New to working remotely in the EU?

A friendly overview of the things people wish they'd known before their first remote job in Europe. It's general information, not legal or tax advice: rules differ by country and change over time, so always check your own situation with an official source or a qualified adviser.

1. "Remote" usually still has a map

Most remote jobs are remote within some countries. A company may only be able to hire in places where it has an office, a payroll partner, or can sign contractor agreements. That's why each job here lists where you can work from. If your country isn't listed, it's worth asking before you apply rather than after the final interview.

2. Time zones: the overlap is what matters

Europe mostly runs on three clocks: Western (Portugal, Ireland, UK), Central (most of the continent) and Eastern (Greece, Finland, Romania, the Baltics and others). The gap between them is one or two hours, so most European teams share most of the day.

• EU countries change their clocks on the same weekends (late March and late October). The US changes on different dates, so for a few weeks a year the gap with US teams shifts by an hour. We do this maths for you on every job.
• "4 hours of overlap" means 4 hours when you and the team are both at work: enough for meetings and quick questions. Less than that usually means more written, asynchronous work.

3. Employee or contractor: two very different deals

• Employee: you're on a payroll. The company (or an "Employer of Record", a service that employs people on a company's behalf) usually handles tax withholding, social security and paid leave under your country's rules.
• Contractor / freelancer: you invoice the company. In many countries this means registering as self-employed and handling your own taxes, contributions and insurance. Day rates often look higher because of this.

Neither is better in general. Compare the whole package: pay, holidays, sick leave, notice period, equipment and who pays for what.

4. Visas and the right to work

Each job here says one of these, in plain words:

• Remote from anywhere in the EU: the company can hire people living in any EU country. It usually doesn't mean they'll get you a visa.
• EU work permit required: you need to already have the right to work where you'll live (for example as an EU citizen, or with a residence permit).
• Visa sponsorship offered: the company says it can support a work visa. Ask which countries and what the process looks like.
• Relocation support offered: help with moving, such as costs or paperwork.
• Not stated: the company didn't say. A polite question early on saves everyone time.

As a general rule, citizens of EU and EEA countries (and Switzerland) can live and work in other EU countries, while others normally need a permit. Official information is on the EU's Your Europe portal and your national immigration authority.

5. Taxes and social security, in one breath

Where you live and work usually matters more than where the company is. Spending long stretches in another country, or working from several, can change things. Your local tax office or a qualified adviser can tell you what applies to you.

6. Salary: you should see a number

Every job on Timezoned shows a salary range. EU rules on pay transparency are moving the same way, with countries bringing in requirements to share pay ranges with candidates. If a range is in another currency or per day, we show a rough yearly euro figure next to it, just as a guide.

7. Questions worth asking in the first call

• Which countries can you hire in, and will I be an employee or a contractor?
• Which hours do you need me online, and in which time zone?
• Is the salary range gross or net, and does it include bonuses?
• Who provides the laptop and pays for home-office costs?
• How many meetings does a typical week have?

8. Red flags

• Being asked to pay for training, equipment or "processing" before you start.
• Interviews only over chat, with an offer within hours.
• Requests for ID documents or bank details before a written offer.

If something feels off, it probably is. Real employers don't mind questions.