Khamsat and Mostaql: A Practical Guide for Freelancers
Khamsat and Mostaql explained: how the two Arabic freelance platforms differ, how to sell your first gig, write winning proposals and withdraw earnings.
If you speak Arabic and want to freelance online, two names come up before any others: Khamsat and Mostaql. Both are run by Hsoub, and they are the leading Arabic-language freelance platforms, but they work in very different ways. This practical guide shows you how to sell your first service on Khamsat, write a convincing proposal on Mostaql, verify your account and withdraw your earnings without falling for scams. If you haven’t picked a skill yet, start with our freelancing for beginners guide, then come back here.
Khamsat and Mostaql: what’s the difference?
The core idea is simple. On Khamsat you list a ready-made service at a fixed price and buyers come to you. On Mostaql clients post projects and freelancers compete by sending proposals.
| Khamsat | Mostaql | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of platform | Marketplace for small, ready-made services | Project board with proposals |
| Who makes the first move? | The buyer picks your service | You bid on a client’s project |
| Price | Starts at $5, with optional add-ons (“upgrades”) | You set it in your proposal, within the project budget |
| Commission | 20% of each service, deducted from the seller | A share of the freelancer’s earnings that depends on the membership plan |
| Best for | Small repeatable tasks: design, proofreading, voice-over | Bigger jobs: programming, long translations, content writing |
| Account | One Hsoub account for both | One Hsoub account for both |
That’s why many freelancers use both: Khamsat for small recurring income and Mostaql for larger projects.
Khamsat freelance: how to sell your first service
- Pick a very specific service. “Text logo design with three concepts” beats “I design anything”.
- Write a clear title that starts with what buyers search for, such as “Arabic proofreading for an article up to 1,000 words”.
- Describe exactly what the buyer gets: number of concepts, delivery time, number of revisions and what’s not included.
- Add real samples of your own work, never images copied from the web.
- Use upgrades to raise the order value: faster delivery, source files or extra words.
- Reply to messages quickly, because response time builds buyer trust.
A new service can take a while to get its first order,, and early reviews matter most. You can also follow the requests section of the Khamsat community, where buyers describe what they need.
Mostaql freelance: how to write a winning proposal
Clients often read dozens of proposals, so make yours stand out:
- Open by restating the client’s need in one line, to show you actually read the brief.
- Explain your plan in a few short steps instead of pasting your whole CV.
- Attach a sample close to what’s being requested.
- Give a realistic timeline and a sensible price. Don’t compete on being the cheapest alone.
- End with a smart question about a missing detail, which invites a conversation.
Clients spot copy-paste proposals immediately.
Did you know? The name “Khamsat” comes from the Arabic word for five: the platform started as a marketplace for small services from $5, which is still the lowest price a service can have.
Verifying your account
Verification happens through your Hsoub account, so one verification covers both platforms. You’re typically asked for a photo of an official ID and a selfie holding it, and your name, country and date of birth on the account must match the document. Mostaql’s help page says review can take up to 48 hours.
Verification is required before you can withdraw, so do it early to avoid delaying your first payout.
How to withdraw earnings from Khamsat and Mostaql
Once your work is delivered and accepted, the money isn’t withdrawable right away. According to the official help pages, earnings are held for 14 working days, counted from the day after delivery and excluding weekends and public holidays. The hold protects clients and reduces fraud.
- PayPal: available on both platforms, and only to a personal account in your own name. Mostaql’s terms set a $25 minimum for PayPal withdrawals.
- Bank transfer: available in selected countries, with a $250 minimum, and it can take several days to arrive.
- Other methods: these change over time and by country, so check the Balance page in your account for the options and limits available to you right now.
Withdrawing to an account that isn’t in your name breaks the rules and can get your account suspended. For more income ideas, see our guide to ways to earn money online.
Important safety warnings
- Never move payment or communication off the platform, however tempting the offer. The platform is what protects you in a dispute.
- Never pay anyone “to get a project” or for a “test” or “account activation”. These are well-known scams.
- Never share your password or verification codes.
- Don’t hand over finished work before the order or proposal is officially accepted on the platform.
Frequently asked questions
Are Khamsat and Mostaql free to join?
Yes. Signing up is free on both; the platforms take their commission from completed work, not from registration.
How much does Khamsat take from my earnings?
Khamsat deducts 20% of each service’s price, which is $1 from every $5 service.
What is Mostaql’s commission?
Mostaql takes its commission from the freelancer’s earnings, and the rate depends on your membership plan, so check the platform’s membership page for the current figure.
When can I withdraw my earnings?
After the 14-working-day hold ends (counted from the day after delivery) and once your account is verified.
Can I start on Khamsat or Mostaql with no experience?
You need a real skill, even at a beginner level, plus samples that prove it. You can learn an in-demand skill first, as explained in our guide to making money online without capital.
Key takeaway
Khamsat and Mostaql are genuine opportunities to freelance in Arabic: Khamsat for selling ready-made services from $5, and Mostaql for competing on bigger projects with thoughtful proposals. Verify your account early, factor the commission and hold period into your plans, and never take payment off the platform. Results don’t come overnight, but quality, patience and good reviews build a steady income over time.
This article is for general education and is not financial or investment advice.
