Why Do Some Remote Jobs Require a Location? (2024)

Is this your first move into the remote job market? It can be confusing to sort through the various ways remote jobs are categorized. You were likely surprised to discover that not all remote jobs allow you the freedom to work on the go. And yet, there are others that allow you to work from anywhere with internet access.

Rather than try and guess your way through it, take a look at the information we’ve gathered. Understanding how location impacts remote job opportunities ensures you can strategize your search for long-term career development.

Why Remote Jobs Have Location Requirements

At first glance, it might seem like where you work shouldn’t matter if you’re working remotely. However, there are actually quite a few reasons why companies set boundaries around their teams’ remote work locations.

1. Certifications

Some jobs, like teachers or lawyers, require state-issued certifications or licenses that dictate where an employee can work. If an employer does business in a certain state, they’ll need to recruit local employees with the proper credentials.

This can be true of virtual vocations as well. For example, a telemedicine physicianmight be required to hold certifications in both their home state and the state of the patient. That is primarily determined by individual state law.

2. Clients

Some jobs require workers to live near their current or future client base. Sales jobs and project management jobs, for example, might require in-person meetings to close deals or update stakeholders.

Along with proximity, companies might prefer team members familiar with the local culture, norms, and customs of their key client base. This is especially true if you’re working with clients overseas where cultural norms can have a significant impact on business.

3. Corporate Preference

Some companies prioritize having employees in similar time zones or regional clusters to streamline communication and collaboration. For instance, if most of a company’s team is based in New York, even a “remote” employee may be required to be based somewhere within the state to ensure they’re available for crucial team meetings or client calls.

4. Legal and Tax Considerations

Companies often have to navigate a complex web of employment and tax laws, along with various business regulations. It’s often simpler and more cost-effective to hire employees from locations where the company is already established and familiar with the legal landscape.

5. Meetings

Even if you work from home, some companies want you to be in close proximity to company offices for in-person meetings. Meetings may be weekly, monthly, or quarterly, but employers might want to bring the team together for routine face-to-face meetings.

6. Office Work

Hybrid remote roles generally require you to head into the office a few days each week. That could be for in-person meetings, training sessions, or team-building events. You’ll need to live within a reasonable distance of the office to maintain a regular commute.

7. Time Zones

For roles that require frequent real-time collaboration, such as those insoftware developmentor customer service, being in drastically different time zones can be a challenge. It can hinder synchronous communication, leading to delays or inefficiencies.

8.Travel

For travel-heavy jobs, an employer may want employees to either be located near the region they’ll be traveling to frequently or close to main transport hubs so they can easily access airports and public transportation.

How to Search for Remote Jobs Based on Location

Once you’ve got your heart set on a destination, the FlexJobs database makes it easy for you to find a job matching your career goals. Whether you’re searching for a remote job that you can do from anywhere or considering remote work in your home state, here’s how to find a remote job based on location.

Navigate to the “Jobs by Location” page to search by the following categories:

• U.S. National remote jobs can be worked from anywhere in the United States.
• Anywhere remote jobs can be done from anywhere in the world.
• Search for remote jobs by state to find jobs that you can do from specific states in the U.S.
• Search for remote jobs by country to find opportunitites in Australia, Canada, Germany,India,Japan, Mexico, Poland, the United Kingdom, and other international locations.

To refine your location search even more (by city, zip code, or country not listed above), visit the “Advanced Job Search” page and choose your location and desired remote work level. The Remote Job Market Map can also provide valuable insight into which states have the most remote jobs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Work Location Requirements

Looking for a quick answer to some of your remote work location questions? We’ve gathered the answers to some common questions about remote work locations.

1. Can an Employer Dictate Where You Work Remotely?

Yes. Due to state laws that the employer is subject to, the employer can dictate where you’re able to work. Review the job description carefully or ask the hiring manager for clarification if the location requirements seem unclear.

2. Can You Work Remotely From Another State?

Where you work is determined by each employer. If you need to work out of state while you’re traveling or caring for a loved one, you’ll need to verify the policies specific to each employer.

Generally, there are time limits in place. For example, you might find that you’re not required to notify your employer if you’re only going to be working out of state for two weeks or less.

3. Can You Work Remotely From Another Country?

Along with company policies, you’ll need to research the visa requirements for the countries you’re interested in traveling and working in. Most will have limitations on the time that you can reside in the country and work. As remote work becomes more prevalent, more countries are offering visas to digital nomads, targeting remote workers from overseas.

4. If You Work Remotely, Can You Live Anywhere?

Not necessarily. Many remote jobs will have location requirements. To have complete location freedom, you can focus your job search on companies and listings specifically labeled “work from anywhere.”

5. What Does “Remote in State” Mean?

If you see a job posting that says “remote in state,” it means you can only work in the same state as your employer, but you’re not necessarily expected to work on-site routinely or live within commuting distance of any company offices. Some roles, such as for insurance or mortgage jobs, might require you to obtain official state licensing.

Find the Perfect Remote Job for You

With a clearer picture of the reasoning behind remote work location requirements, you’re ready to jump into your job search. Knowing where you want to be located while you’re working remotely is key to finding a new role supporting your long-term career goals.