How can I collect payments without extensive paperwork?
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If you are a freelancer or a small business owner in the UAE, you likely know the frustration of trying to accept payments: you often have to undergo long onboarding timelines with payment providers, which is a barrier to what you actually want to do: start selling.
The good news is that you can collect payments without dealing with extensive paperwork using payment platforms with shorter onboarding processes.
For example, you can use Mamo to collect payments via Pay by Link, PayPal for in-app transfers, or Ziina to collect payments across all your channels from a single app.
Ziina, Mamo, and PayPal: Comparison table*
| Feature | Ziina | PayPal | Mamo |
|---|---|---|---|
Best for | UAE freelancers, SMEs, and businesses that want online + in-person payments in one app | Businesses that want a globally recognized checkout option | UAE businesses looking for an integrated payments and expense management platform |
Features | Tap to Pay, payment links, QR codes, invoices, website checkout | Payment links, QR codes, invoices, online checkout | Payment links, QR codes, invoices, recurring payments, payouts |
Settlement speed | Fast payouts to linked UAE bank accounts | Varies depending on region and withdrawal method | Same-day settlement options |
How to collect payments without dealing with extensive paperwork with Ziina
Ziina is a first-of-its-kind financial platform designed for UAE consumers and entrepreneurs who need a fast and secure way to receive and send money.
You can start accepting payments with Ziina by using:
- Tap to Pay: Turn your iPhone or Android into a point-of-sale terminal without any upfront costs for clunky hardware.
- Payment links: Share branded links on WhatsApp or Instagram so customers can pay instantly via Apple Pay or cards.
- QR codes: Generate scannable codes for pop-up markets or physical counters to reduce checkout friction.
- Invoices: Create professional digital invoices directly in the app to keep your records in one place.
- Website checkout: Integrate a fast payment gateway into your Shopify or WooCommerce store, including custom websites, with just a few clicks.
- Peer-to-peer transfers: Send and receive funds instantly between Ziina users like a text message.
“"Tap to Pay sits in the same wallet as your payment links and gateway. If you're an online business that runs pop-ups in winter, you can centralize everything in one place rather than juggling one tool for payment links and another for the card machine." ”
What's more, Ziina also enables you to:
- Onboard quickly: Register in minutes and start accepting payments after completing the verification checks, subject to eligibility and Ziina’s terms and conditions.
- Access fast payouts: Enjoy free cashouts to your bank account that typically land within one to two business days, subject to eligibility and applicable terms. For some eligible users, payouts can be near-instant.
- Unify your finances: Manage every sale from social media, in-person events, and your website in one centralized wallet.
- Scale with a provider with strong regulatory standing: Ziina is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE.
How to collect payments with PayPal
PayPal is a globally recognized digital wallet that allows businesses to reach customers in over 200 markets. It's especially useful for businesses that deal with international clients who prefer the security and familiarity of the PayPal brand.
Key features include:
- No-code checkout: Capture sales on many platforms from social media to SMS without needing developer resources.
- Global reach: Accept payments in multiple different currencies.
- Consolidated reporting: View and download transaction history directly from your merchant dashboard for easier reconciliation.
- Seller protection: Benefit from end-to-end encryption and protection plans on eligible purchases.
How to collect payments with Mamo
Mamo offers a flexible platform for UAE businesses looking to replace multiple financial service providers with one integrated solution.
Key features include:
- Instant payment links: Create links with your own branding and share them via WhatsApp, email, and other channels.
- Same-day settlements: Access your earnings quickly without waiting the standard five to seven business days.
- Mass payouts: Process high-volume payments to suppliers and contractors directly from your dashboard using CSV uploads.
- Corporate cards: Issue virtual and physical cards for your team to spend directly from your business earnings.
- Recurring revenue: Automate subscription payments and membership billings to reduce manual administrative work.
Collecting payments quickly: What to keep in mind
- Verify the regulatory status of the provider. Ensure your chosen platform is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE or relevant authorities.
- Check for hidden fee structures. Review the transaction costs for different payment methods, as some providers charge more for international cards or specific features.
- Understand settlement timelines and limits. Some platforms hold your funds for several days while others offer instant access to your business earnings. You should also check the monthly cash out limits to ensure they match your expected sales volume.
- Evaluate the customer payout experience. Choose a platform that offers payment methods like Apple Pay to reduce friction and minimize abandoned checkouts.
Final thoughts
Collecting payments as a freelancer or small business in the UAE doesn't have to involve slow, paperwork-heavy processes. By choosing a modern payment provider, you can start selling to local and international customers more quickly.
Payment apps like Ziina offer a variety of tools like custom payment links, digital invoicing, and contactless mobile payments that are a good choice for SMEs and entrepreneurs who want to unify their entire financial operation within one app.
*Disclaimer: All information relating to third-party products and companies featured in this article has been sourced solely from their respective public websites and official publications at the time of writing. Ziina makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or currency of this information. Product features, positioning, and company details may have changed since publication. Readers should refer to each provider's official website for the most up-to-date information before making any purchasing decisions.
**Disclaimer: Availability of Ziina products and features is subject to eligibility, successful verification, device compatibility, applicable transaction limits, Ziina’s terms and conditions, and regulatory requirements. Customers are responsible for ensuring they hold any trade license, permit, tax registration, or other approval required for their business activities. Fees, limits, payout timelines, and product features may vary and are subject to change. Please refer to Ziina’s latest terms and pricing for full details.
This article was published in July 2026.
Sources:
https://www.paypal.com/ae/business/accept-payments/invoice
https://www.paypal.com/ae/business/accept-payments/checkout/no-code
https://www.mamopay.com/
https://www.mamopay.com/business/recurring-payments
https://www.mamopay.com/business/payouts
https://www.mamopay.com/business/payment-collection