With the global shift toward remote work, European companies are no longer just hiring within the EU; they’re looking outward. India has become one of their favourite destinations for top-tier freelance talent.

From tech and design to content and compliance, skilled professionals in India are finding new and lucrative European opportunities. But what does it take to break into the EU freelance market, and how do you get paid without losing money to currency conversion and platform fees?

Here, I’ll unpack how Indian freelancers can confidently step into the EU market and thrive, without getting stuck on the payment end.

Why Indian professionals are getting EU freelance gigs

Europe’s demand for digital talent has exploded, particularly in software engineering, data analysis, UI/UX design, and digital marketing. Unfortunately, the local talent pool isn’t enough.

According to the European Commission, there were over 1.6 million unfilled IT roles in 2023 alone across the EU. That gap has opened the door to skilled professionals across Asia, especially in India, where tech skills, English proficiency, and competitive pricing perfectly match.

And for Indian freelancers, the appeal is clear:

• Clients who pay in euros.
• Exposure to mature and global markets.
• Opportunities to work with big brands that value structure, process, and transparency.
• Higher hourly rates compared to local gigs.

Also read: Earn from TikTok in India without a UK bank account

Where are Indian freelancers finding EU-based jobs

Finding freelance work in the EU doesn’t always require special platforms. You just need to know where to look.

Many Indian professionals are landing clients on global platforms like Upwork, Freelancer.com, and Fiverr, which host many European buyers. These platforms offer the kind of visibility that these freelancers need. Other freelancers turn to EU-specific platforms like Malt, Twago and Worksome.

Then there’s LinkedIn, often overlooked but incredibly powerful. A well-optimised profile, clever keyword use, and a clear freelance service offering can get you noticed by EU recruiters.

Finally, remote job boards like EuropeRemotely or WeWork Remotely regularly post freelance contracts from European companies looking beyond borders.

Also read: How freelancers in India can invoice clients abroad easily

How to stand out when applying to EU gigs

If you’re applying for freelance jobs in Europe, it’s not just about skills but also trust, clarity, and alignment.

Here’s what makes a difference:

• Localise your profile: Mention timezone compatibility with Europe, awareness of GDPR, and fluency in tools commonly used by EU teams.
• Focus on communication: Europeans tend to appreciate clear, to-the-point communication. Avoid jargon, and be prompt in replies.
• Use the right platforms: Many EU clients prefer tools like Notion, Slack, Figma, and Trello. Mention your comfort with these in proposals.
• Offer flexibility: If you can adjust slightly to their working hours or commit to quick turnarounds, highlight it.

Above all, keep your portfolio fresh. EU clients are often meticulous about reviewing work samples and testimonials before deciding.

Also read: How to receive money from UK clients in India

What problems do Indian freelancers face when getting paid by EU clients?

Many Indian freelancers get stuck when it’s time to get paid. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Currency conversion fees: You get paid in euros, but lose money when converting to INR via traditional banks.
• Platform commissions: Some platforms take up to 20% of your earnings.
• Bank delays: International transfers to Indian banks can take days.

So, how do you protect your earnings and receive EUR smoothly?

How Grey helps Indian freelancers receive EUR from EU clients

Grey is built for freelancers working with international clients. With Grey, you can open a free EUR account right from India.

Here’s what that means for you:

• Receive EUR directly from EU clients into your Grey account.
• Convert to INR when you want, at some of the best exchange rates online.
• Avoid unnecessary platform fees by getting paid directly from clients via bank transfer.
• Track your earnings and conversions from a clean, intuitive dashboard.
• Access multi-currency accounts (USD and GBP) as your client base expands beyond Europe.

By cutting out the middlemen and high FX fees, you can keep more of what you earn and access it faster.

Also read: Best way to receive euros in India

The European freelance market is wide open for Indian professionals, and it’s still growing.

Create your Grey account today or download the app to enjoy inclusive global banking designed to carry your dreams across borders.

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