Introduction
Looking to earn dollars from the comfort of your home in Nigeria? Remote work opportunities are booming, and with the right guidance, you can tap into high-paying international clients without leaving Nigeria.
If you’ve been scrolling through job boards wondering how others are landing remote jobs that pay in dollars, this article is for you. The opportunity to work remotely for international clients isn’t reserved for “tech bros” or those with foreign degrees, it’s available to anyone willing to develop the right skills and know where to look.
The challenge most Nigerians face isn’t lack of talent. It’s knowing which platforms actually work, how to stand out in a competitive marketplace, and most importantly, how to receive your hard-earned dollars without losing a huge part of it to ridiculous fees.
Let’s break down the best platforms for finding international remote jobs in Nigeria and how to get your money smoothly with Cleva.
Why international remote work matters for Nigerians
The shift toward remote work isn’t just a trend, it’s a practical necessity. Here’s what’s driving this movement:
- Earning in stronger currencies: When you work for international clients, you’re paid in USD, GBP, or EUR. With the naira’s volatility, earning $2,000 monthly puts you significantly ahead of most local opportunities.
- Access to better pay: International remote jobs often start at $1,000-$3,000 for entry to mid-level roles—sometimes higher for specialized skills.
- Flexibility: Remote work eliminates Lagos traffic, gives you schedule control, and lets you work from anywhere with stable internet.
- Building global experience: Working with international clients exposes you to global standards, modern tools, and professional practices that accelerate career growth.
The major barrier most Nigerians face is that international payment systems require foreign bank accounts to receive earnings which is something traditional Nigerian banks can’t easily provide.
Top platforms that list flexible remote job opportunities
If you are looking for freelance job boards that pay in US dollars and best remote job sites with high-paying roles, these are the top sites for remote jobs you should focus on.
1. Upwork
Upwork is a top freelancing platform connecting professionals with clients in IT, writing, design, customer service, and data science. You submit proposals for jobs that match your skills. Focus on a specific niche, build a strong portfolio, and personalize each proposal. Start with competitive rates to gain reviews, then gradually increase pricing as you gain traction.
2. Toptal
Toptal is for the top 3% of global freelance talent. The screening process is rigorous, but accepted freelancers access high-paying gigs from Fortune 500 companies. Success requires a strong portfolio, 3+ years of experience, and measurable results. Prepare for technical interviews and assessments before applying.
3. We Work Remotely
We Work Remotely is a job board for full-time or part-time remote roles. It’s ideal for stable employment rather than project-based work. Tailor your resume and cover letter, highlight remote experience, and show familiarity with tools like Slack, Zoom, and Asana.
4. Remote OK
Remote OK lists remote jobs in tech, marketing, design, and customer service. Jobs include salary ranges and global eligibility. Apply quickly, address time zone concerns, and mention familiarity with the company and its products in your applications.
5. Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is beginner-friendly and offers freelance jobs across many categories. Its contest feature lets you submit work samples to compete for projects. Start with smaller jobs to build reviews, then take on larger contracts. Factor platform fees into pricing and use multiple payment methods like Payoneer.
6. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is subscription-based, starting at $14.95 per month. It curates legitimate remote jobs across marketing, finance, HR, and education. The platform offers career resources, resume reviews, and company research. Apply for 5–10 relevant jobs weekly for best results.
7. Wellfound (formerly AngelList Talent)
Wellfound connects talent with early-stage to growth-stage startups globally. Salary and equity offers are visible upfront, and you often deal directly with founders or hiring managers. Tailor applications to show interest in each company’s mission and culture.
8. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a powerful job search engine for remote roles. Use filters for international positions, engage with posts, connect with employees, and post about your work to increase visibility. Set up job alerts and respond quickly, as early applicants often have an advantage.
The crucial payment challenge that Cleva solves
You’ve landed the job and are ready to be paid. But how do you receive US dollars without losing large amounts to fees or dealing with the limitations of Nigerian banks?
Most international clients, and platforms like Upwork and Toptal, pay via systems that require a foreign bank account, often a US-based one. Traditional Nigerian banks cannot provide this, creating a huge hurdle. Services like Payoneer are used, but the final withdrawal process can still be complex and costly.
This is exactly where Cleva steps in.
How Cleva makes international payments seamless for remote workers
Getting paid from international clients can be tricky, with hidden fees, delays, and complicated setups. Cleva makes it simple for Nigerian remote workers to receive dollars effortlessly. Here’s how Cleva transforms payments for remote workers:
- A US bank account in your name: You get actual US account details (account number and routing number) that work perfectly with platforms like Upwork, Toptal, direct client transfers, and even for receiving funds from a Payoneer or PayPal account.
- Zero Conversion Fees: Unlike other platforms that charge 1 to 3% to convert your hard-earned dollars to naira, Cleva does not charge any conversion fees.
- Instant Withdrawals: You can convert your USD to naira for free and transfer it to any Nigerian bank in seconds, not days.
- Cleva virtual dollar card: Pay for LinkedIn Premium, Adobe, hosting, courses, or ads without converting to naira first.
- Favourable exchange rates: You choose when to convert, allowing you to maximize your earnings by converting when exchange rates are favourable.
Cleva is a top choice among the top payment apps for freelancers in Nigeria because it eliminates the biggest barrier to earning and saving in a strong currency.
5 steps to take to start earning in dollars from Nigeria
- Create a Cleva account: Download the Cleva app on Google Play Store or App Store, sign up and get a USD account in your name for free. Ensure you complete the verification process so you’re ready to receive payments from international clients.
- Specialize in a niche: Focus on two or three platforms from the list above and carve out a specific area of expertise. For example, instead of being a “general designer,” position yourself as a “Brand Identity Designer for FinTech Startups.” Niche skills make you more valuable and help you stand out.
- Build a strong portfolio: Don’t wait for clients to come to you. Create sample projects or offer discounted services to develop 3 to 5 impressive work examples that showcase your abilities.
- Optimize your profile and applications: Make sure your LinkedIn and other platform profiles are professional and complete. Use keyword-rich headlines and customize every application to highlight exactly how you can solve the client’s problem.
- Apply strategically: Use the recommended websites to find remote jobs in the US and apply quickly. Personalize your proposals to demonstrate your understanding of the client’s needs and how you can deliver results.
Conclusion
The opportunity to earn in dollars and grow a thriving remote career is here. The first step is ensuring your payment system is set up correctly. Create your Cleva account today and move into the global job market with confidence.
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