The remote work revolution that gained momentum during the pandemic has reshaped the global workforce—permanently. What started as a necessity quickly evolved into a preferred working model for millions of professionals worldwide. With flexibility, autonomy, and global opportunities now high on job seekers’ wish lists, companies are responding by not just allowing remote work but actively hiring for it.
If you’re looking to build your career from anywhere in 2025, the good news is: the remote job market is thriving. A growing number of companies are embracing fully distributed teams or hybrid models with flexible remote options. In this article, we highlight nine standout companies that are not only remote-friendly—but remote-first, offering a wide range of roles for global talent.
Let’s dive into the companies you should keep your eye on if remote work is your goal in 2025.
1. Canonical – The Powerhouse Behind Ubuntu
Canonical is the company behind Ubuntu, the world’s most popular open-source Linux-based operating system used extensively in cloud computing and enterprise environments. Known for its strong engineering culture and innovation in open-source software, Canonical is a truly remote-first company with employees working from all corners of the globe.
Why it’s great for remote workers:
- Fully remote structure
- Positions across engineering, operations, and marketing
- Focus on autonomous work with global collaboration
- High-impact roles in emerging tech like AI, cloud infrastructure, and security
Whether you’re a software engineer, product manager, or technical writer, Canonical’s commitment to open source and distributed work makes it an ideal destination for remote professionals.
2. Automattic – Building the Web, Remotely
Automattic, the parent company of WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Tumblr, and Jetpack, has long been a pioneer of remote work. With no central office and a workforce spread across more than 90 countries, Automattic has created a thriving distributed work environment built on trust, communication, and asynchronous collaboration.
What makes Automattic stand out:
- 100% distributed team since its inception
- Remote roles across engineering, design, customer support, and business development
- Annual company meetups to foster real-world connection
- Generous benefits including sabbaticals and paid parental leave
Automattic’s strong track record of managing remote teams successfully positions it as a leader in remote-first company culture.
3. InVision – Design Collaboration Without Borders
InVision offers a powerful digital product design platform used by some of the world’s largest companies. From prototypes to workflow management tools, InVision supports the full design process—and does so with a fully remote team.
Why remote professionals love InVision:
- Global, remote-first team
- Roles in UX/UI, engineering, product management, and marketing
- Commitment to employee well-being and diversity
- Strong culture of asynchronous communication
If you’re a designer or product thinker looking for a creative, collaborative environment, InVision offers a place where location doesn’t limit your impact.
4. GitLab – A Blueprint for Remote Work Success
GitLab is perhaps one of the most well-known fully remote companies. Its DevSecOps platform enables organizations to manage every stage of the software development lifecycle. More importantly, GitLab has built a comprehensive and transparent remote culture, with its entire employee handbook available publicly online.
Why GitLab is a remote work leader:
- 100% remote with employees in over 65 countries
- Open and transparent internal documentation
- Frequent virtual social events and wellbeing initiatives
- Positions ranging from engineering to sales and people operations
GitLab’s radical transparency and commitment to remote culture make it a great fit for professionals who value openness and flexibility.
5. Zapier – Automating Workflows, Empowering Teams
Zapier helps users automate repetitive tasks by connecting over 5,000 web apps through easy-to-use workflows. As a fully remote company, Zapier has built its success on empowering both users and employees to get more done with less friction.
Top reasons to work remotely at Zapier:
- Fully remote since its founding
- Remote opportunities in engineering, customer support, data, and content
- Exceptional documentation and onboarding processes
- Strong emphasis on work-life balance and asynchronous communication
Zapier’s culture of trust, autonomy, and transparency creates an empowering environment for remote professionals to thrive.
6. Toptal – Connecting Top Talent with Top Clients
Toptal is a global network of top freelancers in software development, design, finance, and project management. It operates a unique model, matching elite professionals with companies that need world-class talent on demand.
Why Toptal is ideal for remote experts:
- Entirely remote and global workforce
- Flexible freelance and full-time opportunities
- High-caliber clients including Fortune 500 companies
- Rigorous screening ensures top-tier professional networks
Toptal’s exclusive talent model rewards excellence and flexibility, making it an appealing option for freelancers and independent professionals who want control over their work and schedule.
7. Doist – Makers of Productivity Tools, Remotely
Doist is the creator of popular productivity apps like Todoist and Twist. Built around asynchronous work and a strong remote ethos, Doist walks the talk when it comes to enabling productive remote teams.
Remote-friendly features at Doist:
- Remote-first team across 35+ countries
- Focus on async work using their own tools
- Roles in design, software engineering, and customer success
- Culture built on long-term thinking and work-life balance
Doist attracts professionals who want meaningful work with minimal meetings and a calm, focused work environment.
8. Buffer – Social Media with a Human Touch
Buffer is a popular social media management platform with a longstanding commitment to transparency, employee well-being, and remote work. With a globally distributed team, Buffer has embraced a remote-first approach supported by values of empathy, openness, and balance.
Why Buffer is a top pick for remote workers:
- Fully remote with team members in over 15 countries
- Publicly shared salaries and financials
- Unlimited vacation policy and 4-day work weeks
- Opportunities in marketing, product, and engineering
Buffer’s people-first policies and transparent operations make it a standout for anyone seeking meaningful, sustainable remote work.
9. Remote – Helping Companies Hire Remotely
True to its name, Remote offers global HR and payroll services that help companies hire and manage international workers. With a mission to simplify global employment, Remote is itself a fully remote company supporting employees and contractors in over 70 countries.
Why work remotely at Remote:
- Mission-driven team focused on global equity in employment
- Roles in legal, HR, engineering, and customer success
- Generous benefits including equity and flexible time off
- Strong emphasis on inclusion, diversity, and global mobility
- Remote is not just enabling the future of work—it’s actively building it from the inside out.
Final Thoughts: Remote Work Is No Longer a Perk—It’s the Future
As we move deeper into 2025, the shift toward distributed teams is not just holding—it’s accelerating. These nine companies aren’t just passively allowing remote work; they’re intentionally designing cultures, systems, and policies to support it.
For job seekers, this means more opportunities than ever to find fulfilling, high-impact roles—no matter where you live. Whether you’re a software engineer in South America, a product designer in Europe, or a marketer in Southeast Asia, remote work is unlocking doors to global careers.
Key Takeaways:
- Remote-first companies are leading the way in innovation, inclusion, and flexibility.
- Asynchronous communication and global collaboration are the new norms.
- Companies that embrace transparency and trust are seeing higher engagement and retention.
- The remote job market is diversifying, with roles beyond tech—customer support, finance, HR, and content are all growing.
So, if you’re planning your next career move, consider applying to companies that aren’t just remote-friendly—they’re remote-first. These organizations are shaping the future of work, and you can be a part of it.
