Best Countries to Hire Remote Employees in 2025: A Global Data Study by INS Global

Remote work is going to be the new normal. According to a 2025 Pew Research Center study, 75% of employed adults already are expected to work from home at least some of the time.

But global hiring is still stuck in the past.

Most companies still chase only cheap labor, and end up running into compliance issues, weak infrastructure, or culture mismatches that kill team performance.

That’s the real cost of remote hiring when you make bad decisions too early and without the right data at hand.

INS Global has analyzed 13 countries using public and internal indicators like internet speed, English proficiency, remote-readiness, and more.

If you want to h build cost-effective, legally compliant, high-performing global teams in a smarter, data-backed way, this is the read for you.

Methodology: How INS Global Ranked These Countries

To create this ranking, we pulled data from multiple trusted sources including Speedtest Global Index, EF English Proficiency Index, World Bank reports, and our internal hiring benchmarks.

We considered five primary factors that matter most when building remote teams:

• Internet connectivity and reliability
• Skill level and digital literacy of the workforce
• Labor costs and tax environment
• Government support for remote work and digital nomads
• Legal and payroll compliance complexity

Additionally, we assessed how easy it is to integrate Employer of Record (EOR) services in each country to simplify hiring.

The Top 13 Countries to Hire Remote Employees in 2025

Portugal

Portugal offers a rare combination of affordability, quality of life, and digital infrastructure. With average internet speeds above 120 Mbps, a high level of English proficiency, and visa programs welcoming remote workers, it’s no surprise that it continues to top lists for remote hiring.

Lisbon and Porto in particular are thriving tech hubs, making it easy to source skilled professionals across industries.

Vietnam

Vietnam has become a magnet for tech talent in Southeast Asia. Its young population is fluent in digital tools and eager to work with international clients. Salaries remain highly competitive, and cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi boast reliable internet and growing startup ecosystems.

Estonia

Estonia is a digital pioneer with a government that has been embracing remote-first policies since the early days. Its e-residency program allows companies to hire and manage remote teams seamlessly. Coupled with one of the best digital infrastructures in Europe and a tech-savvy population, Estonia is ideal for distributed teams.

Dominican Republic

Thanks to its bilingual talent pool and strategic location near the US, the Dominican Republic is increasingly attractive for remote roles in customer service, tech, and operations. Urban areas provide strong internet access, and cultural alignment with Western markets makes onboarding easier.

UAE

The UAE offers advanced infrastructure, a global workforce, and generous tax policies. It’s also strategically positioned between Europe and Asia, making it perfect for teams that need timezone flexibility. Government efforts to attract tech companies have resulted in a booming digital economy.

Japan

Japan combines cutting-edge technology with a disciplined, quality-focused workforce. While salaries are higher than in emerging markets, the value of hiring top-tier engineers, AI specialists, or designers from Japan can be substantial for high-tech industries.

Cameroon

Though often overlooked, Cameroon is quickly developing into a stronghold for affordable remote talent, particularly in French-speaking regions. Digital literacy initiatives are boosting the quality of its workforce, while labor costs remain among the lowest on the continent.

Germany

Germany stands out for its stability, precision, and deep talent pools in engineering and IT. While compliance and tax rules can be complex, working with an EOR can help companies easily tap into one of Europe’s most advanced digital economies.

Finland

Known for its innovative spirit and work-life balance, Finland is a dream destination for building thoughtful and productive teams. The country ranks at the top of most digital infrastructure indexes and actively supports flexible remote working policies.

Egypt

With its young and increasingly tech-educated population, Egypt is proving to be a powerhouse for remote hiring. Internet quality has improved, and time zone alignment with Europe makes collaboration efficient. Its labor market is also cost-effective for startups.

Venezuela

Despite its economic struggles, Venezuela has become a reliable remote talent source for US and European companies. Professionals there are highly educated and motivated, and many are already experienced working remotely across time zones.

Cambodia

Cambodia is growing fast as a remote work location. Phnom Penh’s tech and digital marketing sectors are rising, and the government is investing in connectivity and education. Labor costs are low, and a large segment of the population is now learning English and digital skills.

Armenia

Armenia is quietly becoming a tech and outsourcing hub thanks to strong STEM education and government support. With improving infrastructure and cost-effective hiring, it’s a strategic bridge between Eastern Europe and Asia for remote team building.

5 Key Factors to Consider When Hiring Remotely by Country

Hiring internationally comes with challenges beyond salary costs. Here are five essential considerations to evaluate before selecting a country:

• Time Zones: Ensure overlap between working hours for real-time collaboration.
• Legal & Tax Compliance: Understand the local labor laws—EOR partners help mitigate risk.
• Cultural Fit: Every region has different communication and work style expectations.
• Cost vs. Quality: Balance affordable wages with long-term team performance and retention.
• Infrastructure: Verify that your target country offers consistent internet and power.

How to Stay Compliant and Efficient When Hiring Globally

To reduce risk and scale faster, companies should embrace tools and strategies for cross-border compliance. Some key tips:

• Use global payroll platforms to manage taxes and benefits accurately.
• Work with an Employer of Record (EOR) to stay legally compliant without setting up entities.
• Define clear expectations around hours, reporting tools, and team rituals.
• Audit processes regularly and track changes in labor laws per country.
• Invest in HR software that scales globally and supports integration (e.g., Deel, INS Global platform).

Conclusion: Go Global, But Go Smart

Remote hiring in 2025 presents an incredible opportunity, but only if approached strategically. The countries above represent not just low-cost labor pools, but high-potential regions to build loyal, engaged, and effective global teams.

Before you hire, consider legal frameworks, tools, and the value of working with partners like Employer of Record providers. If you’re expanding your team across borders, make sure your hiring plan supports long-term success.