10 Reasons to Hire Nearshore Developers from Romania in 2024
January 19, 2024 – Mihai Popa
In the fast-paced world of software development, finding the right talent can be a game-changer for your business. As we step into 2024, Romania is emerging as a powerhouse for nearshore development services. Here are 10 compelling reasons why you should seriously consider hiring developers from Romania:
1. Thriving IT Hub
Romania has evolved into a thriving IT hub in recent years. With over 138,000 IT specialists and counting, the country boasts a dynamic and rapidly growing tech community, making it an ideal destination for sourcing top-tier developers.
According to the Romanian Association of Software and Electronic Industry, the IT industry contributes to almost 7% of the country’s GDP, showcasing its significant role in the economy.
2. Competitive Cost Advantage
One of the most appealing aspects of hiring nearshore developers from Romania is the cost advantage. You can expect to find highly skilled professionals at rates that are more competitive than those in Western Europe or North America.
On average, the hourly rates for Romanian developers are approximately 20-30% lower than their counterparts in Western Europe, making it an attractive proposition for cost-conscious businesses.
3. Strong Educational System
Romania takes pride in its robust education system, producing a constant stream of skilled IT professionals. The country has a high number of graduates in computer science and related fields, ensuring a talent pool that is well-versed in the latest technologies and methodologies.
According to Eurostat, Romania had over 17,000 graduates in information and communication technologies in 2023, a testament to the strength of its educational infrastructure.
4. Multilingual Skills
Language barriers can hinder effective communication, but Romanian developers often excel in this area. English proficiency is widespread among IT professionals, making collaboration and project management seamless for international teams.
The EF English Proficiency Index ranks Romania 16th out of 100 countries globally, indicating a high level of English proficiency among its population.
5. Time Zone Compatibility
Romania’s location in Eastern Europe allows for excellent time zone compatibility with Western European countries. This alignment ensures overlapping working hours, promoting real-time collaboration and efficient communication between teams.
Romania operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is just 1-2 hours ahead of most Western European countries.
6. Tech Stack Expertise
Romanian developers are well-versed in a wide range of technologies and programming languages. From Java and Python to JavaScript and .NET, you can find developers with diverse skill sets, catering to the specific needs of your project.
The TIOBE Index, which measures the popularity of programming languages, consistently places languages like Java, .NET and Python among the top choices in Romania.
7. Cultural Compatibility
Cultural compatibility is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in the success of any outsourcing venture. Romania’s cultural affinity with Western Europe, coupled with its European Union membership, makes it a favorable destination for seamless collaboration.
Romania’s cultural proximity to Western Europe is evident in its consistently high rankings on the Hofstede cultural dimensions index, showcasing similarities in work-related values.
8. Proximity for On-site Visits
The geographic proximity of Romania to many Western European countries allows for easy travel and on-site visits. This facilitates better relationship building, project understanding, and increased trust between the hiring company and the development team.
The average flight time from major Western European cities to Bucharest, Romania, is around 2-3 hours, making it a convenient location for on-site visits.
9. Stable Geo-political and Economic Environment
Stability is a key factor when choosing an outsourcing destination. Romania offers a stable political and economic environment, reducing the risk associated with offshore development.
Romania is a full member of NATO and thus enjoys as much geo-political stability as France, the UK or Germany.
Romania’s consistent GDP growth and investment-friendly policies have contributed to an average annual GDP growth rate of 4% in recent years.
10. Tech Community Events
Romania hosts numerous tech events, conferences, and meetups throughout the year. This vibrant community ensures that developers stay updated on the latest trends, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
In 2023, Romania hosted over 200 tech events, attracting thousands of professionals and providing ample networking opportunities.