Hiring Belarusian Programmers: Where To Find The Best Talent

Belarus has a thriving tech ecosystem, with over 2,500 tech companies operating in the country, including well-known companies such as Viber, World of Tanks, and MSQRD. The country's tech sector is supported by the government and the Belarus High-Tech Park, which offers tax incentives and other benefits to tech companies. This has led to an influx of talent, with over 12,000 IT professionals calling the country home.

If you're looking to hire a programmer from Belarus, there are a few things you can do. Online job boards, professional networks, and recruitment agencies can all be great resources for finding talent. Additionally, attending local meetups and tech events can be a fantastic way to network and build relationships with potential candidates.

So, whether you're looking to tap into the thriving tech ecosystem of Belarus or seeking to hire talented Belarusian programmers, a range of options are available to help you achieve your goals.

The thriving tech ecosystem in Belarus

Belarus has a surprisingly robust tech ecosystem, with over 2,500 tech companies operating in the country. This is due in part to the country's strong technical talent base and supportive government policies. The country has invested heavily in its IT sector, receiving over $700 million in investments over the past decade. This has resulted in a thriving startup culture, with many tech companies choosing to base themselves in Belarus. The country ranks 28th out of 129 countries in terms of tech talent competitiveness, and its capital city, Minsk, is home to a vibrant tech community.

The country's tech sector is supported by the government and the Belarus High-Tech Park, a special economic zone that provides tax incentives and other benefits to tech companies. This has helped to attract many large tech companies, such as Viber, World of Tanks, and MSQRD. The Hi-Tech Park, in particular, has been a significant driver of growth in the industry, offering companies the opportunity to operate without paying any corporate taxes. This has made Belarus an attractive destination for tech companies and talent from around the world.

In addition to the Hi-Tech Park, Belarus also has a number of venture capital funds, accelerators, and co-working spaces that support the growth of the tech ecosystem. One notable example is the Startup Hub Imaguru, which offers co-working spaces, educational events, and networking opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs. The country also has a number of well-known tech startups, such as Maps.me, Flo, and PandaDoc, that have achieved success both domestically and internationally.

The tech talent pool in Belarus is highly educated, with approximately 45% of IT professionals holding a master's degree or higher. The country produces 3,000 new programmers each year, who are well-versed in the latest technologies and programming languages. This talented workforce has helped to drive the success of the tech ecosystem in Belarus, with many companies choosing to outsource their IT services to Belarusian providers.

The Hi-Tech Park in Minsk

The park is often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe" and is considered one of the largest IT clusters in the region. It has become a global player in software production, with over 1000 resident companies and more than 60,000 highly qualified specialists as of 2023. The HTP has been a significant driver of the Belarusian economy, with the IT sector contributing up to 5.5% of the country's GDP in 2018.

The HTP provides a special business environment for IT companies, attracting both foreign and domestic businesses. Half of the resident companies are foreign entities or joint ventures, and they have successfully entered North American and European hi-tech markets. The park's attractiveness is not solely based on tax benefits but also on its knowledge-based ecosystem, innovation, and highly qualified human resources. Belarusian programmers are trained at the centres of world IT leaders like IBM, SAP, Oracle, and Microsoft, and they possess deep knowledge in mathematics, engineering, physics, and other sciences.

The HTP operates on the principle of extraterritoriality, meaning that companies registered within it can enjoy the provided advantages regardless of their physical location in Belarus. This flexibility has contributed to the park's success and ability to attract international businesses.

The establishment of the Hi-Tech Park in Minsk has had a significant impact on the country's economy and technological advancements. It has fostered innovation, supported startups, and created a thriving tech ecosystem. The park has also actively promoted technical education and IT education for children and adults through various initiatives and courses. Overall, the Hi-Tech Park in Minsk has played a crucial role in positioning Belarus as a top centre for tech talent in Eastern Europe.

The benefits of working in Belarus

Belarus has become an attractive destination for programmers and software developers, offering a range of benefits that contribute to its growing IT sector. Here are some key advantages of working in Belarus:

Favourable Regulatory Environment and Tax Benefits:

The Belarusian government has implemented policies that support the growth of the IT industry. This includes the establishment of the High Technologies Park (HTP), which offers tax incentives to resident tech companies. These companies are exempt from various taxes, such as income tax and value-added tax (VAT) on software development outsourcing. The HTP has attracted both local and foreign companies, creating a vibrant tech hub in Minsk.

Competitive Salaries:

Programmers in Belarus earn competitive salaries that are significantly higher than the country's average. The average programmer's salary is around $1,300 per month, which is about three times higher than the national average. This high earning potential has made the IT sector an attractive career choice for young Belarusians.

Strong Education System:

The country's strong focus on science and technology education has resulted in a talented pool of IT professionals. The Soviet Union's emphasis on these fields continues to influence the Belarusian education system, producing skilled graduates in computer science and related fields. The country's high literacy rate, above 99% for all age groups, also contributes to its talented workforce.

Growing IT Infrastructure:

The IT sector in Belarus has been experiencing rapid growth, particularly in the past decade. Minsk, the capital, hosts a large number of R&D labs, and around 60.5% of developers work in offshore software development. The Belarusian IT industry is estimated to be growing four to five times faster than the global IT growth scale, showcasing its dynamic nature.

Close Time Zones to Western Europe:

Belarus's time zone is only two hours ahead of the UK, making it an ideal outsourcing destination for UK companies. This close time zone facilitates real-time communication and collaboration, ensuring smooth project progress and avoiding unnecessary delays.

Multilingual and Skilled Workforce:

Belarusian developers are multilingual, with higher English proficiency compared to neighbouring countries. This makes them attractive to international companies as communication barriers are reduced. Additionally, Belarusian IT professionals are known for their strong skills in agile software development and top development practices.

Cost-Benefit Advantage:

Hiring developers in Belarus offers a significant cost advantage for companies based in the UK or Western Europe. The average salary for a Belarusian developer is considerably lower than that of their counterparts in developed countries, resulting in substantial cost savings for outsourcing companies.

How to hire Belarusian developers remotely

Belarus is a great place to find developers, ranking 28th out of 129 countries in the 2020 Global Talent Competitiveness Index. The country has a thriving tech ecosystem, with over 12,000 IT professionals, 2,500 tech companies, and a strong technical talent base.

Ways to source and recruit Belarusian developers

• Online job boards and freelance platforms: Upwork, Toptal, Freelancer, and Fiverr are great options to source software development talent in Belarus.
• Professional networks: LinkedIn and AngelList are excellent platforms to connect with software developers in Belarus.
• Recruitment agencies: Recruitment agencies in Belarus have a large network of qualified candidates and can help you find the perfect fit for your project.
• Tech events: Attending hackathons, meetups, and tech conferences is a great way to network with software developers and build relationships within the local tech community.

Salary expectations

The average salary for a junior developer in Belarus is around $1,150 per month, while a senior developer can expect approximately $45,000 per year. These rates are significantly lower than in the US or EU, allowing you to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Legal considerations

When hiring remotely, it's important to be aware of the legal considerations. Here are a few options to consider:

• Independent Contractor Agreements (ICAs): These are simple and short contracts that are legally compliant in most countries. However, independent contractors are not legally employed and may not have the same protections as employees.
• Employer of Record (EOR): An EOR helps companies hire employees in countries where they don't have a legal presence, ensuring compliance with local labor laws.
• Sub-corporation: Setting up a local sub-corporation is the legally compliant way to hire employees in any country, but it can be costly and time-consuming.

Tips for successful remote hiring

• Be aware of the local average salaries to provide competitive offers.
• Understand the local labor laws and regulations, such as minimum wages and working hours.
• Consider using a platform like Deel or Papaya to establish legally compliant contracts and manage payroll.
• Use talent search engines like HeroHunt.ai to find and reach out to candidates automatically.
• Post jobs on local and remote job boards to attract a wider range of talent.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully hiring Belarusian developers remotely, taking advantage of the country's talented tech workforce.

The best job boards to find Belarusian developers

Belarus has been dubbed the "emerging Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe" by the Wall Street Journal, and it's no surprise given its thriving tech ecosystem and talented workforce. If you're looking to tap into this pool of tech talent, here are some of the best job boards to find Belarusian developers:

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that offers a great opportunity to connect with software developers in Belarus. You can search for developers with specific skill sets and experience, and send them a message to introduce yourself and your company.

Job.tut.by

Job.tut.by is a popular local job board in Belarus. It is part of the Russian HeadHunter group, which operates in several post-Soviet countries. While most job ads on this platform are in Belarusian or Russian, it offers a wide reach and is a great way to connect with local talent.

HeadHunter.by

HeadHunter.by is another well-known job board in Belarus, also part of the HeadHunter group. It offers a similar service to Job.tut.by, providing a platform to connect with Belarusian professionals, including developers.

Rabota.tut.by and Rabota.by

Rabota.tut.by and Rabota.by are two additional local job boards that are worth considering. Rabota.by, in particular, is the most popular job board in Belarus, receiving 4.9 million monthly visits. However, it is important to note that most job ads on this platform are not in English, and it may be more tailored to a local audience.

Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr

These platforms are great options for finding freelance developers and other tech talent in Belarus. They allow you to search for professionals with specific skill sets and experience, and you can easily compare different profiles side-by-side.

Tech-focused job boards

In addition to the general job boards mentioned above, there are also tech-focused job boards that cater specifically to the IT industry. These include sites like Stack Overflow and GitHub, which are popular among developers and can be great places to find Belarusian developers as well.

When hiring software developers in Belarus, it is important to be aware of local average salaries and benefits to ensure that you are providing a competitive job offer. The tech industry in Belarus is thriving, and these job boards can help you connect with the talent you need to drive your business forward.

Frequently asked questions