You've heard it before: Go global.
But how?
Unless your company is prepared for the time and expense of opening international entities, the prospect of employing international talent can seem daunting.
Hiring freelancers is a more flexible way to support global expansion — especially since it means you won't need to establish a local entity. But international hiring isn't one-size-fits-all.
So, where should you seek contractors to effectively balance cost with access to top talent with the skills your business needs?
Key takeaways:
- You can find self-employed workers worldwide, but certain countries stand out thanks to strong educational systems, government-backed training programs, and incentives that nurture specialized skill sets.
- If you're watching payroll, evaluating the cost of living in different countries can help you find talented freelancers whose rates don’t max out your budget.
- Don't forget about time zones — hiring freelancers in a similar time zone to the rest of your team will make collaboration much smoother.
1. Argentina
Businesses seeking innovative design, animation, and digital arts talent should consider diving into Argentina's vibrant talent pool of creative freelancers. Argentina is home to a skilled workforce that excels in these fields, with workers generally proficient in English, simplifying communication for international teams.
The country's time zone aligns well with North, Central, and South American schedules, facilitating smooth collaboration across borders. Additionally, Argentina boasts a relatively low cost of living, particularly compared to many Western countries.
While salaries remain competitive, they are often more affordable than talent in the European Union and the U.S., offering significant cost savings for international employers.
With a thriving creative community, affordable living, and favorable working conditions (including reliable high-speed internet), Argentina is a practical and cost-effective choice for hiring independent contractors seeking freelance jobs.
2. Brazil
Thanks to its low living costs and competitive labor market, Brazil is an excellent option for businesses looking to hire cost-effective remote talent.
The country's workforce stands out in digital technologies, statistical analysis, and engineering, making it a prime destination for tech recruitment.
Brazil is also home to a thriving creative economy, with talented freelancers excelling in design, copywriting, and social media management.
What's more, Brazil's startup ecosystem is booming, and the rising international demand for its services means hiring Brazilian contractors for project-based work is becoming increasingly attractive.
With a mix of skilled professionals across diverse sectors and a growing reputation on the global stage, Brazil offers the flexibility, talent, and cost savings that businesses seek to stay competitive.
3. Egypt
As a result of its rapidly evolving tech sector, Egypt is emerging as a hotspot for companies looking to find skilled freelancers who specialize in programming, web development, and design, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking tech expertise.
Beyond just the tech sector, Egypt's burgeoning digital economy and the availability of a highly skilled workforce — many of whom are fluent in English and eager for remote work opportunities — provides businesses the ability to contract with cost-effective, high-quality talent.
4. India
Renowned for its deep well of IT talent, India stands out as a top choice for companies seeking tech-savvy remote workers.
With around 15 million freelancers specializing in fields like software development, engineering, and customer support, international businesses have access to a large and cost-effective Indian talent base seeking freelance work.
India's multilingual workforce gives cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi a competitive edge, offering the infrastructure and talent needed to scale remote teams across Asia and beyond.
5. Japan
There are a lot of advantages for companies when it comes to hiring Japanese contractors. Notably, Japan's strong education system continues to graduate talent prepared for careers in fields like software development, AI, and robotics.
Japan has traditionally leaned toward in-person work, but that's starting to shift — especially in the tech and startup scenes.
Remote work is gaining traction, and with a substantial number of STEM talent and fresh perspectives, Japan is becoming a great place to find innovative freelancers for global teams.
6. Malaysia
Malaysia is quickly becoming a go-to destination for remote talent — and it's easy to see why. The country has a strong infrastructure, reliable high-speed internet, and a business-friendly environment. Plus, with Malaysia ranking in the top 25 globally for English proficiency, communication is rarely a barrier.
For global companies seeking freelancers, Malaysia offers access to skilled professionals in areas like software development, digital marketing, graphic design, customer support, and finance.
There's also a growing number of contractors with expertise in content creation, virtual assistance, and UX/UI design.
Add in a welcoming culture and a workforce that regularly collaborates with international clients, and it's easy to see that Malaysia is an ideal place to find workers to supplement your team.
7. Mexico
Mexico remains a top choice for companies looking to hire international contractors — especially those based in the U.S. or Canada. You get access to highly skilled professionals at more affordable rates without compromising on quality.
Mexico's diverse economy supports a wide range of freelance talent across tech and creative industries, from software developers and digital marketers to writers, translators, and designers.
One of Mexico's most significant advantages is its location. Being in a similar time zone to much of the U.S. makes real-time collaboration with American companies a breeze.
The country's freelance community is also growing rapidly, supported by strong infrastructure and a young and tech-savvy population. For global companies building distributed teams, Mexico offers the perfect blend of skill, accessibility, and affordability.
8. North Macedonia
The government's commitment to improving education and job training is paying off, churning out skilled professionals in North Macedonia eager for international opportunities.
As a result, the country is emerging as an appealing pick for businesses seeking skilled freelancers in areas like software development, web development, and cybersecurity.
Beyond tech, North Macedonia is also home to talented contractors in fields like digital marketing, content creation, and design.
With its competitive salaries and a workforce that's not only tech-savvy but also adaptable and highly motivated, North Macedonia is well on its way to establishing itself as a popular choice for hiring freelancers.
9. The Philippines
The Philippines has long been a cost-effective option for international companies hiring remote workers. The country is home to a large and highly skilled English-speaking workforce known for their exceptional customer service abilities.
There's also a growing community of freelance content creators, virtual assistants, and HR specialists.
The Philippines' time zone (Philippine Standard Time, or PHT) is just eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, which aligns well with many Western nations.
Whether you need customer support, digital content, or virtual assistance, the Philippines offers versatile and reliable freelance workers who can help scale your business efficiently.
10. Poland
Poland is gaining recognition for top-tier tech talent and global professionals. The country boasts a high standard of education, widespread English proficiency, and fast, reliable internet, making Poland an ideal choice for companies seeking international contractors.
Poland is home to a thriving community of technically skilled individuals.
Its workforce’s expertise in software development, web engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics make Polish freelancers highly sought-after on the global stage.
Beyond tech, Poland also offers skilled talent in sectors such as digital marketing, project management, and UX/UI design.
11. Romania
Romania is becoming known as a prime spot for hiring remote talent — and for good reason. The country offers a highly educated, multilingual workforce that's not only cost-effective but also known for its strong proficiency in English and other European languages.
Romanian professionals shine in areas like software development, IT, and engineering, making them an excellent fit for companies in need of technical expertise.
There's also a growing number of Romanians with expertise in sectors like digital marketing, customer support, and finance.
Combine that with a solid infrastructure and a growing remote work culture, and it's easy to see why Romania is becoming a go-to option for global companies seeking international contractors.
12. Serbia
It’s no accident that Serbia is carving out a name for itself when it comes to remote hiring in Europe.
The Serbian government has made significant investments in tech education and digital infrastructure, which is fueling a new wave of highly skilled freelance professionals ready to take on global opportunities.
Serbians are particularly skilled in IT, software engineering, cybersecurity, and the gaming industry. Serbian talent is also increasingly seeking freelance remote opportunities in digital marketing, design, and customer support roles.
Add in a competitive cost of living and solid English proficiency, and it's no surprise more international companies are turning to Serbia to build out their remote teams.
13. South Africa
South Africa offers a dynamic opportunity for employers seeking remote talent, with the added benefit of being just two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time — making it ideal for real-time collaboration with European and American clients.
The country is home to a highly skilled and diverse workforce spanning a range of sectors.
Freelancers in South Africa often bring strong expertise in content writing, digital marketing, customer service, and virtual assistance, making residents a valuable asset to global teams.
English is widely spoken, and many professionals have international experience, which adds to the ease of integration into global workflows. With competitive rates and a strong professional culture, South Africa stands out as a strategic choice for sourcing high-quality freelance talent.
14. Ukraine
Despite the ongoing international conflict, Ukraine remains a standout choice for companies seeking freelance talent, particularly in fields like IT, design, and writing.
Ukrainian contractors are highly skilled and known for their adaptability and strong work ethic, making them an attractive option for businesses seeking reliable, high-quality work.
With an established infrastructure for remote work and a growing tech-savvy workforce, freelancers in Ukraine remain dedicated and committed to delivering top-notch results despite the country's challenges.
15. Vietnam
Over the past 15 years, substantial government investment in STEM education has equipped Vietnamese students with impressive skills in math and science.
As a result, Vietnam provides employers access to a highly educated workforce, with around one million young adults joining the labor market each year.
The country also benefits from a lower minimum wage and more competitive salary expectations in computer science, IT, and supply chain management jobs.
Combined with a significantly lower cost of living compared to many Western and regional hubs, this creates substantial cost advantages for employers seeking skilled contractors.
Hire and Manage Freelancers With RemoFirst
RemoFirst simplifies the complexities of hiring international contractors, empowering businesses to employ freelancers in over 150 countries.
We offer companies a free tier to manage contractors, and it costs only $25 per person per month to both manage and pay contractors (in their own currency) via our platform.
Schedule a demo today to discover how RemoFirst can simplify your international hiring.
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