How To Find Remote Jobs In Europe

Introduction.

Finding a remote job has become a lot easier in recent years, but if you’re specifically looking for remote work in Europe, there are some unique challenges and benefits to consider.

Whether you’re already in Europe or planning to work from another continent, you can tap into the growing number of companies offering remote roles.

But how exactly do you land one? What should you be focusing on, and where should you look?

In this article, I’ll walk through everything from the best job platforms to explore, the key skills needed, and the pros and cons of remote work in Europe.

How Do I Find Remote Jobs In Europe?

The shift to remote work saw a major boost with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Eurostat, around 12.3% of employed Europeans worked from home in 2022, a figure that’s been growing steadily. Countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, and Finland are leading in offering flexible work options.

However, the trend isn’t just limited to northern Europe—many companies across the continent have embraced remote or hybrid models.

With more businesses adopting this style of work, the demand for remote roles has increased, and competition can be fierce.

To stand out, it’s essential to know where to look and how to present yourself as an ideal remote worker.

1. Where to Find Remote Jobs in Europe.

The first step is knowing where to look for remote job postings. Here are some of the best job platforms tailored for finding remote work across Europe:

LinkedIn: It’s no surprise that LinkedIn has emerged as one of the top job-searching platforms globally. What many people don’t realize is that you can filter job searches by remote work options. Adding “Europe” to your search can help you find positions within a suitable time zone.
We Work Remotely: This site is one of the largest communities for remote workers and often has a dedicated section for European roles.
Remote OK: Remote OK offers a filter to find jobs by region, and European companies frequently post here, especially in tech, marketing, and design roles.
Job Boards Specific to Europe: Websites like EuropeRemotely and Remotive focus specifically on remote jobs within Europe. These platforms are a great starting point if you’re targeting EU-based companies.
AngelList: Particularly for startup enthusiasts, AngelList is a goldmine for finding remote positions with early-stage companies across Europe.
Local Job Boards: Sometimes, it’s worth checking regional job boards specific to certain European countries. For example, platforms like Stepstone are popular in Germany, while Welcome to the Jungle is big in France. Many of these job boards have a “remote work” option that you can select.

2. Networking: An Underrated Strategy.

You can’t underestimate the power of networking, especially in Europe, where word of mouth still holds considerable value.

Reaching out to former colleagues, attending virtual meetups, and participating in online communities (on platforms like Slack, Discord, or even Reddit) can sometimes help you discover opportunities that aren’t even posted publicly.

Join professional communities tailored to remote workers in Europe or specific industries like tech, writing, or digital marketing.

Not only will you meet others in the same boat, but you’ll also get insights into what companies are currently hiring.

3. Build Skills That Matter for Remote Work.

Landing a remote job is about more than just being good at your core skillset. Remote work demands additional competencies such as self-discipline, time management, and great communication. Here are some skills employers actively seek in remote candidates:

Digital Collaboration: Knowing how to use tools like Slack, Zoom, Trello, and Asana is crucial.
Self-management: Employers want workers who can be productive without much supervision.
Cross-cultural Communication: If you’re working for a European company, chances are your teammates will be from various countries, so having a good grasp of intercultural communication can be a huge plus.

There are also some free and paid courses online (like Coursera, Udemy, or even company-provided programs) to sharpen your skills in remote working tools.

Pros and Cons of Working Remotely in Europe

Pros:

Work-life balance: European countries, particularly in the North, are known for their progressive work-life balance policies, even for remote workers. Countries like Denmark and Finland have some of the lowest average working hours per week.
Freedom to work from anywhere: As long as you stay in similar time zones, you can travel around the continent while working.
Great social benefits: If you’re employed by a European company, you can often benefit from perks like healthcare, pensions, and ample vacation time, even if you work remotely.

Cons:

Time zone challenges: If you’re not based in Europe, working in European time zones might require early mornings or late evenings. Depending on your location, this could impact your productivity or personal life.
Visa or tax complications: Non-European citizens working remotely for European companies may face tax or visa challenges, depending on the country they reside in.
Cultural differences: Europe is diverse, and each country has its own work culture. For instance, the laid-back attitude in Spain might not align with a more structured approach in Germany. Learning how to navigate these differences is key to a successful remote career in Europe.