Workana Review
A comprehensive analysis of Workana — the leading Latin American freelance marketplace connecting skilled professionals with businesses across the region and beyond. Trusted by thousands since 2012.
Visit Official Website| Platform Name | Workana |
| Official Website | workana.com |
| Launch Year | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires, Argentina / São Paulo, Brazil |
| Company | Workana LLC (part of Revelo group) |
| Platform Type | Freelance Marketplace (project bidding & contests) |
| Joining Fee | Free (both clients and freelancers) |
| Freelancer Commission | 15% standard; 10% with Workana Plus ($4.99/mo) |
| Skill Requirement | None; portfolio and tests help |
| Minimum Withdrawal | $20 (PayPal/Payoneer), may vary by method |
| Payment Methods | PayPal, Payoneer, local bank transfer (select countries) |
| Affiliate Program | Yes — earn on referrals |
| Mobile App | iOS and Android |
| Supported Countries | Latin America focus; worldwide |
| KYC Required | Yes — identity verification for withdrawals |
| Customer Support | Help Center, Ticket System, Email |
| Trust Score | 7.5 / 10 |
| Overall Rating | 3.8 / 5 |
| Ease of Use | ||
| Beginner Friendly | ||
| Earning Potential | ||
| Withdrawal Speed | ||
| Transparency | ||
| Customer Support | ||
| Long‑term Reliability | ||
| Overall Rating |
Latin American Freelancers
Workana is the go‑to platform for Spanish and Portuguese‑speaking professionals. Clients across Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile post daily.
Bilingual Professionals
Many projects require Portuguese, Spanish, or English. Bilingual freelancers can access a wider range of high‑paying gigs and stand out from the competition.
Project Bidding & Contests
Workana offers both a classic bidding system and a contest feature where clients set a prize and freelancers submit work. Great for creatives who prefer to show rather than tell.
Cost‑Conscious Freelancers
The Workana Plus plan reduces commission to 10% for just $4.99/month. For active freelancers, this pays for itself after the first few hundred dollars in earnings.
Developers & Tech Talent
Web development, mobile apps, and software engineering projects are abundant. Latin American tech talent is in high demand by both regional and US clients.
Freelancers Seeking Regional Payments
Local bank transfers are available in several Latin American countries, making it easier to receive funds without relying solely on PayPal or Payoneer.
Freelancers Outside Latin America
While anyone can join, the client base is heavily concentrated in Latin America. English‑only freelancers outside the region may find fewer opportunities.
Instant Payout Seekers
A 5‑day fund clearance period and a $20 minimum withdrawal mean you’ll wait at least a week to access your money after project completion.
Productised Gig Sellers
Workana relies on proposals and contests. If you prefer a passive gig model (like Fiverr), you may find the bidding process too hands‑on.
Enterprise‑Scale Contractors
While medium‑sized projects exist, Workana doesn’t have the same volume of enterprise‑level contracts as Upwork. Larger corporate jobs are less frequent.
Workana was founded in 2012 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the mission of connecting Latin American freelance talent with businesses in need of digital services. Over the years it has grown into the largest freelance marketplace in the region, later becoming part of the Brazilian HR tech company Revelo. The platform supports Spanish, Portuguese, and English, making it a truly trilingual environment where freelancers and clients from across the Americas collaborate.
The marketplace operates primarily on a project‑bidding model: clients post a job, freelancers submit proposals with their rate and approach, and the client selects the best fit. Additionally, Workana offers “Concursos” (contests), where a client sets a prize and freelancers submit completed work; the winner takes the prize. Both fixed‑price and hourly contracts are supported, with milestone payments and a time‑tracking tool available.
Workana charges freelancers a 15% service fee on all earnings, but freelancers can subscribe to Workana Plus for $4.99 per month and reduce the fee to 10%. This tiered structure, combined with local payment options, makes it one of the most accessible platforms for Latin American professionals. The platform also includes skill tests, identity verification, and a feedback system that helps top performers stand out.
Create a Free Account
Sign up using your email, Google, or Facebook account. Complete your profile with skills, work history, and a portfolio.
Search for Projects or Contests
Browse open projects and contests. Use filters for category, budget, and language. Contests allow you to submit work directly; projects require a proposal.
Bid or Submit Your Entry
For projects, write a tailored proposal and set your price. For contests, upload your creative work before the deadline.
Get Hired & Work
Once selected, agree on milestones (fixed‑price) or log hours with the time tracker (hourly). Communicate via the built‑in messaging system.
Receive Payment
After the client approves the deliverable, funds are released to your Workana balance minus the service fee. A 5‑day clearance period follows before withdrawal.
Project Bidding & Contests
Two ways to earn: submit proposals for client projects, or enter contests where you showcase your work and the client picks a winner.
Workana Plus
$4.99/month reduces service fee from 15% to 10%, gives a Plus badge, and unlocks additional features like advanced statistics and priority support.
Milestone Escrow
Client funds are secured for each project milestone. You only begin work when the milestone is funded, protecting you from non‑payment.
Time Tracker
A desktop time tracker logs hours for hourly contracts, adding transparency and helping to prevent disputes over billable time.
Skill Tests
Verify your expertise by taking free skill tests. High scores are displayed on your profile and help you stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Local Payment Options
Withdraw via PayPal, Payoneer, or local bank transfer in select Latin American countries, making it easier to receive funds in your local currency.
Workana covers a wide array of professional services. Below are the most popular categories and earning approaches.
Web & Software Development
Full‑stack, front‑end, back‑end, mobile apps, and CMS customization. Latin American developers are highly sought after by US and local clients alike.
Requirements: Coding skills, GitHub/portfolio, relevant certifications.
Advantages: High demand, well‑paid projects, remote opportunities.
Disadvantages: Competition can be intense; communication in Portuguese/Spanish often expected.
Tip: Offer bilingual support (Portuguese/Spanish + English) to access both regional and international clients.
Design & Multimedia
Graphic design, logo creation, branding, video editing, and animation. Contests are especially popular in this category.
Requirements: Design software skills, strong portfolio.
Advantages: Creative freedom, visual portfolio sells itself, contest wins build reputation.
Disadvantages: Subjective client feedback; revision cycles can extend timelines.
Tip: Participate in contests to quickly build a portfolio and attract direct hire requests.
Writing & Translation
Spanish/Portuguese/English content writing, copywriting, translation, and proofreading. High demand from businesses expanding across Latin America.
Requirements: Native or near‑native fluency, writing samples.
Advantages: Consistent work, flexible hours, bilingual projects pay premiums.
Disadvantages: Lower per‑word rates at entry level; AI competition increasing.
Tip: Offer certified translations or technical writing to justify higher rates.
Marketing & Sales
SEO, social media management, Google Ads, email marketing, and sales funnel creation. A growing category as Latin American businesses digitize.
Requirements: Marketing knowledge, analytics tools, proven results.
Advantages: Retainer contracts possible, high‑value clients.
Disadvantages: Must show ROI; market‑specific knowledge often required.
Tip: Tailor your proposals to the local market (e.g., Mercado Libre ads, WhatsApp marketing) to differentiate.
Admin Support & Virtual Assistance
Data entry, virtual assistance, customer support, and project coordination. A solid entry point for new freelancers with bilingual skills.
Requirements: Organizational skills, software literacy, communication.
Advantages: Low barrier to entry, steady flow of tasks.
Disadvantages: Lower earning potential; repetitive work.
Tip: Highlight fluency in both Spanish and English—many clients need bilingual assistants.
Engineering & Architecture
CAD design, 3D modeling, structural calculations, and architectural drafting. A niche but well‑paying category for licensed professionals.
Requirements: Professional certifications, software proficiency.
Advantages: High project values, less competition.
Disadvantages: Credential verification can be strict; complex project scope.
Tip: Upload your license or certification to your profile to immediately establish authority.
Getting started on Workana is free. Follow these steps to create your freelancer profile:
Sign Up for Free
Visit workana.com and click “Register”. Choose “I want to work” and sign up with email, Google, or Facebook.
Complete Your Profile
Add a professional photo, headline, bio, skills, work experience, and portfolio items. The more complete your profile, the higher you rank in search.
Verify Your Identity
Upload a government‑issued ID to get the “Verified” badge. This is mandatory before your first withdrawal and boosts client trust.
Take Skill Tests (Optional)
Demonstrate your proficiency with free tests. Badges for passing are displayed prominently on your profile.
Start Bidding or Entering Contests
Browse projects and submit proposals, or enter contests to showcase your work. Consistency is key to landing your first gig.
The Workana dashboard is clean and project‑focused. Key sections include:
Find Work
Browse projects and contests. Filter by category, budget, language, and client location. Save searches for quick access.
My Projects
Track active contracts, milestones, and deadlines. Submit deliverables and communicate with clients in one place.
Messages
Integrated real‑time messaging with file sharing. All client communication stays on‑platform for dispute resolution.
Finances
View your balance, pending clearances, and transaction history. Set up withdrawal methods and initiate cash‑outs.
Statistics
Monitor profile views, proposal success rate, and earnings trends. Use data to refine your approach.
Settings
Manage profile details, payment preferences, notification settings, and security options. Keep your KYC documents current.
PayPal
Minimum withdrawal: $20. Processing time: 1–3 business days. Widely available. Workana does not charge a withdrawal fee, but PayPal conversion may apply.
Payoneer
Minimum withdrawal: $20. Processing time: 1–2 business days. Supports local bank transfers in many countries. A reliable alternative to PayPal.
Local Bank Transfer
Minimum withdrawal: Varies by country. Processing time: 3–5 business days. Available in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and more.
Complete Projects & Receive Funds
Once the client approves the deliverable, the payment is released to your Workana balance, minus the service fee (15% or 10%).
Wait for Clearance
Funds are held for a 5‑business‑day security period. After clearance, they move to your available balance.
Accumulate $20 Minimum
You can only withdraw when your available balance reaches $20 (or the local equivalent for bank transfer).
Select Payment Method & Confirm
Go to “Finances” > “Withdraw”, choose your method, enter the amount, and confirm. Verify your payment details before submitting.
Receive Your Money
Processing times vary by method. Check your external account. If delays exceed the expected window, contact Workana support.
| PayPal | 1–3 business days | No Workana fee |
| Payoneer | 1–2 business days | No Workana fee |
| Local Bank Transfer | 3–5 business days | Possible local bank fees |
Workana has been processing payments for over a decade, and thousands of freelancers have shared withdrawal proof across Latin American freelancer communities, YouTube, and forums. The platform uses an escrow system for fixed‑price contracts, securing client funds before work begins. PayPal and Payoneer withdrawals are consistently reliable, and local bank transfers are a major plus for regional freelancers.
Company Transparency
Workana LLC is a privately held company, originally founded in Argentina and now part of the Brazilian Revelo group. While not publicly traded, its decade‑plus track record and corporate backing provide a solid foundation. Terms of service, privacy policy, and fee structures are clearly available on the website.
Security Analysis
The platform uses SSL encryption and two‑factor authentication. Identity verification is mandatory for withdrawals, reducing fraud. The milestone escrow system protects freelancer payments for fixed‑price contracts, and the time tracker adds transparency for hourly work.
Freelancer Protection
Workana’s dispute resolution center mediates conflicts, though the process can be slow. To stay protected, always ensure milestones are funded before starting work, keep all communication on‑platform, and use the time tracker for hourly projects.
- Largest freelance marketplace in Latin America—huge regional demand
- 15% base fee, reducible to 10% with affordable Workana Plus subscription
- Free to join; no subscription required to start bidding
- Milestone escrow protects freelancers from non‑payment
- Contests provide a way to earn without writing proposals
- Skill tests add credibility and help profiles stand out
- Local bank transfers available in multiple Latin American countries
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android keep you connected on the go
- Bilingual (Portuguese/Spanish) and English projects diversify opportunities
- Affiliate program offers extra income for referring new users
- Time tracker ensures transparency for hourly contracts
- Clean, user‑friendly interface with intuitive navigation
- 5‑day payment clearance period delays access to earnings
- $20 minimum withdrawal threshold can trap small balances
- Customer support is ticket‑based and can be slow
- Platform is heavily Latin America‑centric; less opportunity for freelancers elsewhere
- High competition from low‑cost regions can drive down bidding prices
- Contests require speculative work with no guarantee of winning
- Some users report occasional technical glitches with the time tracker
- Fewer enterprise‑level projects compared to global giants
Workana’s support is primarily self‑service via a multilingual Help Center, supplemented by a ticket system and email support. Response times are typically 24–72 hours. Plus members may receive priority handling. Phone and live chat are not available, which can be frustrating for urgent issues.
Workana offers a clean, modern interface that is easy to navigate in Spanish, Portuguese, or English. The project board is well‑organized, and the proposal submission flow is straightforward. The mobile apps are solid and allow full management of projects on the go. While the design is not as polished as some Western counterparts, it remains functional and user‑friendly, especially for freelancers already familiar with Latin American digital platforms.
- Spanish‑ and Portuguese‑speaking freelancers looking for regional clients
- Bilingual professionals who want to access both local and international projects
- Developers, designers, writers, and marketers targeting the Latin American market
- Freelancers who enjoy contests as a way to showcase their work
- Those who want to reduce platform fees with an affordable subscription
- Anyone seeking local bank transfer payment options in Latin America
- English‑only freelancers without regional language skills
- Those who need same‑day access to earnings
- Freelancers who prefer a passive, gig‑based selling model over bidding
- People who expect phone or live chat customer support
- Professionals targeting large enterprise or high‑budget global contracts
Earnings on Workana vary based on skills, language proficiency, and proposal quality. Bilingual professionals generally earn more. Below are typical ranges based on user reports.
| New Freelancer (first 3 months) | $100–$800/month |
| Part‑time (10–20 hrs/week) | $800–$3,000/month |
| Full‑time (30–40 hrs/week) | $3,000–$8,000/month |
| Experienced / Bilingual Seller | $5,000–$12,000+/month |
| Contest‑based income | $50–$2,000+ per contest win |
- Complete your profile 100% — add a professional photo, detailed overview, and portfolio. Full profiles appear higher in search results.
- Subscribe to Workana Plus early — at $4.99/month, the fee reduction from 15% to 10% quickly pays for itself if you earn even a few hundred dollars per month.
- Take skill tests and pass them with high scores — badges give you a competitive edge and increase client trust.
- Leverage contests to build your reputation — even if you don’t win, a strong entry can lead to direct client invitations for future work.
- Write proposals in the client’s language — if a project is posted in Portuguese, respond in Portuguese. This shows respect and increases your chances.
- Be strategic with your pricing — start with competitive bids to gather reviews, then raise your rates by 20–30% after every few successful projects.
- Use the time tracker for hourly contracts — it ensures transparency and protects your payment.
- Respond to messages within hours — quick replies improve your metrics and can be the deciding factor for a client choosing between freelancers.
- Build long‑term client relationships — repeat business reduces the need for constant bidding and provides stable income.
- Promote your Workana profile externally — share it on LinkedIn, in freelancer groups, and on social media to attract direct invitations.
- Keep all communication on‑platform — this protects you in case of disputes and keeps you compliant with Workana’s terms.
- Request reviews politely — after delivering excellent work, ask clients to leave a positive rating. A strong reputation is your best marketing tool.
Critical Platform Rules
General Safety Recommendations
- Enable two‑factor authentication on your account
- Use a strong, unique password not reused elsewhere
- Be cautious of clients who ask for free sample work before hiring
- Keep all project files and messages within the platform
- Report suspicious job postings or client behavior immediately
- Never grant remote access to your computer unless absolutely necessary
| Platform | Commission | Difficulty | Min Payout | Best For | Trust Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workana | 15% (10% Plus) | Moderate | $20 | Latin American projects | 7.5/10 |
| Upwork | 10% | Moderate‑Hard | $1 | Global professional | 9.2/10 |
| Fiverr | 20% | Easy‑Moderate | $1 | Productised services | 9.0/10 |
| Freelancer | 10% or $5 | Moderate | $1 | Contests & bidding | 7.8/10 |
| Truelancer | 10% (8% Prime) | Moderate | $1 | Affordable bidding | 7.0/10 |
| PeoplePerHour | 20%–3.5% | Easy‑Moderate | £20 | UK/EU clients | 7.5/10 |
| Guru | 3%–9% | Moderate | $25 | Flexible fee plans | 6.8/10 |
| Freecash | 0% (GPT) | Very Easy | $0.10 | Micro‑tasks & games | 8.5/10 |
Is Workana legit?
Yes. Workana has been operating since 2012 and is part of the Revelo group. Thousands of freelancers have successfully withdrawn earnings via PayPal, Payoneer, and local bank transfer.
How does Workana make money?
Workana earns revenue through freelancer service fees (15% or 10% for Plus members) and Workana Plus subscriptions. There are no hidden charges.
What is Workana Plus?
A paid subscription at $4.99/month that reduces your service fee from 15% to 10%, adds a Plus badge to your profile, and provides enhanced statistics and priority support.
What is the minimum withdrawal on Workana?
$20 for PayPal and Payoneer. Local bank transfer minimums may vary by country. Check your dashboard for the exact threshold.
How long does it take to get paid?
After client approval, funds enter a 5‑business‑day clearance period. Once cleared, PayPal withdrawals take 1–3 days, Payoneer 1–2 days, and bank transfers 3–5 days.
Does Workana have a mobile app?
Yes. Workana offers apps for both iOS and Android, allowing you to manage projects, chat with clients, and submit proposals from anywhere.
Can I use Workana outside Latin America?
Absolutely. The platform is open to freelancers worldwide, but the client base and project demand are strongest in Latin America. Spanish or Portuguese skills are a significant advantage.
What is a contest on Workana?
A contest is a project where the client sets a prize and brief, and freelancers submit completed work. The client selects a winner who receives the prize. It’s a great way to showcase skills without a proposal.
How do I contact Workana support?
Support is available through the Help Center and ticket system. Email responses typically take 24–72 hours. Phone and live chat are not offered.
Can I delete my Workana account?
Yes. Withdraw all funds, then request account closure from the Settings menu. Workana may retain certain data as required by law.
Final Verdict
Workana is the premier freelance marketplace for Latin America—an essential platform for Spanish and Portuguese‑speaking professionals looking for high‑quality, regional projects with lower fees.
The platform’s strength lies in its regional focus, affordable Plus subscription, and dual project/contest model. For bilingual freelancers, it opens doors to clients across the Americas. The milestone escrow and time tracker provide solid payment protection, and local bank transfers simplify receiving funds. The 5‑day clearance and $20 withdrawal threshold are minor inconveniences compared to the earning opportunities.
Workana is highly recommended for freelancers in Latin America, bilingual professionals, and anyone who wants to tap into the region’s growing digital economy—provided they are comfortable with the bidding model and payment timeline.
Ready to Find Your Next Project?
Join thousands of freelancers on Latin America’s largest marketplace. Create your free profile and start bidding on projects or entering contests today.
Create Your Free Account