Welcome to RemoLabs! This content is part of the RemoFirst research reports series that takes a look at data and third-party market research in global hiring, remote work, and the future of work. Our findings are a combination of anonymized customer hiring trends and data, surveys, polls, and other expert insights. 

Thinking about expanding your team beyond your company’s geographic borders? You’re not alone — thousands of companies are moving toward global hiring to access top-tier talent and build more resilient, diverse workforces. 

Looking just at the U.S., more than a third of mid- and large-sized companies plan to expand their workforce globally, according to survey data from ADP. 

But which regions hold the most promise in terms of talent, expertise, infrastructure, and policy? And how can you effectively hire across borders without getting caught up in compliance headaches?

We’ve analyzed 2024 hiring patterns from thousands of RemoFirst customers to pinpoint three regions shaping the future of talent acquisition. Here’s everything you need to know to build your world-class global team in 2025.

Key Takeaways: 

• Top regions for hiring in 2024 included North America, APAC, and EMEA
• Understanding the strengths of each region is essential for effective global hiring.
• Navigating employment laws, tax regulations, and cultural nuances is critical to building a successful global team.

3 Regions to Keep On Your Talent Radar

Our analysis of hiring trends in 2024 reveals a distribution across three major regions:

• North America (NA): 60% of RemoFirst customers hired here in 2024.
• Asia Pacific (APAC): 20% of RemoFirst customers hired here in 2024.
• Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA): 20% of RemoFirst customers hired here in 2024.

Expanding beyond your company's home base is about more than accessing a wider talent pool. Here are a few ways that hiring across borders strengthens organizations: 

• Enhanced innovation: Teams with diverse backgrounds bring unique ideas and problem-solving approaches, fostering creativity and innovation.
• Specialized expertise: Access to talent in regions with strong education systems and industry-focused skills, such as tech in India or clean energy in Canada.
• Round-the-clock operations: By employing teams across multiple time zones, companies can ensure continuous productivity and faster turnaround times.
• Cost efficiency: Certain regions offer competitive labor costs without compromising quality, allowing businesses to scale efficiently.
• Access to emerging markets: Hiring in new regions helps companies better understand and penetrate high-growth markets, offering a competitive edge.
• Risk diversification: A global workforce reduces reliance on a single market, offering stability against economic fluctuations in specific regions.

Let’s explore what each region has to offer.

North America: A Leader in Innovation and Expertise

North America consistently ranks as a top choice for international hiring, with our data showing that 60% of companies choose to employ talent in this region. Two countries in particular are driving recruitment activity in North America: the United States and Canada. 

Note: Both the U.S. and Canada ranked among the top three countries where our customers hired in 2024. Read more about that data here.

United States 

Companies outside the United States are increasingly tapping into its vast talent marketplace. 

Here's why:

• Innovation ecosystem: Home to the world's largest tech hubs and research institutions, the U.S. offers access to professionals who are at the forefront of emerging technologies and industry trends.

• Diverse talent pool: With over 5,000 colleges and universities, the U.S. produces a steady stream of qualified professionals across various disciplines, from technology to creative industries.

• Market expertise: U.S.-based talent brings valuable insight into the world's largest consumer market, making them particularly valuable for companies looking to expand into North America.

The U.S. continues to lead in several key industries in particular:

• Technology and digital innovation: Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin, and other tech hubs are home to some of the world's most experienced tech talent, and their expertise is in demand for businesses worldwide.

• Life Sciences and Healthcare: With major biotech clusters in Boston, San Diego, and San Francisco, the U.S. offers access to specialized talent in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare technology.

• Financial Services: New York, Chicago, and other financial centers provide access to experienced professionals in fintech, traditional banking, and emerging financial technologies.

Canada  

Canada has emerged as a significant player in the global talent market. Here's why companies are turning to Canadian talent:

• Educational excellence: With one of the highest post-secondary education rates globally, Canadian talent brings strong academic credentials and practical skills to the table.
• Innovation-friendly policies: Government support for research and development, particularly in AI and clean technology, has created clusters of specialized expertise.
• Cultural adaptability: Canadian professionals often excel in multinational teams due to their experience in one of the world's most diverse workforces.

Companies are particularly interested in Canadian professionals in:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Cities like Toronto and Montreal have become worldwide AI research and development centers.
• Clean technology: Canada's commitment to sustainability has fostered a growing pool of talent in renewable energy and environmental technology.
• Digital media and entertainment: Vancouver and Toronto host thriving digital media sectors, attracting creative and technical talent.

What to Know About Hiring in North America:

• Compliance requirements: Employment laws vary by country and state. For instance, U.S. labor laws differ significantly between states, while Canadian employment laws prioritize employee rights.
• Cost considerations: Hiring in North America often comes with higher salary expectations, especially in tech hubs like Silicon Valley and Toronto.
• Diversity and inclusion: Both countries emphasize workplace diversity, so fostering an inclusive environment can help attract top talent.

APAC: A Source of Technical Excellence and Scale

Looking for a combination of technical prowess and scalability? APAC delivers both in spades. 

With a strong emphasis on STEM education and cost-effective scaling, the Asia Pacific region provides a powerful advantage for companies seeking to build robust, efficient teams.

• Technical excellence: The region's strong emphasis on STEM education produces a large pool of technically skilled professionals, particularly in software development and engineering. 
• Cost-effective scaling: APAC offers competitive labor costs while maintaining high quality standards, allowing companies to scale their teams efficiently. 
• Time zone advantage: APAC talent can provide round-the-clock operations for global companies, ensuring continuous productivity and customer support. 

Key countries in this region include:

• India: Home to one of the world's largest pools of engineering talent, India continues to produce highly skilled professionals in software development, data science, and IT services. The country's emphasis on STEM education creates a steady pipeline of technical talent.
• Singapore: As a global financial hub, Singapore provides access to fintech expertise and multilingual professionals who can bridge Eastern and Western business practices.
• Japan: Known for excellence in robotics, automotive technology, and manufacturing, Japan offers specialized talent in precision engineering and quality control.

What to Know About Hiring in APAC:

• Labor costs: Salaries in APAC are typically more competitive compared to North America, making it an attractive region for cost-effective scaling.
• Cultural differences: Work cultures vary greatly across APAC countries, so understanding local norms is critical for effective team integration.
• Time zone coordination: While advantageous for 24/7 operations, managing cross-time-zone communication requires clear processes and tools.

EMEA: The Rising Star in Global Talent

Six of the top 10 countries in our data set are located in the EMEA region, and for good reason. 

The region offers an exceptional blend of skilled professionals, multilingual capabilities, and regulatory expertise.

Here are a few of the top reasons to consider hiring talent in EMEA: 

• Strong professional development: European education systems emphasize continuous learning and professional development, resulting in highly skilled and adaptable workers
• Emphasis on digital skills: European countries have invested heavily in digital education and infrastructure, creating a deep pool of tech-savvy professionals.
• Language capabilities: Many EMEA professionals are multilingual, offering valuable skills for global companies.
• Regulatory familiarity: Talent from EMEA typically has experience working within stringent regulatory frameworks (like GDPR), valuable for companies operating in regulated industries

The European countries where our customers hired the most workers in 2024 include:

• United Kingdom: A leader in fintech innovation and creative industries, the U.K. offers access to talent in financial services, digital marketing, and technology. This country landed at #2 in our list of top countries where our customers hired in 2024.
• Germany: Known for engineering excellence and Industry 4.0 expertise, Germany provides access to highly skilled professionals in manufacturing, automotive technology, and renewable energy.
• Spain: Emerging as a tech hub, particularly in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain offers competitive talent in software development and digital services.
• The Netherlands: With its strong logistics sector and digital infrastructure, the Netherlands provides expertise in supply chain management and e-commerce.
• Portugal: A rising tech scene and competitive cost structure make Portugal attractive for software development and digital services talent.

What to Know About Hiring in EMEA:

• Regulatory complexity: Countries like Germany have strict employment laws, such as limits on fixed-term contracts and the need for an AUG License. So understanding local compliance is essential. 
• Language proficiency: Many professionals are multilingual, but offering contracts and communications in local languages can improve relationships.
• Regional variations: Talent availability and costs can differ significantly between Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

Make Global Hiring Work for Your Organization

Navigating international hiring requires a partner who understands compliance and local regulations. At RemoFirst, we simplify this process, ensuring you can employ talent in 180+ countries with ease.

Ready to expand your global team? First, you’ll need to:

1. Assess your hiring needs: Identify the skills and roles you’re looking to fill, and determine which region aligns best with your business goals.
2. Research regional trends: Explore labor market data, salary benchmarks, and cultural considerations in your target region to create competitive job offers. And of course our very own RemoLabs content to help you make better hiring and business decisions. 
3. Plan your compliance strategy: Understand local employment laws and regulations to avoid compliance risks and protect your business.

Ready to build your world-class global team? Book a demo today and see how our Employer of Record platform and services can help you compliantly hire top talent in North America, APAC, EMEA, and beyond. 

About This Data

Our data is anonymized from customer insights and trends of what local markets they are and/or have been focused on hiring in. While this does not cover a massive sample, this is collected among thousands of companies globally who are finding and open to talent based in countries around the world.