Remote Work as a Developer in India: Complete Guide

I've worked remotely for 3 years now—first for a Bangalore startup, then a US company. The freedom is real, but so are the challenges. Here's everything I've learned.

Finding Remote Jobs

Platforms That Work

For Indian Companies:

• remoteindian.com (curated)
• LinkedIn (filter: Remote)
• AngelList (startup focus)
• Instahyre

For International Companies:

• remote.co
• wellfound.com (formerly AngelList Talent)
• weworkremotely.com
• Toptal (competitive screening)
• Turing.com

Keywords That Help

• "Remote-first"
• "Async-friendly"
• "Distributed team"
• "Global team"

Red Flags

• "Remote but must be available 9-6 US time" (3 AM - 12 PM IST)
• Vague about communication expectations
• No set meeting times
• Hourly tracking software

Time Zone Management

The Math

Making It Work

1. Protect your morning: Deep work before calls
2. Batch meetings: All calls in the overlapping window
3. Async by default: Write instead of meeting
4. Clear boundaries: Log off at a consistent time

Home Office Setup

Essentials

• Good chair: Invest ₹15-20k, your back will thank you
• External monitor: 24" minimum, preferably 27"
• Mechanical keyboard: ₹3-5k range is solid
• Quality headphones: For calls and focus
• Backup internet: Jio/Airtel fiber + mobile hotspot

Nice to Have

• Standing desk converter
• Ring light for video calls
• Ergonomic mouse
• Monitor arm

Total investment: ₹50-80k for a proper setup. It pays off.

Communication Best Practices

Write Everything Down

## Context
We need to update the user authentication flow.

## Problem
Current OAuth integration is causing 5% of login failures.

## Proposed Solution
Switch from [x] to [y] because [reason].

## Questions
1. Timeline expectations?
2. Any blockers I should know about?

Be Explicit About Availability

I'll be offline 3-5 PM IST for [reason].
Will respond to urgent messages on Slack mobile.
For anything else, will reply by 7 PM IST.

Master Async Communication

• Reply within your timezone's working hours
• Use Loom for explanations
• Document decisions in Notion/Confluence
• Default to public channels, not DMs

Staying Productive

The Discipline Challenge

No commute = no transition. Create your own:

• Morning routine before opening laptop
• Dedicated workspace (not the bed)
• End-of-day ritual (walk, shutdown routine)

Deep Work Blocks

9 AM - 12 PM: Deep work (Slack notifications off)
12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch
1 PM - 4 PM: Collaborative work (meetings, Slack)
4 PM - 6 PM: Deep work or wrap up

Combating Isolation

• Weekly video calls with team (cameras on)
• Virtual coffee chats
• Coworking space 1-2 days/week
• Active in developer communities

Tax and Legal Considerations

Working for Indian Companies

Standard employment, TDS handled by employer.

Working for Foreign Companies

• Paid as contractor (usually)
• You handle taxes (advance tax quarterly)
• Consider registering as sole proprietor or LLP
• GST: Required if over ₹20L annual income
• Consult a CA familiar with freelancer taxation

Is Remote Right for You?

Good fit if:

• Self-disciplined
• Strong written communicator
• Enjoy autonomy
• Have quiet home workspace

Challenging if:

• Need social interaction to stay motivated
• Struggle with self-structure
• Live in high-distraction environment

Remote work is freedom with responsibility. Set it up right, and it's life-changing.