Best Countries in Europe to Hire Remote Developers
As the world becomes more connected, businesses are finding new ways to tap into global talent. One such way is by hiring remote developers. With technological advancements, it’s become easier and sometimes more beneficial to source skilled professionals from different parts of the world.
Europe, in particular, has a wealth of highly talented individuals in the ICT sector. In this article, we explore the best European countries to hire developers. We'll compare key factors such as their English proficiency, average salary, and the strength of their ICT industries.
Best countries to hire developers
Many countries have skilled remote workers, but Europe has some unique advantages. One is the reputation for producing highly skilled professionals, especially in IT. This can be attributed to several factors, including the region's emphasis on STEM education.
Another advantage is their English proficiency. Many European countries rank high on the EF English Proficiency Index ranking, making communication and collaboration easier for international teams, especially those in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia.
RELATED: Reasons to hire an Eastern European developer
Our reasons for selecting the following countries
Before we get into the list of the best countries to hire developers, let's first discuss some general reasons why these countries have some of the best developers in Europe for remote work.
Time zone
Firstly, except for Romania, the countries we have listed are in the Central European Time (CET) zone. This time zone is just one hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), meaning the developers in these countries can easily collaborate with teams in other European countries without any time-zone-related issues.
For a company in the United States, these countries are 6 hours ahead of New York and 9 hours ahead of LA. This could result in inconvenient meeting times but also allows for around-the-clock work on your company’s project.
Lower costs
Hiring a remote European developer from countries in Eastern Europe can also be cost-effective for companies. This region offers affordable services when compared to other parts. For example, the developers in this area usually charge lower rates than those in Western Europe or the United States, which can be attributed to the lower cost of living.
These countries not only offer affordable remote options, but they also have highly skilled development agencies available at a much lower cost than teams based in the US or UK. This is great news for businesses looking to complete projects without spending much money. It's a chance to get the work done quickly and efficiently without breaking the bank.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the general reasons let’s get into our list of where you can find some of the best developers in Europe.
1. Serbia
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | €3,700 per month, equivalent to $4,200 per month or $50,400 per year |
| English Proficiency | High proficiency due to mandatory English education in Serbian schools |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | #27 |
| ICT Sector | Generated over €3 billion in revenue and employed over 47,600 people |
As Serbia isn’t in the EU, Serbian developers are not subject to the same visa requirements as EU citizens. For example, a company in the United Kingdom could hire a Serbian developer without going through the complex and time-consuming process of sponsoring a visa.
Serbia offers a tax exemption on corporate income for profits generated from software exports. For example, a US-based company that hires a remote software developer in Serbia to create a mobile app for the US market would not have to pay any corporate income tax on the profits earned from the app. Additionally, the Serbian government is committed to the growth of the tech industry and invests in education and training, as well as the establishment of startup incubators and accelerators to promote innovation.
As a result, Serbia is becoming a popular destination for companies looking to hire developers in Europe. The Serbian government is committed to supporting the tech industry, making it easy for companies to hire developers in Europe.
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is also fast becoming a major tech hub, with a few big tech giants, such as Microsoft and Amazon, already setting up shop and employing hundreds of Serbian software developers and engineers.
With supportive government policies, tax benefits, and hassle-free visa requirements, it’s no surprise that more tech companies are looking at Serbia as one of the best countries to hire developers.
2. Croatia
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | HRK 18,850 per month, equivalent to approximately €2,400 per month or $2,700 per month |
| English Proficiency | Very high proficiency level |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | #11 |
| ICT Sector | Robust average annual growth rate exceeding 10% |
Of all the countries we’ve listed, Croatia is the most affordable, with an average salary of a software developer at HRK18,850 per month. The Croatian government also offer the lowest tax for self-employed people, making freelance work desirable for Croatians. You may also be eligible to claim foreign tax credits on the Croatian taxes that your developer pays. For example, suppose you’re a US company, and you hire a Croatian remote developer for a project considered research and development. In that case, you may be able to claim a tax credit for the taxes your developer pays.
Effective communication is crucial when collaborating with remote teams, and as Croatia sits at #11 on the EF English Proficiency Index, you’ll have no issues here. It’s said that about 65 percent of the population speaks English as a second language.
With competitive salaries, a skilled workforce, and a favorable tax environment, Croatia has attracted large tech companies like Google, Microsoft, IBM, and SAP.
Croatia's EU membership grants its citizens the freedom to work in any other EU country without needing a Visa. This means, for example, that a company in Germany can effortlessly transition their remote developer to full-time employment and even relocate them in the future without any obstacles.
With all these benefits, you can easily see why Croatia is among the best countries to hire developers.
3. Slovenia
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | €2,314 per month, equivalent to $2,700 per month or $32,400 per year |
| English Proficiency | 59% of Slovenians are able to speak English at a conversational level |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | No ranking |
| ICT Sector | Government support with Initiatives like the Digital Slovenia Strategy to advance digital capabilities |
Slovenia is an excellent choice for hiring remote software developers, offering many compelling advantages that make it a standout destination for businesses seeking top talent. Firstly, the country provides a cost-effective workforce without compromising expertise. With the average software developer salary in Slovenia averaging around €2,314 per month, equivalent to approximately $2,700 per month or $32,400 per year, Slovenia presents an enticing opportunity for substantial cost savings in software development projects. 59% of Slovenians can speak English at a conversational level, and this percentage is even higher among young people.
Slovenia boasts a skilled STEM workforce and is home to successful tech companies like Arctur, Celtra, Comtrade, Cosylab, and DataLab, showcasing its innovation hub status. The government actively supports tech growth via initiatives like the Digital Slovenia Strategy, aiming to lead in digital advancement. Slovenia is among the best countries to hire developers with cost-effectiveness, language skills, strategic location, and government backing.
4. Bulgaria
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | BGN 8,000 per month, equivalent to €4,000 per month or $4,500 per month |
| English Proficiency | High to moderate proficiency level |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | #21 |
| ICT Sector | 20th out of 80 locations in fDi and TNW's Tech Cities of the Future for 2020/21 |
Hire developers in Europe with confidence in Bulgaria. According to Glassdoor, the country offers a cost-effective workforce, with an average software developer salary of BGN 8,000 per month (equivalent to around €4,000 or $4,500 per month). Bulgaria's high English proficiency, ranking #21 worldwide in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2022, ensures effective communication.
Moreover, Bulgaria's favorable ranking in the Tech Cities of the Future highlights its status as a hub for tech talent. Ranking 20th out of 80 locations, it excels in factors such as talent availability, business cost, and quality of life. Bulgaria's tech-savvy workforce and conducive business environment make it an excellent choice for remote software development.
5. Romania
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | RON 16,800 per month, approximately €3,700 or $4,200 |
| English Proficiency | High proficiency level |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | #17 |
| ICT Sector | One of the fastest-growing sectors in the country. Considered a tech hub |
Romania is becoming an ideal location to hire developers in Europe, with tech giant Stripe already employing a team of remote engineers. Other big tech companies with offices in Romania include Microsoft, Amazon, and Fitbit. And as the country has a rich pool of talented IT individuals who are highly proficient in English, it’s no surprise.
It's interesting to note that Romania produces 10,000 engineering graduates each year. This could be one of the reasons why the Romanian government is actively supporting the tech industry. They have implemented various programs to promote tech innovation and encourage foreign investment.
The presence of Stripe's remote team and big players like Microsoft is a positive development for the Romanian tech industry. It shows that these companies are committed to the country and believe Romania has much to offer the IT sector.
So, whether you're a startup or an established business, Romania's talent and tech scene offer great opportunities for remote development. It’s why it’s made our list of the best countries to hire developers.
6. Hungary
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | HUF 1,490,000 per month, equivalent to €4,600 per month or $5,300 per month |
| English Proficiency | High proficiency level |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | #18 |
| ICT Sector | Home to successful tech companies like Prezi, LogMeIn, and Contino, contributing to tech hub status |
Hungary is ideal for hiring remote software developers, offering many compelling advantages. Firstly, the country boasts a cost-effective workforce, with the average software developer salary averaging around HUF 1,490,000 per month, equivalent to approximately €4,600 per month or $5,300 per month. Hungary's affordability is a win for businesses seeking top-notch development talent.
English proficiency in Hungary is commendably high. According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2022, Hungary secures the #26 rank globally in English proficiency, denoting a "high" proficiency level. This robust language skill ensures seamless communication and collaboration with Hungarian developers, making remote work a smooth experience.
Hungary's status as a hub for some of the best developers in Europe is further bolstered by its flourishing ICT sector. In 2022, this sector generated an impressive HUF 1.6 trillion (approximately €4.7 billion) in revenue, offering employment opportunities to over 245,000 skilled professionals. Hungary's tech prowess is solidified by the remarkable success of industry leaders like Prezi, LogMeIn, and Contino, renowned globally, collectively contributing to Hungary's reputation as a prominent tech hub.
7. Slovakia
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | €39,933 per year (ERI Economic Research Institute), equivalent to €3,328 per month or $3,730 per month |
| English Proficiency | High proficiency level |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | #15 |
| ICT Sector | Generated over €8 billion in 2022 revenue, employed over 50,000 people |
Slovakia emerges as an excellent choice for hiring remote software developers, and here's why. Firstly, Slovakia boasts a robust and growing ICT sector. In 2022 alone, this sector generated an impressive €8 billion in revenue, employing over 50,000 professionals. This thriving environment ensures access to cutting-edge technology and expertise for remote development projects.
English proficiency in Slovakia is impressively high, especially among the younger generation. According to the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) 2022, Slovakia claims the #15 spot globally with a "high" proficiency level. This means working seamlessly with Slovakian developers without any language barriers.
When considering the best countries to hire developers, Slovakia shines with its exceptional cost-effectiveness. With an average software developer salary of approximately €39,933 per year, equivalent to around €3,328 per month or $3,730 per month based on ERI Economic Research Institute data, Slovakia ensures outstanding value without compromising on talent.
8. The Czech Republic (Czechia)
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | CZK 145,500 per month, equivalent to €3,700 per month or $4,200 per month |
| English Proficiency | High proficiency level |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | #23 |
| ICT Sector | Generated over CZK 400 billion in 2022 revenue, employed over 160,000 people |
As The Czech Republic shares its borders with Austria, Germany, and Poland, The Czechs are never too far from a major tech hub. However, over the years, the IT industry in Czechia has seen steady growth and is now home to over 7,700 software and IT companies. Avast Software and Shopify are among the major companies with offices in the Czech Republic.
It is also important to note that the Czech Republic has a double taxation treaty with many countries, which means that companies may be able to avoid paying double tax on the salaries of their remote developers.
Although being ranked #23 may not seem high, it is still considered a high proficiency level according to the EF English Proficiency Index. The index indicates that most individuals who have taken the test possess the ability to create a presentation for work, comprehend TV shows, and read newspapers in English with ease.
If you want to hire developers in Europe, don’t look past the Czech Republic. Its tax benefits, low salaries, and desirable location make it an ideal destination.
→ Hire developers in The Czech Republic
9. Poland
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | PLN 16,800 per month, equivalent to €3,700 per month or $4,200 per month |
| English Proficiency | Very high proficiency level |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | #13 |
| ICT Sector | Over 60,000 technology companies, 10 unicorns, and a thriving ecosystem for startups and venture capital firms |
Over the years, Poland has become a great destination to hire developers in Europe, particularly video game developers. The country is already home to big game development players such as Techland (known for The Dying Light series) and CD Projekt Red (known for The Witcher). But that’s not all Poland has to offer and boasts a robust ICT sector, housing over 60,000 tech companies and, among them 10 unicorns (a privately held technology company with a valuation of over $1 billion).
Tech unicorns are rare and difficult to achieve. Only a small number of tech companies have reached this milestone. However, the tech industry in Poland is experiencing rapid growth and is expected to continue to expand in the coming years. As a result, we can expect to see more tech unicorns emerge from Poland in the future. The country's vibrant startup and venture capital scene further adds to its appeal as a hub for innovation.
With competitive salaries, a very high English proficiency, and a thriving tech industry, Poland is an excellent choice to hire developers in Europe.
10. North Macedonia
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Average Software Developer Salary | MKD 81,000 per month, equivalent to approximately €4,700 per month or $5,300 per month |
| English Proficiency | High in some parts of North Macedonia |
| EF English Proficiency Index Ranking | No ranking |
| ICT Sector | Generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2021, employing over 245,000 people |
Like Serbia, North Macedonia is another European country that isn’t in the EU. While it might cause a few drawbacks for companies in EU countries, companies in the United Kingdom or the United States might find it beneficial as there are fewer visa restraints.
North Macedonia isn’t included in the English Proficiency Index. However, English is spoken in major cities such as Skopje and Ohrid, particularly among younger generations. Therefore, communicating with developers in these areas, where they are more likely to be found, shouldn’t be an issue. However, finding fluent English speakers may be more challenging compared to the other countries we have listed.
Compared to the United States and other European countries, North Macedonia has a much lower average salary. At MKD 53,760 per month, you could hire three Macedonian software developers for the price of one American developer.
→ Hire developers in North Macedonia
How to hire developers in Europe
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