The demand for skilled software developers has reached unprecedented levels, particularly after the pandemic, after which companies are pursuing digital transformation more than ever. Due to unfavorable conditions in the local labor market such as inflation, rising hiring costs and soaring living expenses, many employers are looking to supplement their local talent pool with international talent from low-cost economies.

In this blog post, we'll explore the top 12 countries for hiring developers based on the talent pool size, hiring costs, and developer expertise. Keep reading to discover the optimal countries for developer recruitment and how Gloroots can simplify your global employee lifecycle management—all in one centralized platform.

Top 12 Countries to Hire Developer

India

India stands out as a highly sought-after destination for hiring developers due to its abundant pool of skilled and experienced professionals. Indian developers are renowned for their technical skills and are often preferred for their cost-effectiveness. A significant contributor to India's leadership in technology and software development is its strong emphasis on math and science education. India’s education system is also consistently producing developers into its labor market, with approximately 34% of students pursuing degrees in STEM fields, balancing supply and demand, consequently capping developer costs.

The vibrant startup ecosystem in India and the opportunity to engage in innovative projects make it a preferred choice for tech companies. The cost advantage, complemented by a favorable exchange rate, enables companies to access top-tier talent at a reduced cost.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate India’s talent pool and hire from India:

China

China's dynamic tech industry and its strong focus on STEM education have catalyzed the emergence of a highly skilled developer workforce. Positioned as a global technology leader, China boasts unique expertise across various domains of software development. Government data from China reveals that the country's big tech sector employs over seven million professionals, including software developers, programmers, artificial intelligence (AI) trainers, and data scientists.

This talent pool is projected to expand further in the coming years. According to Statista, the global developer population is set to reach 28.7 million by 2024, marking a 3.2 million increase from 2020. Notably, much of this growth will be concentrated in China, where the developer community is expected to grow by 6% to 8% as of 2023.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate China’s talent pool and hire from China:

Canada

Canada stands out as a top choice for companies in need of skilled programmers proficient in Java, C++, and Python. In 2021, cities like Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto experienced a remarkable 6% growth in skills related to React, SQL, Java, and Node.js, surpassing many top cities in the U.S. where growth was under 5%. Toronto, in particular, has emerged as a tech powerhouse in North America, witnessing substantial expansion with nearly 90,000 new tech jobs added between 2016 and 2021. This growth is largely attributed to Toronto's strong higher education system, which has fueled the city's tech ecosystem.

US-based hiring managers benefit from the English proficiency of Canadian workers, who also operate within minimal time zone differences with American tech companies. Moreover, web development costs can be lower compared to the US due to competitive exchange rates.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate Canada talent pool and help you hire from Canada:

‍Romania

Romania shines in the tech domain, boasting a thriving start-up ecosystem that's gaining global recognition. Fueled by a growing number of successful ventures and a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, Romania is rapidly evolving into a hub of innovation and technological progress. The country's IT industry exhibits an impressive annual growth rate of 14.3%, with tech-related activities contributing approximately 6% to its entire GDP. Projections suggest these figures will double by 2025, showcasing Romania's promising trajectory in the tech landscape.

Over the past decade, foreign tech investment in Romania has surged, increasing fourfold. Bucharest, the capital city, stands out as a key player, accounting for about two-thirds of the country's market revenue.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate Romania’s talent pool and hire from Romania:

‍Brazil

The Brazilian workforce stands out for its youthful demographics and strong tech acumen, characterized by a spirit of creativity and innovation not commonly found in more established markets. Brazil is often sought after for junior developer talent, with competitive salaries that are generally lower than those in other parts of the world, making it an affordable destination for talent acquisition.

The Brazilian IT market, valued at $46 billion, commands a significant 40% market share in Latin America. The country boasts a burgeoning tech sector with over half a million software developers. Brazil's youth-oriented workforce is complemented by world-class computer science education programs.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate Brazil’s talent pool and  hire from Brazil :

Argentina

Argentina has emerged as a rapidly growing powerhouse in the Latin American IT market, credited to its robust educational system and high-quality public universities. The majority of the workforce is multilingual, making Argentina a consistently popular choice for companies seeking outsourcing opportunities.

Tech companies are increasingly drawn to this South American hub, thanks in part to government incentives offered to software companies establishing a presence in the country. Argentina's young, bilingual workforce and esteemed public universities contribute to its allure as an outsourcing destination. Notably, cities like Cordoba and Buenos Aires consistently rank among the world's best for outsourcing.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate Argentina’s talent pool and hire from Argentina:

 United States of America

The United States stands as a cornerstone for top-tier software development talent globally, with Silicon Valley serving as a premier center for technological innovation. Developers in the US benefit from access to state-of-the-art tools and technologies, showcasing robust technical prowess and adept problem-solving skills. Their expertise extends to navigating various compliance programs, such as HIPAA and PCI-DSS, which informs risk management, security measures, and policy implementations.

However, it's essential to note that hiring developers in the US comes with a relatively high cost and often entails competition for top talent.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate USA’s talent pool.

 Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has become a favored destination for tech startups, the country boasts a rich history of technological innovation and a well-developed IT sector, ranking among the top global hubs for software, game, and web development. Each year, thousands of students graduate from STEM programs, further fueling the tech talent pool.

As a member of the EU, the Czech Republic adheres to European data protection laws, making it a reliable choice for tech investments. With a corporate tax rate of 19%, the country encourages investment in its thriving tech sector, which comprises approximately 104,000 professional developers. Collaborating across Europe is seamless due to minimal cultural differences.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate Czech Republic’s talent pool:

‍Ukraine

Ukraine has emerged as a rising star in the software development arena, boasting a substantial pool of talented and experienced developers. Despite ongoing challenges, such as the conflict, Ukraine's tech industry continues to grow. Between 2016 and 2021, the country's IT exports tripled to nearly $7 billion annually, according to the IT Ukraine Association. HackerRank recognizes Ukrainian developers for their excellence in coding competitions, particularly those focused on security. Ukraine consistently excels in global rankings for C++ programming knowledge and offers a favorable time zone alignment with other European countries and the North American East Coast.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate Ukraine’s talent pool:

 Poland

Poland has gained recognition for its exceptional Java proficiency, with Polish programmers ranking first in assessments by HackerRank. The Eastern European nation is home to over 430,000 IT specialist, constituting 8% of its GDP. Similar to Ukraine, Poland's favorable time zone facilitates seamless collaboration with clients across Europe. Approximately one-third of the population speaks English as a second language, enhancing Poland's appeal as a recruiting hub for tech talent from the US, UK, Canada, and other English-speaking countries.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate Poland’s talent and hire from Poland:

‍Israel

Israel has established itself as a prominent player in the tech industry, renowned for its robust technical education and thriving startup ecosystem. The country's time zone alignment with both Europe and the United States further enhances its appeal as a hub for talented software developers.

Here are some key indicators from INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness report to help you adjudicate Israel’s hire from Israel:

How to Choose the Best Country to Hire Developers

When it comes to hiring software developers, the world is your oyster. With the rise of remote work, you can now tap into a global talent pool and find the best developers for your needs, regardless of their location.

However, with so many countries to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best country to hire developers:

1. Consider the specific skills and expertise you need in your developers.

The first step is to identify the specific skills and expertise you need in your developers. What programming languages do they need to know? What technologies do they need to be familiar with? Do they need to have experience in a particular industry?

Once you know what skills you need, you can start to narrow down your search to countries that have a strong track record of producing developers with those skills.

2. Think about the cultural fit and communication style that will work best for your team.

It's important to consider the cultural fit and communication style of developers from different countries. Will they be able to work effectively with your team? Will they be able to communicate clearly and concisely?

It's also important to consider the time zone differences between your country and the country where you're hiring developers. Will you be able to work together effectively if you're in different time zones?

3. Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of hiring developers in different countries.

The cost of hiring developers can vary significantly from country to country. Some countries, such as India and the Philippines, have a much lower cost of living than others, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. This can make it more cost-effective to hire developers from these countries.

However, it's important to remember that the cost of hiring developers is not the only factor to consider. You also need to factor in the quality of the developers, the cultural fit, and the communication style.

4. Consider the legal and regulatory requirements for hiring developers in different countries.

There are different legal and regulatory requirements for hiring developers in different countries. You need to make sure that you comply with all of these requirements before you hire developers from another country.

For example, some countries require you to obtain a work visa for foreign workers. Other countries have restrictions on the number of foreign workers that you can hire.

5. Look for countries with a strong track record of producing high-quality developers.

Some countries have a strong track record of producing high-quality developers. These countries typically have a strong education system and a vibrant tech industry.

For example, India, China, and Russia are all known for producing high-quality developers. These countries have a large pool of talented developers and a strong tech industry.

Expand your Team Globally with Gloroots

Looking to tap into exceptional international talent? Consider these 12 countries, renowned for their tech prowess and favorable conditions for talent acquisition. Each country offers a unique blend of technical expertise, innovation, and conducive environments that can significantly boost your tech company's success.

Once you've identified potential candidates, streamline your hiring process with our developer interview plan designed to help you identify and recruit top talent.

Partnering with Gloroots, an Employer of Record (EOR), can supercharge your global expansion strategy. Gloroots simplifies the process of hiring and onboarding employees across 150 countries without the need to establish a local entity.

By choosing Gloroots, you mitigate risks associated with employee misclassification, avoiding potential penalties and lawsuits. We handle all legal and compliance requirements, including payroll management, taxes, and benefits, ensuring full compliance with local labor laws.

Ready to experience seamless global hiring? Reach out to Gloroots today and take your team to new heights.

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