Fully remote jobs DO exist!

Over 16% of companies worldwide are now fully remote. That number is only growing. Businesses are ditching expensive office leases, hiring globally, and embracing remote work as their default mode of operation.

But let’s be honest. Not all remote jobs are created equal. Some companies claim to be “remote-friendly” but still expect you to be online from 9-to-5 in a specific time zone. Others suddenly demand in-office meetings after you’ve already built a home office. That’s not true remote work—it’s just office work in disguise.

A remote-first company is different. It’s built for remote work. It doesn’t just tolerate it—it thrives on it. Everything, from communication to culture, is designed for a distributed workforce. No awkward hybrid policies. No sudden return-to-office emails. Just pure location independence.

So, how do you find these companies? How do you know if a business is truly remote-first or just using it as a buzzword? And more importantly, how do you land a job at one?

This guide has you covered. You’ll learn what makes a company remote-first, where to find them, and how to position yourself as the perfect candidate. Let’s get started.

What Are Remote-First Companies? Why Do They Matter?

A remote-first company is an organization where remote work is the default, not just an option. Unlike hybrid companies, which still prioritize office presence, remote-first companies build their entire culture, operations, and workflows around distributed teams.

Why does this matter? Because remote-first companies offer more flexibility, better work-life balance, and access to global opportunities. You’re not just working from home; you’re part of a company designed to function without a physical office. No awkward “mandatory office days” or unnecessary in-person meetings. Just pure, location-independent work freedom.

Some of the biggest names in tech and business—like Automattic, Zapier, and GitLab—have fully embraced this model. And the best part? They’re hiring.

10 Remote-First Companies That You’ll Love

1. GitLab

GitLab doesn’t just embrace remote—they’ve made it their superpower. No office, no commutes, just a completely remote team spread across the globe, collaborating like pros. Their secret? They’ve open-sourced everything. Their company handbook is legendary—it’s like a how-to guide for anyone looking to master remote work. Whether you’re a developer, marketer, or HR whiz, GitLab knows how to make remote work work and they’re not shy about sharing the secrets.

2. Zapier

If automation is your jam, Zapier is the dream company for you. These folks have been remote-first since day one, which means they really know how to get things done without sharing an office. Spread out across 40+ countries, Zapier employees have the freedom to work when and where they’re happiest. They’re all about balancing work and life and making sure you’re getting more time for, well, whatever makes you happy—be that baking sourdough or exploring nature.

3. Buffer

Buffer is a classic in the remote-first game, and they’ve set the bar high. They’ve got a fully distributed team, and they believe in transparency. They share pretty much everything: salaries, company goals, and even their struggles. If you want to be part of a team that’s genuinely open—like, everyone-knows-everything open—and really believes in building people up, Buffer might be the crew for you. They make tools to simplify social media, but they also genuinely care about simplifying life.

4. Doist

Doist, the company behind Todoist, believes work should support your life, not take over it. They build productivity tools, but they’re also all about thoughtful working. No “hustle till you drop” here—just a bunch of amazing people working remotely across 25+ countries, helping others make the most of their time. Flexibility is king at Doist, and they encourage everyone to find their most productive rhythm, whether it’s in the morning, evening, or sometime in between.

5. Toptal

Toptal connects top freelancers with clients, but their internal team is just as globally spread out. Want to work in your PJs from a mountainside chalet? Sure, why not? Toptal focuses on hiring the top 3% of talent, so if you want to be surrounded (virtually) by people who are great at what they do and never step foot in an office, you’re in good company.

6. Automattic

You’ve probably heard of WordPress. Well, Automattic is the company behind it, and they are all about remote life. They’re a 100% distributed workforce, which means you can be part of building one of the world’s biggest websites from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. Automattic employees have the freedom to craft their ideal work environment, and they don’t have to worry about being tied to a desk—ever.

7. Hotjar

Want to help improve the web and do it from a hammock? Hotjar’s your go-to. This company is all about understanding user behavior, and its team is scattered across more than 20 countries. They value work-life harmony (not just balance), meaning they care as much about your personal growth as they do about hitting KPIs. Plus, they’re super invested in creating an open, supportive remote culture.

8. InVision

InVision’s got the design world on lock, and they’ve managed to do it all without offices. Their team designs amazing products that help creatives work together, and they’re spread across the globe doing it. At InVision, they really walk the talk—remote-first isn’t a policy, it’s a lifestyle. They’re proof you can be creative and connected without sharing a workspace.

9. GitHub

GitHub, where millions of developers share code, is also a place where remote work thrives. Since being acquired by Microsoft, they’ve managed to maintain a culture that embraces flexibility and autonomy. They know that a great developer could be anywhere, and they’ve built a culture that supports that freedom.

10. Shopify

Shopify made headlines when they decided to go fully remote—and they’re sticking with it. This e-commerce powerhouse lets their workforce stay location-independent, creating an environment where creativity and productivity can thrive no matter where in the world you are. They’re proof that a major company can successfully pivot and adapt to new ways of working—and they’re never looking back.

Top 10 Remote Job Boards

1. We Work Remotely

This is the mother of all remote job boards. We Work Remotely features a huge variety of jobs—whether you’re into software dev, marketing, sales, or customer support, you’ll find it here. The best part? It’s no-nonsense, easy to navigate, and companies like Google, Amazon, and Basecamp often post listings here. It’s like a giant billboard for remote work, with thousands of people using it every day to find their next adventure.

2. Remote.co

Think of Remote.co as a concierge service for remote jobs. It’s curated, which means they weed out the junk and keep only solid, high-quality listings. Plus, they add a bit more personality by including Q&As with the companies. This way, you get a feel for the company culture and what it’s like to work there before you even hit ‘apply.’ It’s great for anyone looking for more context on the jobs and companies they’re considering.

3. FlexJobs

Sure, it’s a paid service, but FlexJobs is top-notch for those who don’t want to sift through scams and irrelevant postings. You get access to a highly vetted selection of remote, part-time, and freelance jobs across dozens of industries. And it’s not just tech—they cover everything from HR and education to customer service and health. Plus, they offer skills testing and career coaching if you need a little extra help to stand out from the crowd.

4. Remote OK

Remote OK is where remote jobs of all shapes and sizes hang out. You can filter jobs by categories like developer, non-tech, marketing, and even “no experience” roles. It’s super visually friendly—colour-coded categories make it easy to spot what you’re looking for fast. They also rank companies by how remote-friendly they are, so you know if that “remote” job is actually remote, or just an excuse to make you go hybrid.

5. JustRemote

This one’s pretty straightforward, and that’s what makes it so awesome. JustRemote is designed to get you to the job listings without a lot of extra clutter. What sets it apart is their “Power Search,” which helps you discover jobs that aren’t even advertised publicly. It covers all the bases, from design and tech to sales, giving you a wide range of non-tech remote options too. You won’t have to waste time clicking on irrelevant jobs—everything here is truly remote.

6. Wellfound (formerly AngelList)

If you’re all about startups, Wellfound is the spot for remote opportunities. You can find roles in some of the hottest up-and-coming companies, and it’s particularly great for anyone wanting to get into early-stage tech. The job application process is smooth—you apply directly, and you get to see salary and equity upfront (no guesswork needed). Plus, you get to be part of something growing from the ground up, which is pretty exciting if you ask me.

7. Working Nomads

Calling all digital nomads! This job board curates remote jobs that are perfectly suited for life on the move. Whether you want to hop from café to café or country to country, Working Nomads has listings that will let you do just that. They focus on jobs that are compatible with flexible hours and truly remote lifestyles, covering areas like content writing, marketing, programming, and more. It’s built for people who want a laptop and a change of scenery.

8. Jobspresso

Jobspresso prides itself on being “curated,” meaning only the good stuff makes it through. They handpick every listing, so the quality is top-notch—no junk listings, and definitely no scams. You’ll find professional remote jobs in tech, customer support, and even management roles. Plus, Jobspresso lets you post your resume so potential employers can find you. It’s perfect for those who want to feel confident that every opportunity is legit and worth their time.

9. Remotive

Remotive is more than just a job board—it’s a community. They offer listings for all sorts of remote work, from design and engineering to HR and customer service. But what makes Remotive extra cool is their Slack community, where remote workers share tips, job leads, and even vent about the struggles of digital nomad life. It’s like finding a group of friends who get you, and they happen to know about some killer job opportunities.

10. SkipTheDrive

SkipTheDrive is all about—you guessed it—skipping that daily drive to the office. Their job board focuses on finding you legitimate remote jobs across a wide range of fields, including finance, healthcare, customer support, and IT. They also include helpful resources like a calculator that shows how much money (and time) you save by working remotely. It’s easy to use, and you’ll find roles for all experience levels, which is perfect if you’re just getting started in the remote world.

The Bottom Line

Remote-first companies are leading the way to a future where work is flexible, fun, and on your terms. Whether you’re aiming to be part of a company that operates entirely without borders or just want to find your next great gig without ever having to leave your living room, these companies and job boards have got you covered. It’s time to ditch the daily commute, embrace flexibility, and find a job that fits your life—not the other way around.

How to Identify a Remote-First Company (Before You Apply)

Not all remote jobs are created equal. Some companies say they’re remote-friendly, but in reality, they still expect employees to live near HQ or attend in-person meetings. Here’s how to tell if a company is truly remote-first.

🔍 Check the Job Listing Language

• Does it say “Work from anywhere” or just “Remote work possible”?

• Does it mention time zone flexibility?

🏢 Look at Their Careers Page

• Remote-first companies often have a dedicated page explaining how they operate remotely.

• Examples: Zapier’s remote culture or GitLab’s all-remote handbook.

💬 Read Employee Reviews

• Check Glassdoor, Blind, and Reddit to see if employees mention remote policies and culture.

🌎 See Where Employees Are Based

• A true remote-first company will have employees spread globally, not just in one city or country.

• Check their LinkedIn employee list or company blog for insights.

The Benefits of Working for a Remote-First Company

Why should you prioritize remote-first companies over hybrid or remote-friendly ones? Because they understand remote work.

🕒 Work-Life Balance – No commuting. No unnecessary meetings. Just more time for what matters.

🌎 Global Job Market – You’re not limited to local opportunities—get hired by top companies anywhere in the world.

💰 Competitive Salaries & Benefits – Many remote-first companies offer stipends for home offices, internet, and even co-working spaces.

📅 Asynchronous Work – No need to be online 9-to-5. Work when you’re most productive.

When you work for a company built for remote work, you don’t have to fight for flexibility—it’s already part of the culture.

How to Apply and Get Hired by Remote-First Companies

Now that you know which companies are remote-first, here’s how to land a job at one:

✔️ Optimize Your Resume for Remote Jobs – Highlight remote work experience, list tools you’re proficient in (Slack, Zoom, Asana), and emphasize self-discipline.

✔️ Prepare for Remote Job Interviews – Be ready to discuss how you handle remote challenges, time management, and virtual collaboration.

✔️ Showcase Your Tech Skills – Even if you’re not in a tech role, familiarity with remote work software is a big plus.

✔️ Network in Remote Communities – Join remote job boards, Slack groups, and LinkedIn communities for insider opportunities.

✔️ Apply Directly on Company Websites – Some remote-first companies don’t post on job boards to avoid mass applications. Always check their careers page.

Conclusion: The Future is Remote-First—Don’t Get Left Behind

The days of mandatory office commutes and pointless in-person meetings are fading fast. Companies that cling to outdated work models will struggle to attract top talent. The smart ones? They’ve already gone remote-first.

If you want true flexibility, don’t settle for companies that only allow remote work. Find ones that are built for it. They hire globally, trust their employees to work independently, and create policies that make sense in a digital world. No micromanagement. No pointless time tracking. Just results-driven work.

And the best part? They’re hiring. Right now.

So, polish your resume. Highlight your remote-friendly skills. Start applying directly to companies that have fully embraced the remote-first mindset. The future of work isn’t coming—it’s already here. The only question is: Will you be part of it?

FAQ

• What is a remote-first company?

  A remote-first company is an organization where remote work is the default, not just an option. These companies design their operations, culture, and communication to function without a physical office, allowing employees to work from anywhere with no expectation of in-person attendance.

• Is Netflix a remote-first company?

  No, Netflix is not a remote-first company. While some roles allow remote work, Netflix emphasizes in-person collaboration and expects most employees to work from offices.

• Is OpenAI a remote-first company?

  No, OpenAI is not fully remote-first. While they offer some remote opportunities, the company has office locations and encourages in-person collaboration for certain teams.

• How to build a remote-first company?

  To build a remote-first company, focus on:

  ✔️ Clear remote policies – Set expectations for communication, availability, and workflows.

  ✔️ Asynchronous collaboration – Use tools like Slack, Notion, and Asana to reduce reliance on real-time meetings.

  ✔️ Global hiring – Prioritize talent over location.

  ✔️ Remote-friendly benefits – Offer stipends for home offices, internet, and co-working spaces.

  ✔️ Trust and autonomy – Measure success by results, not hours worked.