How to Create a Full PayPal Account in Nigeria (Send, Receive & Withdraw via UBA Card)

A step-by-step, authentic approach that keeps your identity intact while using Lesotho's PayPal portal to receive and withdraw international payments.

Introduction: The Invisible Wall and the Freelancer's Dilemma

If you’re reading this, you’ve likely felt the sting of the "send-only" limitation. You’re a digital nomad, a brilliant freelancer, an e-commerce entrepreneur, a content creator, or simply someone whose hustle connects you to the global market. You’ve put in the late nights, crafted the perfect pitch, delivered exceptional work—and then the moment of truth arrives. Your client, operating seamlessly in their part of the world, asks, "What's your PayPal?"

You sigh, because you know the Nigerian reality: the standard PayPal account, while great for buying that must-have digital tool or paying a foreign invoice, is essentially a one-way street. It allows you to send, but the crucial ability to receive funds from clients, and most importantly, withdraw that hard-earned money into your local bank account, remains locked behind an invisible financial wall.

This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a bottleneck that chokes opportunity and drains emotional energy. It forces talented Nigerians to either rely on middlemen, pay exorbitant peer-to-peer exchange fees, or worse—lose out on profitable contracts entirely. The frustration is deeply human: you've delivered value, but the global financial system is making it incredibly difficult to be paid for it.

This tutorial is a story of resilience and ingenuity. It’s based on a proven method, a reliable workaround that has stood the test of time since its adoption, allowing countless Nigerians to finally participate fully in the global digital economy. We are going to build a secure, fully functional PayPal account by leveraging the digital gateway of a different country: Lesotho.

Phase 1: The Blueprint – Why Lesotho and the Human Touch

The core of this method lies in registering with a PayPal country entity that supports both sending and receiving payments, while still using your authentic Nigerian details where it matters most. Lesotho, for years, has provided this open gate.

What You Need (The Essentials)

• A Clean Email Address: Preferably a Gmail account, as they tend to be less flagged than others.
• Your Real Full Name: This must match your government-issued ID (Passport, Voter’s Card, NIN slip, etc.).
• Your Current Nigerian Phone Number: Yes, use your Nigerian mobile number. This is vital for security verification codes.
• A Valid Nigerian Address: Your real street address.
• A UBA Prepaid Card (The Withdrawal Linchpin): This is the magic key for the final withdrawal step.

My Experience (A Personal Anchor)

My own Lesotho-based PayPal account, which was set up years ago using this exact blueprint, remains my primary financial artery for all international business. It handles payments from my writing clients in Europe, my digital product sales in the US, and even small donations from my audience. The peace of mind that comes with seeing a payment hit my account and knowing I can seamlessly withdraw it is priceless. This method is about gaining that confidence.

Phase 2: The Setup – Creating the Lesotho PayPal Account

This is the most critical stage. Every step must be executed precisely to ensure full functionality.

Step 1: Navigating to the Lesotho Portal

Do not just type paypal.com. That will redirect you to the restrictive Nigerian portal (paypal.com/ng). You must navigate directly to the Lesotho business sign-up page.

Action: Open your browser and go to: https://www.paypal.com/ls/home or find the sign-up link that specifies Lesotho.

Step 2: The Sign-Up Details – Being Truthful Where It Counts

Click on the 'Sign Up' button and select "Business Account".

• Email Address: Enter your clean email.
• Password: Create a strong, unique password.
• About Your Business: This is where you set the foundation.

Legal Name: Enter your REAL FULL NAME exactly as it appears on your passport or voter’s card.

Business Details:

• Business Name: Use your full name again (e.g., "John Doe Consulting").
• Primary Contact Phone Number: CRUCIAL! Change the country code from Lesotho's (+266) to Nigeria's (+234), and then enter your full Nigerian phone number.
• Business Address: Use your REAL NIGERIAN ADDRESS. PayPal prioritizes matching the address and name to your identity documents.

Step 3: Business Type and Description

• Business Type: Select Individual/Sole Proprietorship.
• Product or Service Keyword: Type in what you do (e.g., Writing, Design, Web Development).
• Website (Optional): If you have one, include it. If not, leave it blank.
• Date of Birth and National ID: Enter your REAL Date of Birth and select the country of your ID (e.g., Nigeria).

Action: Submit and complete the basic account creation process.

Phase 3: The Verification and Securing the Bridge

Your account is now technically a Lesotho-based Business Account, allowing you to send and receive. However, it is unverified and likely has a low transaction limit. You must secure the bridge before using it for serious business.

Step 4: Linking the UBA Prepaid Card – The Withdrawal Key

This is the brilliant, locally sourced solution for withdrawal. Nigerian bank accounts cannot be directly linked to a foreign-registered PayPal. However, a specific type of Nigerian card—the UBA Prepaid Card (Africard or a similar dollar-denominated prepaid Visa/Mastercard)—works flawlessly for both verifying the account and, most importantly, pulling funds out.

1. Obtain and Fund the Card: Visit a UBA branch to get a prepaid card. Ensure it is funded with a small amount (e.g., $10-$20 equivalent).
2. Linking the Card:
   • Log into your new Lesotho PayPal account.
   • Go to Wallet (or Link a card or bank).
   • Select Link a Debit or Credit Card and enter the UBA Prepaid Card details.
3. The Code Verification: PayPal will make a small charge to the card. You must get the 4-digit code that accompanies this charge.
   • Action: Check your email alerts, mobile SMS, or log into the UBA prepaid card online portal to view the transaction details. The description will contain the 4-digit PayPal code (e.g., "PP*1234CODE").
4. Finalizing Linkage: Return to your PayPal account, enter the 4-digit code, and click 'Confirm'.

Step 5: Full Account Verification (The Limitation Safety Net)

Even with the card linked, your account is still technically new and at risk of limitation if a large sum arrives. Proactive verification is the sign of a responsible, human user.

• Look for any alerts in the 'Notifications' or 'Resolution Center' section of your PayPal dashboard. It may ask you to "Lift Account Limits."
• Action: Follow the prompts to upload documents. Upload clear, legible copies of:
  • Proof of Identity: International Passport Data Page, National ID Card/NIN Slip, or Driver's License.
  • Proof of Address: A recent utility bill or bank statement showing your Nigerian Address (the same one you entered during sign-up).

Phase 4: Full Functionality – Sending, Receiving, and Withdrawing

Receiving Payments

Provide your registered PayPal email address to clients. They will be able to send funds directly and your balance will reflect incoming payments.

Sending Payments

Payments will be drawn from your linked UBA Prepaid Card. Ensure the card is funded to cover any purchase or service fee.

Withdrawing Your Funds (The Relief Moment)

1. Initiate Transfer: Log into PayPal and go to Wallet > Transfer Money.
2. Select Transfer to your card (your linked UBA Prepaid Card) and enter the amount.
3. Review Fees: Be mindful of PayPal’s international withdrawal fee and the currency conversion rate.
4. Confirm the transfer.

Expected Timeline: The funds typically take 3–5 business days to settle onto the UBA Prepaid Card, but this can vary. Once the money is on the card, use UBA's online services to move the funds to your primary Naira account or withdraw via ATM.

Conclusion: Beyond the Limitation – Owning Your Digital Future

The journey of a Nigerian entrepreneur navigating the digital financial landscape is often marked by inventive workarounds. The "Lesotho PayPal Method" is more than just a trick; it's a testament to the persistent human drive to overcome systemic barriers. You’ve bypassed a restrictive system not through deception, but through intelligent, authentic registration and the smart utilization of local financial tools like the UBA Prepaid Card.

You are no longer limited to "send-only." You can now fully receive payments, confidently charge international clients, and, most importantly, see the fruits of your labour transferred safely into your hands. This is the true human experience of the global digital economy: the freedom to earn, transact, and thrive without boundaries. Use this power wisely, keep your account in good standing by following PayPal’s policies, and watch your global career flourish. You have built the digital bridge.

— Written as a practical guide for Nigerian freelancers and entrepreneurs. Keep your documents safe and comply with PayPal terms of service.