As tech talent shortages persist and companies push to build more resilient, distributed teams, global hiring has become a strategic necessity, not a stopgap.
While established markets like the Philippines, U.S., India, Canada, and the U.K. continue to lead in overall hiring volume, our latest data reveals a deeper shift. Companies are widening their search and increasingly placing bets on high-potential regions that offer both strong talent pools and long-term scalability.
This is a trend we uncovered in Oyster’s 2025 Global Hiring Trends and Impact Report—a detailed analysis of the data shaping how and where companies build global teams.
After analyzing thousands of hires made through the Oyster platform in 2024 and surveying more than 500 HR professionals across North America and Europe, we found that confidence in emerging markets is climbing fast.
Last year, 47% of all new hires on Oyster were located in emerging economies—up three percentage points from 2023. While just 37% of companies’ first international hires were based in these regions, that number jumped to 48% for subsequent hires. In other words, once businesses start hiring in emerging markets, they are more likely to do so in the future.
So, where is global hiring gaining the most ground? Let’s take a closer look at the five fastest-growing remote hiring destinations in 2025—and what makes each one worth watching.
Mexico
With the highest year-over-year growth on the Oyster platform, Mexico continues to emerge as a powerhouse for remote hiring. In 2024, hiring activity surged by 136%, reflecting the country’s rising appeal for companies looking to scale distributed teams.
Mexico’s combination of affordable talent, a highly skilled workforce, as well as geographic proximity and time zone alignment with the U.S., makes it an attractive option for North American companies seeking real-time collaboration. Additionally, professionals in Mexico bring strong English proficiency and technical expertise making it easier to build high-functioning, distributed teams—particularly in STEM fields.
Home to more than 220,000 software developers, Mexico has three primary tech hubs: Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Monterrey, the latter of which has seen 69% growth over the last five years and is the fastest-growing tech ecosystem in Latin America.
As more companies seek to balance operational efficiency with access to qualified talent, Mexico continues to stand out as a top global hiring destination.
Peru
Remote hiring in Peru jumped by 89% last year, signaling growing interest in one of Latin America’s most dynamic and cost-effective talent markets.
Across the region, a tech renaissance is unfolding—fueled by a young, digitally native population, improved internet infrastructure, and accelerated demand for remote collaboration. Peru is part of that momentum. Lima, in particular, is gaining recognition as a center for innovation, with a growing pool of bilingual professionals skilled in tech and engineering.
With lower labor costs, a low cost of living, and time zone alignment with U.S. markets, Peru offers companies an efficient, scalable option for building high-performing distributed teams in Latin America.
Switzerland
Switzerland is no stranger to global business, but its 88% increase in remote hiring on the Oyster platform last year signals a new level of interest in its workforce.
Known for its stability, high-quality education, and multilingual population, Switzerland is an appealing option for companies prioritizing performance and reliability.
The country has consistently ranked as the world’s top talent hub in INSEAD’s Global Talent Competitiveness Index. According to the World Economic Forum, its dual education system—which blends academic learning with vocational training—plays a critical role in producing job-ready talent across industries.
Business-friendly policies and low unemployment contribute to a strong hiring climate, while Switzerland’s central location and world-class infrastructure make it an ideal base for teams serving European markets.
Colombia
Interest in Colombia as a remote hiring destination continues to grow—reflected in a 68% increase in hiring through Oyster in 2024.
Colombia stands out for its mix of skilled, bilingual talent and cost-effective scalability. The country is home to more than 62,000 software developers, supported by a pipeline of talent from top universities in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Bogotá itself ranks among the top five talent markets in Latin America, and Colombia’s national commitment to digital education continues to fuel its emergence as a tech hub.
In addition to traditional academic programs, the rise of coding bootcamps and grassroots tech communities has expanded access to technical careers. This has helped cultivate a workforce that’s technically proficient in areas like UX design, cloud infrastructure, and AI.
The Colombian government has also taken steps to support foreign investment in remote work, creating a favorable environment for global teams. Combined with cultural affinity and time zone overlap with North America, Colombia is becoming a go-to destination for companies building high-performing remote teams across the Americas.
Serbia
A 43% rise in hiring in Serbia last year points to the country’s growing status as a smart choice for global teams, especially in technical fields.
The country boasts a well-educated workforce, particularly in IT and engineering, supported by strong academic institutions in cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad. Many Serbian professionals are proficient in English and familiar with Western business practices, making collaboration with international teams more seamless. While labor costs are lower than in Western Europe, Serbia offers high-quality talent, making it an attractive option for companies seeking cost-effective scalability.
Serbia's central location in Europe provides convenient access to major markets, and its growing reputation as an IT outsourcing hub is bolstered by government initiatives to improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment. The country's tech sector is experiencing significant growth, with a focus on software development, gaming, and fintech. Belgrade, in particular, has become a center for innovation, hosting a thriving community of tech startups and established IT companies.
As part of the broader Eastern European tech renaissance, Serbia exemplifies the region's emergence as a hotspot for remote talent. The combination of technical expertise, cultural compatibility, and competitive costs positions Serbia as a compelling choice for companies looking to build resilient, distributed teams.
Stay ahead of the global hiring curve with Oyster
The global talent landscape is rapidly changing. Stay ahead with the latest data and trends from Oyster’s 2025 Global Hiring Trends and Impact Report. Whether you’re scaling across borders or just getting started, this report will help you build a smarter, more resilient global hiring strategy.
Backed by platform data and real-world insights, the report offers a clear view of where hiring is headed—so you can make confident decisions in a fast-moving market.
About Oyster
Oyster is a global employment platform designed to enable visionary HR leaders to find, engage, pay, manage, develop, and take care of a thriving distributed workforce. Oyster lets growing companies give valued international team members the experience they deserve, without the usual headaches and expense.
Oyster enables hiring anywhere in the world—with reliable, compliant payroll, and great local benefits and perks.
