Introduction
The global demand for skilled professionals has never been higher. Companies across various countries are struggling to fill key roles, especially in technology, and are increasingly looking beyond their borders for solutions. A study by Korn Ferry estimates that by 2030, the world will face a shortage of more than 85 million skilled workers. In fact, 55% of global employers are open to hiring from other countries to bridge skill gaps. Given this scenario, hiring international talent is no longer just a trend—it’s a strategic necessity.
In this post, we will explore five countries—Germany, Canada, Chile, Finland, and Poland—that are actively seeking international professionals, particularly from Latin America. We will also discuss how partnering with a global recruitment specialist like Combine can simplify and optimize this hiring process.
Germany: A Growing Startup Scene and High Demand for Tech Talent
Germany, Europe’s economic powerhouse, is experiencing an increasing demand for IT professionals due to the digital transformation and the rapid expansion of startups. According to BITKOM, the country had a shortage of approximately 137,000 IT specialists in 2022, a figure expected to grow in the coming years. This deficit affects both traditional corporations and Berlin’s startup ecosystem, known as the startup capital of Germany. Interestingly, nearly 49% of employees in Berlin startups are non-Germans, demonstrating the widespread practice of hiring international talent.
Additionally, English has become the primary working language in many German tech companies, especially startups—55.8% of Berlin startups operate in English. This means that hiring foreign professionals who do not speak German is not only possible but quite common.
For German companies struggling to fill developer, designer, and other IT-related roles, Latin American professionals represent a valuable resource. Many are highly skilled, have global experience, and already work in English, making integration into teams seamless. With no strict language requirements and programs such as the EU Blue Card facilitating visas, German companies can fill critical positions by hiring remotely or relocating Latin American talent.
Canada: Contractors from Latin America and the Power of Bilingualism
Canada’s talent shortage, particularly in tech, has led companies to hire Latin American professionals as contractors (PJ/freelancers). This approach enables Canadian companies to integrate foreign specialists into their teams without immediately requiring work visas, benefiting from time zone alignment with Latin America and cost savings. Studies show that hiring South American developers can reduce salary expenses by 30-40% for Canadian companies. With IT salaries in Canada increasing by 38% in 2021 due to talent shortages, this cost efficiency is a major advantage.
Another key factor is bilingualism. Canada has two official languages, English and French, and fluency in French can open additional opportunities, particularly in Quebec, where 85% of the population speaks French. To attract French-speaking professionals, Canada has a program called Mobilité Francophone, which allows companies to hire Francophone foreign workers with fewer visa requirements.
For Canadian companies, there are two main ways to tap into Latin American talent:
- Remote hiring through PJ contracts, ideal for software developers, designers, and tech consultants.
- Bringing professionals through streamlined visa programs, especially for bilingual (English-French) candidates.
By working with an expert recruitment partner, companies can navigate these hiring models smoothly while ensuring compliance with Canadian labor laws.
Chile: Benefits for Brazilian Professionals and the RUT System
Chile stands out as a regional tech hub and a gateway for Latin American talent. For Chilean companies, hiring professionals from neighboring countries is a logical step due to similar time zones and cultural alignment.
Brazilians, in particular, have a hiring advantage thanks to Mercosur agreements, which allow them to obtain a Mercosur Temporary Residence Visa for up to two years, making it easier to work legally in Chile.
Once in Chile, Brazilians can apply for a RUT (Rol Único Tributario)—a tax identification number required for employment. Having a RUT allows foreign professionals to sign contracts, open bank accounts, and fully integrate into the workforce.
The Chilean government is also actively attracting foreign tech professionals through the Visa Tech program, which expedites work visa processing in just 15 business days. This initiative highlights Chile’s commitment to importing global expertise to drive innovation and economic growth.
For Chilean companies, hiring Latin American professionals—especially Brazilians—is a strategic, cost-effective, and culturally seamless decision.
Finland: Preference for Local Residents and Remote Work Challenges
Finland, home to tech giants like Nokia and Supercell, faces a shortage of skilled professionals in IT, engineering, and healthcare. The government has set a goal to double labor immigration by 2030 to address these gaps.
However, Finland poses unique hiring challenges. Companies often prefer professionals who are already living in Finland or the EU, primarily due to language barriers, cultural integration, and visa regulations. While many positions require fluency in Finnish or Swedish, the tech sector is slightly more flexible. Even so, international professionals often find it difficult to enter the Finnish job market without strong networking connections.
In terms of remote hiring, Finland is more conservative compared to other Western countries. While remote work is common within Finland, companies are less inclined to hire professionals who remain permanently abroad due to time zone differences and collaboration preferences.
For Latin American talent interested in Finland, relocation is often the most viable path, facilitated through programs like the EU Blue Card or Finland’s work visas. For Finnish companies, partnering with an expert recruitment agency helps mitigate visa complexities and ensure a smooth hiring process.
Poland: The Power of LinkedIn and Work Visa Challenges
Poland has emerged as a major tech hub in Central Europe, with global companies setting up development centers in cities like Warsaw and Kraków. Due to a local shortage of IT professionals, Polish employers are actively recruiting talent from outside the EU.
LinkedIn has become a crucial tool for Polish companies to find international talent. Polish recruiters use LinkedIn to identify skilled professionals worldwide, making it an essential platform for Latin American professionals seeking opportunities in Poland.
However, after finding a match, work visa processing can be a challenge. As an EU country, Poland requires non-EU professionals to secure a work permit before employment. The process involves:
- A Labor Market Test (to confirm no local candidates are available for the role).
- A Work Permit application, which can take 1-2 months.
- A work visa application, which can take up to 60 additional days.
The bureaucratic process can be lengthy and complex, making outsourcing and recruitment agencies valuable partners in navigating Polish work regulations.
How Combine Can Help with International Hiring
Each of these countries has unique hiring challenges, from Chile’s RUT system to Poland’s lengthy visa procedures. Successfully navigating international hiring requires expertise in talent acquisition, compliance, and cross-border recruitment—which is exactly what Combine specializes in.
Combine offers two hiring models:
- Outsourcing – Where Combine hires and manages professionals on behalf of the company, handling payroll, legal compliance, and HR operations.
- Direct Hire – A traditional recruitment service where Combine identifies, evaluates, and supports candidates throughout the hiring and onboarding process.
With a global network of candidates and in-depth knowledge of country-specific hiring laws, Combine simplifies recruitment for companies looking to expand internationally. Whether hiring remote contractors or relocating professionals, Combine ensures a smooth, legally compliant, and efficient process.
Conclusion
Expanding international hiring is no longer a luxury—it’s a business necessity. Germany, Canada, Chile, Finland, and Poland are actively seeking skilled professionals from Latin America, presenting major opportunities for companies to bridge talent gaps. However, hiring across borders comes with legal, logistical, and cultural challenges that require specialized expertise.
With Combine as your global recruitment partner, your company can hire top-tier international talent with ease, ensuring a seamless and compliant process. Let’s connect your business to the best professionals Latin America has to offer!
