Account in Lesotho, UAE, or South Africa.
- These countries allow full PayPal functionality, including receiving and withdrawing money.
How to Open a PayPal Business Account from a Supported Country
Here is how : Follow the steps.
- Go to www.paypal.com/ls (Lesotho PayPal site)
- Sign up for a Business Account
- Use your real details (no need for fake names)
- For phone number, use a virtual number like Dingtone or Talk360
- Verify your email and business details
After opening the account, you can now receive PayPal payments in Nigeria!
How to Withdraw Money from PayPal in Nigeria
Now that you have a working PayPal account, how do you withdraw funds?
Here are the best withdrawal methods for Nigerians:
1. Use Payoneer
- Open a Payoneer account at www.payoneer.com
- Get a US or UK virtual bank account
- Link your Payoneer account to PayPal
- Withdraw your PayPal funds to Payoneer, then to your Nigerian bank.
2. Use Binance P2P
- Send PayPal funds to a trusted buyer on Binance
- Exchange for USDT or Naira
- Withdraw to your Nigerian bank account.
3. Sell PayPal Funds (Exchange Services)
- Find a trusted exchanger (on Telegram, WhatsApp, or Facebook groups)
- Sell your PayPal balance in exchange for Naira (NGN)
- Get paid into your local bank account
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use a Nigerian PayPal to Receive Money?
No. A Nigerian PayPal cannot receive money, only send it. You need a Business PayPal from a supported country to receive payments.
2. Can I Withdraw Money from PayPal to My Nigerian Bank Account?
Direct withdrawal is not available, but you can withdraw via Payoneer, Binance P2P, or a trusted exchanger.
3. Is It Legal to Open a Foreign PayPal Account?
Yes, as long as you use your real details and follow PayPal’s rules. Many Nigerians use Lesotho, UAE, or South Africa PayPal accounts to receive money.
4. Can I Link My Nigerian Bank Account to PayPal?
No. You can only link a Visa or Mastercard debit card for payments.
5. What If My PayPal Account Gets Limited?
You should:
- Avoid using VPNs or fake details
- Verify your account with correct documents
- Contact PayPal support if needed
Final Thoughts: Get Started with PayPal in Nigeria Today
PayPal may be restricted in Nigeria, but with the right setup, you can:
- Open a Nigerian PayPal account for payments
- Open a foreign PayPal Business Account to receive money
- Use Payoneer or Binance P2P to withdraw your funds
Now it’s time to take action! Follow this guide and set up your PayPal account today.
Have questions? Drop a comment below!
