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Top Countries For Software Development Outsourcing In 2024

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15 min read

Outsourcing development is a more investment-effective approach compared to traditional in-house development because it saves costs on hiring and maintaining an own in-house team. IT services outsourcing market, valued at $639.59 billion in 2022, is growing at a CAGR of 8.0%. This tendency is projected to continue over the next 6 years, which is explained by the fact that businesses worldwide find this model suitable to their needs and expectations. 

If you want to outsource software development, you should consider the following key points. First, you need to choose a country from which you’ll be selecting a provider. Note that developers from different regions vary in their qualifications and costs. A proper choice will ensure that you collaborate with top professionals for your project.

In this post, you’ll explore the best countries to outsource software development and compare them based on several key factors. Besides, you’ll learn more about reasons why companies tend to outsource development and the benefits of outsourcing 

Best Countries for Software Development Outsourcing

Let’s delve into the review of the top software outsourcing countries. Local developers in these countries are both qualified and experienced, and they offer cost-effective solutions for projects of all sizes.

1. Ukraine

In the recent decade, Ukraine has emerged as a leading destination for outsourcing software development, particularly within Central and Eastern Europe. 

Ukraine boasts a large pool of talented IT professionals, with over 200,000 software developers. The country produces approximately 23,000 IT graduates annually from its universities, ensuring a steady supply of skilled labor. This highly skilled workforce is complemented by a strong emphasis on STEM education, which contributes to the country’s reputation for technical expertise and innovation.

Ukraine’s government has also been supportive of the IT sector, implementing policies that create a favorable business environment. Initiatives such as tax incentives for IT companies and investments in digital infrastructure further enhance Ukraine’s appeal as an outsourcing hub.

Pros of choosing Ukraine:

  • There are few, if any, substantial cultural distinctions between Ukraine and Western countries.
  • Ukraine’s professionals are extremely knowledgeable.
  • Despite the Russian invasion, the country’s IT industry has unequivocally indicated its willingness and capacity to maintain operations.
  • The average salary for a software engineer is $21.

Cons of choosing Ukraine:

  • Political instability due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
  • Potential communication barriers due to time zone differences.

Consideration factors: 

FactorDetails
Average Salary$30-50
PopularityMost popular in Eastern Europe
Cultural DistinctionsFew cultural distinctions with Western countries
Professional KnowledgeExtremely knowledgeable professionals
IT Industry StabilityWillingness and capacity to maintain operations despite the conflict

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2. India

India produces a significant number of tech graduates annually, with over 1.5 million engineering graduates each year, contributing to a large and continuously growing pool of human resources in the tech sector. This abundance of skilled professionals allows India to offer some of the most cost-effective and high-quality outsourcing services globally.

India is also implementing numerous government initiatives to support the IT and outsourcing business. For example, the Digital India campaign aims to enhance the country’s digital infrastructure and increase internet connectivity, facilitating a better environment for IT businesses.

Pros of choosing India:

  • Almost every person from generation Z speaks English.
  • This is a country with the biggest number of software development specialists and the cheapest software developers in the world.
  • Other nations contribute up to 8% of their GDP through software outsourcing.
  • The average salary for a software engineer is $19.

Cons of choosing India:

  • Potential quality concerns due to the large number of developers.
  • Significant cultural differences that may affect communication.
  • High competition among developers can lead to turnover issues.
  • Companies on the United States East Coast may encounter their Indian counterparts during regular business hours since their time is only 3.5 hours later than much of Western Europe.

Consideration factors: 

FactorDetails
Average Salary$15-$45
PopularityOne of the top outsourcing countries
Cultural DistinctionsSignificant cultural differences
Professional KnowledgeBiggest number of software development specialists
IT Industry StabilityUp to 8% of GDP through software outsourcing

3. Poland

Poland, another European hub for technology solutions, has a plethora of opportunities and is one of the best software developers in the world. With a large, accessible talent pool and an income prospective for engineers much above the national average income level, a large part of the country’s working-age population is joining the application development tech sector.

Nevertheless, the cost is one of the weaker motivations for businesses to outsource to Poland. An average developer compensation of $36 places it significantly above the lowest end of the range in regard to outsourcing rates.

Pros of choosing Poland:

  • Poland is one of the EU’s speediest nations in economic development.
  • Poland, as a member of the European Union, provides high privacy and data interchangeability rates.
  • It has the same time zone as the majority of major European countries.
  • The Harvard Business Review ranks Poland fifth among the globe’s best IT-skilled employment opportunities.

Cons of choosing Poland:

  • Higher costs compared to other Eastern European countries.
  • Competitive market can lead to higher employee turnover.
  • Limited availability of niche technology experts.

Consideration factors: 

FactorDetails
Average Salary$50-$90
PopularityOne of the top in Europe
Cultural DistinctionsMinimal cultural distinctions with Western countries
Professional KnowledgeHigh level of IT skills
IT Industry StabilityFast economic development

4. Thailand

Thailand has quickly become one of the greatest locations to outsource software development. It has a huge number of diversified IT experts and a welcoming work culture.

Despite the recent COVID-related setbacks, Thailand’s economy is exploding onto the world stage and does not appear to be slowing down.

Thailand lies at an unusual junction where rapid advancements meet low prices for living. It has plenty of workspaces and an enterprising population that has so far rejected falling into a continuous chase of luxury.

Pros of choosing Thailand:

  • A dedicated, self-motivated culture that emphasizes performance and quality.
  • Software development firms are founded and managed by experienced European professionals.
  • Positioned as the best gateway to Southeast Asia’s enormous, rapidly expanding regions.
  • A thriving tech-focused expat population contributes to one of the most varied and highly skilled resource pools among all prospective software outsourcing locations.
  • The average salary of a software engineer is $26.

Cons of choosing Thailand:

  • Language barriers may pose communication challenges.
  • Political instability can affect business operations.
  • Infrastructure may not be as advanced as in other countries.

Consideration factors:

FactorDetails
Average Salary$20-$40
PopularityIncreasingly popular in Southeast Asia
Cultural DistinctionsVaried and highly skilled expat population
Professional KnowledgeExperienced European professionals
IT Industry StabilityRapid economic advancements

5. China

China is known for its diverse skill set and is one of the most popular outsourcing destinations.With a demographic exceeding that of India, the country offers an abundance of talented and motivated developers.

While still lower than the national average for an engineer in the U.S., China’s claimed average software developer compensation is $52, which is significantly higher than other best outsourcing countries on our list.

Pros of choosing China:

  • China is often regarded as having the top programmers on the globe.
  • China’s national education institutions place a strong emphasis on mathematics, science, and computing, resulting in engrained skills in a number of programming languages.
  • China is the world leader in functional programming, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
  • The state significantly fosters technological industry development by providing financial advantages that result in cheap market costs and significant motivation for specialists and development firms.

Cons of choosing China:

  • Higher costs compared to other outsourcing destinations.
  • Intellectual property protection concerns.
  • Cultural and language differences can pose communication challenges.

Consideration factors:

FactorDetails
Average Salary$25-$60
PopularityRenowned for top programmers
Cultural DistinctionsSignificant cultural and language differences
Professional KnowledgeEmphasis on mathematics, science, and computing
IT Industry StabilityStrong state support for technological development
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6. Brazil

Brazil has been steadily rising as an outsourcing destination due to its large talent pool and competitive costs. The country’s IT sector is growing rapidly, supported by government initiatives aimed at fostering technology and innovation. Brazilian developers are known for their creativity and strong work ethic, making them a popular choice for companies looking for quality software development at reasonable rates.

Pros of choosing Brazil:

  • Large and growing pool of talented developers.
  • Competitive costs for high-quality software development.
  • Time zone alignment with North America, making communication and collaboration easier.
  • Strong governmental support for the tech industry.
  • The average salary for a software engineer is $32.

Cons of choosing Brazil:

  • Political and economic instability can affect business operations.
  • Language barriers, although many developers speak English.
  • Potential challenges with infrastructure in some regions.

Consideration factors:

FactorDetails
Average Salary$30-$50
PopularityRising as an outsourcing destination
Cultural DistinctionsMinimal time zone differences with North America
Professional KnowledgeLarge pool of talented developers
IT Industry StabilityStrong governmental support for the tech industry

7. Philippines

The Philippines has become a popular destination for software development outsourcing due to its strong English proficiency and a large pool of skilled developers. The country’s IT sector is supported by a robust educational system and government initiatives aimed at fostering growth in technology and innovation.

Pros of choosing the Philippines:

  • High English proficiency, making communication easier.
  • Competitive costs for software development.
  • Strong government support for the IT sector.
  • Time zone alignment with many Western countries.
  • The average salary for a software engineer is $25.

Cons of choosing the Philippines:

  • Infrastructure challenges in certain regions.
  • Potential political and economic instability.
  • High competition for top talent can lead to turnover issues.

Consideration factors:

FactorDetails
Average Salary$10-$50
PopularityPopular for strong English proficiency and skilled developers
Cultural DistinctionsHigh English proficiency
Professional KnowledgeLarge pool of skilled developers
IT Industry StabilityStrong government support for the IT sector

8. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has emerged as a strong contender in the software development outsourcing market due to its well-educated workforce and strong emphasis on technical skills. The country offers a high level of expertise at competitive rates, making it an attractive destination for outsourcing.

Pros of choosing the Czech Republic:

  • High level of technical education and expertise.
  • Strategic location in Central Europe with minimal time zone differences with Western Europe.
  • Strong data protection and privacy regulations as a member of the European Union.
  • Competitive costs for high-quality software development.
  • The average salary for a software engineer is $35.

Cons of choosing the Czech Republic:

  • Higher costs compared to some other Eastern European countries.
  • Limited availability of professionals in niche technologies.
  • Potential language barriers outside of larger cities.

Consideration factors:

FactorDetails
Average Salary$50-$120
PopularityEmerging as a strong contender in the market
Cultural DistinctionsMinimal time zone differences with Western Europe
Professional KnowledgeHigh level of technical education and expertise
IT Industry StabilityStrong data protection and privacy regulations

Comparison of Top Software Outsourcing Countries

Here’s a direct comparison of countries for offshore software development, so you can easily check what suits you the best. 

CountryAverage SalaryPopularityCultural DistinctionsProfessional KnowledgeIT Industry Stability
Ukraine$25-$65Most popular in Eastern EuropeFew cultural distinctions with Western countriesExtremely knowledgeable professionalsWillingness and capacity to maintain operations despite the conflict
India$15-$45One of the top outsourcing countriesSignificant cultural differencesBiggest number of software development specialistsUp to 8% of GDP through software outsourcing
Poland$50-$90One of the top in EuropeMinimal cultural distinctions with Western countriesHigh level of IT skillsFast economic development
Thailand$20-$40Increasingly popular in Southeast AsiaVaried and highly skilled expat populationExperienced European professionalsRapid economic advancements
China$25-$60Renowned for top programmersSignificant cultural and language differencesEmphasis on mathematics, science, and computingStrong state support for technological development
Brazil$30-$50Rising as an outsourcing destinationMinimal time zone differences with North AmericaLarge pool of talented developersStrong governmental support for the tech industry
Philippines$10-$50Popular for strong English proficiency and skilled developersHigh English proficiencyLarge pool of skilled developersStrong government support for the IT sector
Czech Republic$50-$120Emerging as a strong contender in the marketMinimal time zone differences with Western EuropeHigh level of technical education and expertiseStrong data protection and privacy regulations

*Request IT outsourcing services at DashDevs. Our specialists are ready, willing, and able to address your needs. *

What are the Reasons Companies Use Outsourcing for?

Software development projects are complicated, ever-changing creatures that need hands-on supervision to stay on schedule, on budget, and loyal to the original concept. The thought of an outsource coding process by developers is critical to a project’s success can be unsettling, particularly for companies in affluent countries—and that is valid.

Before choosing to outsource computer programming to a company of remote engineers, every software industry expert must consider a variety of obstacles and potential issues. However, with proper strategy and knowledge of the outsourcing industry, the advantages greatly exceed the dangers.

You stand to benefit from the following:

  • Cost savings.
  • Access to a huge talent pool.
  • Advanced knowledge of programming languages.
  • A self-sufficient and reliable outsourcing partner.

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages!

Cost-Effectiveness

The IT outsourcing price list is the primary reason for choosing to outsource programming.

Outsourcing helps over 70% of businesses save money on development costs.

Outsourcing enables enterprises to select the most advantageous software rate category while maintaining the value of technical competence.

The price range of outsourcing is determined by:

  • Region’s level of living;
  • Specific education;
  • The expertise in programmer outsourcing;

Software outsource development is a rapidly developing business in Eastern and Central Europe, with a fiercely competitive climate.

Large corporations have many opportunities to discover talent and unique specialists at a lower cost than in the United States or Canada, where development costs are substantially greater.

A World of Talent at Your Fingertips

The ability to select the best-outsourced developers or other team members with sophisticated business skills is the primary reason to externalize your software project.

46% of businesses believe outsourcing allows them to gain access to skill sets that aren’t accessible in-house.

Offshore development gives corporations a far larger pool of talent. When a corporation seeks in-house developers, it is constrained by knowledge, skills, and region. And the community of programmers gets even smaller.

Eastern European developers with a strong command of the English language seek to advance in their careers. So the idea of hiring a competent programming outsourcing team is now a dream.

When it comes to outsourcing your software development project, your organization has the entire world at its disposal:

  • Latest technologies;
  • Great industry knowledge;
  • Strong business expertise.

Business Environment

The business climate can impact a firm’s quality, pace, and scalability.

Outsourced software development companies believe that a good business climate and agility contributed to their products’ 20% success.

For instance, Europe has an active and contemporary corporate culture with the best universities that can help with learning, solve complicated challenges, and follow 21st-century trends. It’s no surprise that such a region is among the top places in the world to outsource software development.

Scale Up or Down with Ease

Outsourcing allows companies to scale up or down with ease, adapting quickly to market demands without the hassle of hiring or layoffs. It reduces costs by leveraging external expertise and resources, offering access to specialized skills and cutting-edge technologies. This flexibility accelerates project timelines and enhances innovation, enabling businesses to enter markets swiftly and stay competitive. 

Besides, outsourcing frees internal teams to focus on core business activities, improving overall productivity and efficiency. By partnering with experienced outsourcing firms, companies ensure quality and reliability, all while managing risks and maintaining operational agility.

With outsourcing, you only pay for the expertise you require, maximizing your budget and keeping you agile.

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Requirements for Hiring Outsourcing Software Developers

Requirements for hiring outsourcing software developers

Now, it’s necessary to outline the critical variables for all businesses. They will conclude the article on the best foreign software development outsourcing countries.

Costs 

One of the most crucial factors is the expert’s hourly charge. Costs vary across different countries and depend on several factors. The hourly rate will depend on the specialization of the software developer. Some programming languages and skills are in higher demand and can command higher rates. It’s essential to balance cost with the required expertise to get the best value.

Expertise and Specialization 

Different regions may have varying strengths in specific programming languages and technologies. Understanding the prevalent skills in a region can help you find the right expertise more efficiently. Look for developers with the specific technical skills your project requires.

Education and Training 

The quality of education and training in software development varies by country. Some countries have strong STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs that produce highly skilled developers. Consider the level of formal education and the availability of ongoing professional development opportunities in the region.

English Proficiency 

Effective communication is critical in software development. While many top IT outsourcing destinations do not have English as their native language, proficiency in English is important for seamless collaboration. Ensure that the developers you hire can communicate effectively in English.

Cultural Compatibility and Soft Skills 

Beyond technical skills, it’s important to consider the cultural fit and soft skills of the developers. This includes their ability to work in teams, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and overall mindset. A good cultural fit can enhance collaboration and productivity.

Time Zone Alignment 

Consider the time zone differences when choosing an outsourcing location. Overlapping work hours can facilitate real-time communication and faster turnaround times. Select regions with time zones that align well with your working hours to ensure smooth collaboration.

Quality and Reliability 

The quality of work and reliability of developers can vary. Research the reputation of outsourcing firms and the track record of individual developers. Look for testimonials, case studies, and reviews to gauge the quality and dependability of the talent pool in the region.

Looking for a trusted provider of fintech software development services? Reach out to DashDevs. 

Don’t Outsource Blindly, Build a Tech Dream Team

To make the outsourcing process work well, you need to transform the outsourced partnership into something more — a tech dream team working in sync to bring your software vision to life. Here are the three key ingredients you need to turn your outsourcing project from a potential headache into a guaranteed win:

1. Have a Clear Project Vision

Everyone is on the same page, fueled by a shared vision. Deadlines are clear, deliverables are well-defined, and there’s no room for confusion. That’s the power of a clearly defined project scope.

It eliminates confusion, keeps everyone rowing in the same direction, and ensures you’re building your tech dream team, not wrestling with misunderstandings.

2. Bridge the Distance with Communication

Communication is the bridge connecting you and your outsourcing partner, regardless of location. Daily stand-up meetings, project management tools buzzing with updates, or video conferences where ideas flow freely — these are your communication channels. 

Regular progress updates are your secret weapon. By keeping everyone informed and fostering transparency, you build trust and avoid any nasty surprises.

3. Use Agile Development Practices

The software development world isn’t static. That’s why embracing agile development practices is a must. Agile methodologies allow you to be flexible and adapt throughout the development process. Think of it as being able to dodge obstacles and make course corrections on the fly, ensuring your software stays cutting-edge.

Conclusion

Focusing your research on the best countries for software developers outsourcing is merely the first step toward establishing a successful outsourcing partnership. You must also develop effective communication and cooperation methods.

By partnering with a reputable Ukrainian development company, you gain access to a world-class talent pool, achieve cost savings, and accelerate your development timeline. Stop letting in-house development roadblocks hinder your software’s potential. Take the first step towards success – connect with a Ukrainian development partner today!

Consider DashDevs as your primary choice for a software development partner. With more than 13 years of experience and over 500 projects edvlivered for businesses from across the globe, we are ready, willing, and able to contribute to your best project without our vast experience and expertise.

Contact us 

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Table of contents
FAQ
What is an outsourcing software development company?
An outsourcing software development company partners with businesses to handle their software development needs. They employ a team of skilled programmers who work remotely, not necessarily on-site at the client's location.
How do I choose a software outsourcing company?
Selecting the right outsourcing partner requires careful consideration of several factors. These include cost, the developers' expertise in specific programming languages you need, their educational background, fluency in English for clear communication, and cultural compatibility to ensure a smooth working relationship.
Is outsourcing software development a good idea?
Selecting the right outsourcing partner requires careful consideration of several factors. These include cost, the developers' expertise in specific programming languages you need, their educational background, fluency in English for clear communication, and cultural compatibility to ensure a smooth working relationship
Which country is number one in software development?
We don’t rank countries, but our experts highlight several strong options for outsourcing software development, including Ukraine, India, Poland, Thailand, and China. Each location offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages to consider based on your specific needs. Anyway, Ukraine is the most preferable option in the world for outsourcing, as the country provides top developers and experts in other IT fields with lower price tags.
How much does IT cost to outsource software development?
The cost of outsourcing IT development can vary depending on several factors. These include the location of the developers you choose, their level of expertise, the complexity of your project, and the prevailing market rates. The article mentions average hourly salaries for software developers in some countries to give you a general idea (e.g., Ukraine - $21/hour, India - $19/hour, Poland - $36/hour).
Which IT services should be outsourced?
It’s important to choose a company with expertise in the programming languages your project requires. This ensures they have the necessary skills to deliver your project successfully.