Best Countries in Europe to Hire Remote Talent in 2026

Here's a quick guide to 13 countries in 2026 to consider when hiring remote talent in Europe. Compare professionals, compensation and working hours for the role.

Key Highlights:

• Poland: Strong tech talent pool.
• Romania: Engineering and software development.
• Portugal: Digital marketing and customer support.
• Spain: Diverse professionals.
• Bulgaria: Customer support and IT services.
• Serbia: Software development and operations.
• Hungary: Skilled workers.
• Greece: Tech, digital marketing, customer support, and finance.
• Czech Republic: Established tech hub.
• Lithuania: IT, engineering, and digital marketing.
• Sweden: AI, cybersecurity, software engineering.
• Denmark: Software, AI, design, media.
• Netherlands: Software, fintech, e-commerce, cloud.

Quick Comparison:

Sources: hourly labour costs from Eurostat, whole economy excluding agriculture and public administration; EU average €34.9. English ranks and scores from the EF English Proficiency Index 2025; country pages are linked in each profile. Time zones show mainland winter/summer time, according to the IANA time zone database. Labour costs are economy-wide averages; assess compensation and fluent English for the individual role.

Whether you're looking for tech experts or customer support professionals, these countries offer diverse opportunities to build your remote team in 2026.

Hiring Talent in Bulgaria? Here’s What You Need to Know

1. Poland

For U.S. companies, Poland offers professionals equipped with strong technical skills in Central and Eastern Europe.

Poland had average hourly labour costs of €19.1 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. Compare tech and engineering roles separately from positions in customer support and administration using the global salary guide.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €26,628 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of 138,109zł for a software developer, 67,721zł for a customer service representative and 105,000zł for a marketing manager.

The country is also a hub for industries like software development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and fintech. When you search, include candidates in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław and Gdańsk as well as fully remote candidates elsewhere in the country.

Poland ranks 15th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 600), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. Additionally, Poland’s Central European Time zone, six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in winter, provides several hours of overlap for real-time collaboration when working hours align, according to the IANA time zone database.

2. Romania

For remote hiring in 2026, Romania offers a mix of skilled professionals across various industries, including engineering, software development and IT services.

Romania had average hourly labour costs of €13.6 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. Romania’s tech sector includes engineering, software development and IT services, according to EURES.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €23,722 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of RON 35,473 for a software developer and RON 40,650 for a marketing manager.

Key cities in Romania have emerged as hubs for tech innovation and remote work. Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iași are at the forefront. Bucharest, the nation's capital, serves as the largest tech hub, according to EURES, while Cluj-Napoca has a startup community. Timisoara is known for its engineering and software development expertise, and Iași has become an outsourcing hub. Check that candidates have the infrastructure and digital framework needed for remote operations.

Romania ranks 11th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 605), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. The time zone difference (Romania is about 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in winter) allows several hours of real-time collaboration during U.S. mornings and Romanian afternoons when working hours align, according to the IANA time zone database.

3. Portugal

Portugal offers a diverse pool of talent for U.S. businesses looking to expand their remote teams.

Portugal had average hourly labour costs of €19.4 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. Remote professionals in Portugal work in roles like digital marketing and customer support. Portugal’s 6th-place ranking in the Global Digital Nomad Index for 2025 is reported by Euronews. This ranking concerns nomad destinations; assess the candidate and engagement arrangement separately.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €27,768 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of €25,850 for a software developer and €33,385 for a marketing manager.

Include candidates in Lisbon and Porto in your search. For those seeking another option, the Algarve region is a location to include in searches; check living costs and connectivity with the candidate.

Portugal’s time zone, Western European Time (UTC+0 in winter, UTC+1 in summer), according to the IANA time zone database, can support collaboration with U.S. East Coast business hours when schedules align. Portugal ranks 6th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 612), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually.

4. Spain

Spain offers professionals in design, marketing, operations and finance. Spain placed first on the 2025 Global Digital Nomad Index reported by Euronews.

Spain had average hourly labour costs of €26.4 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. For specialized tech roles, compare current compensation expectations in cities like Madrid and Barcelona using the global salary guide.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €35,076 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of €29,187 for a software developer, €24,282 for a customer service representative and €40,573 for a marketing manager.

Spain’s candidates are spread across several cities. Include Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia in your search, and test each candidate against the role brief.

Spain ranks 36th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 540), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. Additionally, Spain’s Central European Time zone (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), according to the IANA time zone database, allows for real-time collaboration when working hours align. For East Coast-based companies or distributed teams, agree on a schedule that also enables interactions with European clients during standard business hours.

5. Bulgaria

For remote hiring in 2026, Bulgaria offers U.S. and global employers access to a skilled and diverse workforce in customer support, IT services and digital marketing.

Bulgaria had average hourly labour costs of €12.0 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. For specific roles, compare software engineers, digital marketers and designers separately from customer support roles using the global salary guide.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €18,622 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of BGN 35,234 for a software developer, BGN 18,000 for a customer service representative and BGN 47,932 for a marketing manager.

Bulgaria ranks 18th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 594), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. Check international experience and communication with U.S. teams directly.

Sofia, the capital, serves as the main hub for tech and business, hosting startups, IT firms, and coworking spaces that attract a pool of skilled workers. Cities like Plovdiv and Varna are also locations to include in a search. Bulgaria's location in the Eastern European Time zone (EET, UTC+2 in winter) makes it suitable for roles requiring real-time collaboration with U.S. Eastern Time, as the 7-hour time difference in winter allows for overlapping work hours when schedules align, according to the IANA time zone database. Consider Bulgaria for positions in customer support, project management, and agile development teams.

6. Serbia

Serbia has an IT sector in Central and Eastern Europe for international employers looking for skilled talent.

Serbia had average hourly labour costs of €12.8 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. Junior roles, mid-level positions, and senior or lead roles need separate compensation comparisons using the global salary guide.

The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia reports an average gross monthly salary of RSD 161,953 for August 2026.

Serbia ranks 25th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 578), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. Assess experience working with U.S. and Western European clients, communication and collaboration.

Belgrade and Novi Sad are Serbia's main hubs for remote talent. Belgrade, the capital, has a tech ecosystem, coworking spaces, and an international business presence. Novi Sad, a university city, offers graduates and maintains an IT sector. Assess the coworking spaces and infrastructure designed to support remote professionals. Additionally, Serbia's Central European Time zone facilitates real-time collaboration with teams on the U.S. East Coast and in Western Europe when schedules align, according to the IANA time zone database.

The U.S. International Trade Administration describes Serbia’s ICT sector as a driver of economic growth and innovation. For U.S. companies hiring for roles in software development, digital marketing, customer support, and design, assess technical expertise and remote delivery experience directly.

7. Hungary

For remote hiring in Central Europe in 2026, Hungary offers U.S. employers access to a skilled workforce in finance, accounting, IT support and operations.

Hungary had average hourly labour costs of €15.2 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. For instance, software developers and engineers need role-specific compensation comparisons using the global salary guide.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €23,206 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of 3,554,395 Ft for a customer service representative and 5,002,842 Ft for a marketing manager.

Hungary ranks 22nd of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 590), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. Discuss collaboration with U.S. teams and ability to adapt to remote work settings directly with the person.

Budapest serves as the country’s leading hub for remote talent, featuring a tech ecosystem with coworking spaces, startup incubators, and an international presence. Meanwhile, cities like Debrecen and Szeged are alternatives for a search, offering a well-educated workforce. Additionally, Hungary’s time zone (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), according to the IANA time zone database, can support real-time communication with the U.S. East Coast when schedules align.

For tech and digital marketing talent, assess work samples and relevant delivery experience.

8. Greece

For remote hiring in 2026, Greece offers U.S. employers access to a pool of skilled professionals. Search across various industries, including tech, digital marketing, customer support, and finance.

Greece had average hourly labour costs of €18.2 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. Compare roles in tech and digital marketing separately from administrative and entry-level positions using the global salary guide.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €29,652 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of $17,071 for a software developer, $14,286 for a customer service representative and $34,377 for a marketing manager.

Greece ranks 20th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 592), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. Assess international work and study experiences relevant to communication and collaboration with U.S.-based teams.

Include candidates in Athens and Thessaloniki in your search. Locations like Heraklion in Crete and Patras are also options to include in a search; check living costs and connectivity with the candidate. Greece operates on Eastern European Time (UTC+2 in winter, UTC+3 in summer), which can support collaboration with U.S. East Coast business hours and with Western and Central Europe when schedules align, according to the IANA time zone database.

9. Czech Republic

For tech, finance and project management in Central Europe, consider the Czech Republic. Ranked fifth in the Global Digital Nomad Index for 2025, according to Euronews, the country is also a location to include in a remote search.

Czech Republic had average hourly labour costs of €19.8 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. Compare compensation for remote workers in the Czech Republic depending on their role and experience using the global salary guide.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €26,773 in 2025, according to Eurostat.

Czech Republic ranks 23rd of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 582), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. Assess professional communication skills directly for collaboration with U.S. and Western teams. Additionally, Prague and Brno serve as key talent hubs, with tech communities, coworking spaces, digital infrastructure, and overlap with U.S. business hours due to their CET time zone when schedules align. Standard/summer time is CET/CEST (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), according to the IANA time zone database.

10. Lithuania

This Baltic nation has a tech sector, with cities like Vilnius and Kaunas fostering startup ecosystems and expanding remote talent pools. Search for skilled professionals in IT, engineering, and digital marketing.

Lithuania had average hourly labour costs of €17.8 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat. Compare compensation for the actual role using the global salary guide.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €31,380 in 2025, according to Eurostat.

Lithuania ranks 33rd of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 543), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. Assess communication with U.S. and Western teams. Ask about work environments that prioritize transparency, efficiency, and collaboration. Assess their familiarity with flat organizational structures and agile project management where relevant to the role.

Lithuania's location in the Eastern European Time Zone (GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer), according to the IANA time zone database, can make real-time collaboration easier when schedules align. It also provides coverage for Western European teams. Agree on working hours with the candidate.

11. Sweden

Sweden offers a tech talent pool for remote teams. For technology roles, consider experience in AI, cybersecurity, software development and IoT. Digital-services searches may include financial technology and e-commerce.

Review technical work samples and the candidate’s security judgment. Set compensation for the actual role using the global salary guide, and agree on working hours before making an offer.

Sweden had average hourly labour costs of €43.1 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €50,560 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of 460,808 kr for a software developer and 525,194 kr for a marketing manager.

Sweden ranks 8th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 609), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. The mainland time zone is CET/CEST (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), according to the IANA time zone database. Verify the candidate’s working hours.

12. Denmark

Denmark’s digital infrastructure and workforce make it a country to consider for remote hiring. Relevant searches include software, AI, financial technology and e-commerce, alongside design and media roles.

Match the candidate’s portfolio to the technical or creative work you need. Review compensation through the global salary guide and check availability for the team’s meetings and handoffs.

Denmark had average hourly labour costs of €51.7 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €71,610 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of 454,733 Kr. for a software developer and 449,535 Kr. for a marketing manager.

Denmark ranks 7th of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 611), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. The mainland time zone is CET/CEST (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), according to the IANA time zone database. Verify the candidate’s working hours.

13. Netherlands

The Netherlands offers a workforce with digital expertise. Searches may cover software development, AI, financial technology, digital banking, e-commerce and cloud solutions.

Assess fluent English and relevant systems experience directly. Use the global salary guide for compensation planning and verify the candidate’s connectivity and working hours for your role.

Netherlands had average hourly labour costs of €47.9 in 2025, against an EU average of €34.9, according to Eurostat.

Average gross annual earnings for a single full-time worker without children on the average wage were €60,636 in 2025, according to Eurostat. In 2026, Payscale lists average annual base salaries of €51,417 for a software developer, €35,058 for a customer service representative and €59,772 for a marketing manager.

Netherlands ranks 1st of 123 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index 2025 (score 624), according to EF. Assess fluent English individually. The mainland time zone is CET/CEST (UTC+1 in winter, UTC+2 in summer), according to the IANA time zone database. Verify the candidate’s working hours.

Comparison Table

The table below serves as a handy guide to compare 13 European countries for remote hiring in 2026. Use it to align your hiring goals with each country's unique strengths.

Sources: hourly labour costs from Eurostat, whole economy excluding agriculture and public administration; EU average €34.9. English ranks and scores from the EF English Proficiency Index 2025; country pages are linked in each profile. Time zones show mainland winter/summer time, according to the IANA time zone database. Labour costs are economy-wide averages; assess compensation and fluent English for the individual role.

Salary Benchmarks by Country

Use these figures as a starting point, then price the specific role and seniority.

Sources: average gross annual earnings of a single full-time worker without children on the national average wage, 2025, rounded to the nearest euro, from Eurostat (earn_nt_net). *Serbia is not in that dataset; its figure is the average gross monthly salary for August 2026 from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. Role columns: average annual base salary in local currency as shown on Payscale for 2026 (Payscale shows Greece in USD and Bulgaria in BGN); each figure links to its page. n/a: no Payscale salary page (Serbia, customer service), fewer than 15 salary profiles, or the salary URL redirects to Payscale’s hourly-rate page (Romania and Portugal, customer service; Czech Republic, marketing manager; Denmark, customer service). We also left out Payscale’s 880,000 Ft figure for a software developer in Hungary, which is far below the other Hungarian roles on Payscale.

Key Takeaways from the Table

• Budget Planning: Compare countries against your role’s actual compensation and engagement costs.
• Strong Communication: Assess fluent English for candidates in Portugal and Lithuania through interviews and work-related writing.
• Time Zone Alignment: Countries in GMT+1 can support real-time collaboration when agreed working hours overlap.
• Specialized Talent: Consider Poland and the Czech Republic for technical fields, while Portugal and Spain offer creative and marketing roles. Consider Lithuania for fintech and engineering in 2026, then assess relevant work samples.

Additional European Country Options

You can also consider Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Slovakia and Ukraine. Include them when the brief calls for relevant skills or market experience. Judge skills from the person's work, not their location.

Where disruption could affect delivery, talk to the candidate about continuity, equipment, availability and backup plans. Don't assume the whole country works the same way.

For digital marketing hires in Ukraine, review campaign portfolios, channel expertise and the candidate’s contribution to results.

How to Assess IT Candidates in CEE

For Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), collect work samples, relevant systems experience and examples of job-related communication. Set offers using current role-specific compensation expectations.

When evaluating Latin America, Europe and North America, use the same scope, seniority and cost categories. Record compensation, equipment and applicable employment or contracting costs separately.

Working Hours for U.S. and European Teams

Plan both live collaboration and asynchronous handoffs. Decide which work actually needs a meeting. Put required availability in the brief, then verify it with the individual using the dates and locations involved. Daylight-saving changes can alter overlap.

Document the handoff between team members, response expectations and escalation routes. Don't expect someone in another time zone to be online for your whole working day. Assess the actual schedule before choosing a market.

Local Hiring and Cross-Border Hiring

Distinguish between the intended working arrangements: a person working from their existing location is a different decision from someone relocating. State which situation applies before comparing candidates or engagement options. Have qualified advisers review the proposed arrangement where needed.

Compare local and international hiring against the same workload and management needs. An office-based role may be justified by physical work or local access; a remote role needs documented workflows and deliberate integration.

Engagement and Onboarding Checklist

Check the worker’s actual location, the contracting or employing party and who will review local requirements. Document compensation, expenses, equipment, data access and intellectual-property expectations. Rules differ by country.

Provide a clear manager, role outcomes, onboarding materials and scheduled feedback. Use a shared work tracker and written decisions so collaboration does not depend on being online together. For compensation planning, consult the global salary guide and validate the actual role. For the service-model distinction, read the EOR comparison; for cross-border sourcing, use the international recruitment guide.

Conclusion

Europe remains at the forefront of the global remote hiring scene in 2026, offering a pool of skilled talent, competitive compensation, and excellent digital infrastructure. These factors make it a prime destination for U.S. and international employers looking to expand their teams. The continent’s workforce brings expertise across technical, creative, and operational roles, making it a hub for diverse industries.

Compensation is one consideration when comparing European hiring markets. Compare current compensation expectations and total costs for the actual role. Additionally, overlapping time zones enhance real-time collaboration and streamline decision-making, critical for remote teams working across borders.

As you refine your global hiring plans for 2026, use this guide to navigate Europe’s diverse talent market. Whether you’re seeking technical expertise, creative skills, or customer support capabilities, consider each country’s unique strengths, from language proficiency to regulatory environments, to ensure the best fit for your needs.

When planning to hire remote talent from Europe in 2026, companies should weigh several important considerations to ensure a successful collaboration:

• Cost of hiring: Compare salary expectations and the local cost of living to balance affordability and competitiveness.
• Talent availability: Look for countries with a strong workforce in key sectors such as tech, marketing, and design.
• English proficiency: Assess fluent English to ensure smooth communication and collaboration.
• Time zone alignment: Prioritize countries with time zones that overlap well with your team’s working hours to streamline coordination.
• Remote work infrastructure: Assess the quality of internet services, availability of coworking spaces, and other essential resources for remote work.
• Economic and political stability: Assess potential disruptions with the candidate and agree on continuity plans.

By carefully evaluating these factors, companies can pinpoint the most suitable European locations to assemble a skilled and efficient remote team.

Salary levels and the cost of living play a big role in determining how budget-friendly it is to hire remote workers across Europe. Countries like Germany and Ireland have higher hourly labour costs than the EU average: €45.0 and €44.2 respectively in 2025, against €34.9, according to Eurostat.

Meanwhile, countries such as Portugal and those in Eastern Europe offer lower economy-wide hourly labour costs than the EU average. Check the figures in the tables, then compare actual candidates. By weighing these factors carefully, businesses can pinpoint the best locations for remote hiring while keeping their budgets in check.

Hiring in Europe with RemotelyTalents

We headhunt full-time remote talent from Latin America, Europe and North America. For a European search, one dedicated recruiter brings you the 3–5 candidates who fit your brief. You interview them and make the final hiring decision; your company employs or contracts the successful candidate directly.

Whatever the country or salary, the fee is the same flat $3,900 per hire: $1,450 at kickoff + $2,450 when you hire. Searches take 4–6 weeks on average. If the hire doesn't work out in the first 90 days, we find a replacement. We assess skills, fluent English and remote collaboration against your brief. Tell us who you need to hire. Background checks apply only to the final candidate you decide to hire, before the hire.

FAQs

What should companies look for when deciding where to hire remote talent in Europe in 2026?

Compare talent availability, compensation, fluent English, working hours and remote work infrastructure for the role. Review the candidate’s experience and communication directly. Check equipment, connectivity and continuity plans, then establish the employment or contracting arrangement before making an offer. Agree on meetings and handoffs before hiring.

How do salary ranges and cost of living in European countries affect the cost-effectiveness of hiring remote talent?

Salary expectations affect hiring cost, but the role, seniority and engagement arrangement determine the budget. Compare compensation, applicable employer costs, equipment, software and recruitment separately. Local living costs provide context; they do not establish a fair offer for an individual. Use the global salary guide and current candidate expectations to validate your budget.

What are the benefits of hiring remote talent from Poland, Romania, and Portugal in terms of English skills and time zone alignment?

Poland, Romania and Portugal offer locations to search for remote talent, with working hours that can support European teams and some U.S. collaboration. Assess fluent English individually through interviews and written work. Agree on the meetings and handoffs the role requires, then verify overlap for the actual dates and locations, including daylight-saving changes.

Can a U.S. company work effectively with a European hire?

Yes, if the candidate can meet the schedule the role needs. Check that first. Some work requires live meetings, while other tasks can use documented asynchronous handoffs. Agree on response times, escalation routes and a manager. Verify overlap with the actual locations and dates involved, without assuming one time difference applies all year.

Does hiring remotely mean the person must relocate?

No. A remote role can let someone work from their existing location. Relocation is a separate decision with different requirements. State the intended work location in the brief and check it before an offer. Have qualified advisers review the engagement or relocation arrangement where necessary, and document who is responsible for the relevant checks.

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