Hire Developers in Serbia or Ukraine? What to Choose

Serbia and Ukraine are popular software development destinations in Eastern Europe because they offer a qualified workforce at reasonable prices. A dedicated development team in Serbia or Ukraine is much more cost-efficient than hiring an in-house team. That’s why both Ukraine and Serbia developer for hire are in great demand now. 

There are more than 2,500 software development companies in Serbia that employ about 30,000 Serbia dedicated developers. Ukraine has a larger IT market with 12,000 companies, 70% of which offer outsourcing services. More than 100 companies from Fortune 500 already use them. Serbian developers for hire are also beneficial in terms of geographical location in Eastern Europe and time zones for the EU and US customers.

Serbian IT Market

The Serbian IT market has been experiencing steady growth, with an increase in IT companies, professionals and tech exports. The industry has seen a growth rate of 8.77%, indicating a thriving IT sector.

As of the latest data, there are around 4,100 IT companies operating in Serbia. This  number highlights the country’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and software development. These companies contribute to the economy of the country and create employment opportunities for IT professionals.

Serbia also boasts a strong talent pool in the field. The number of IT professionals in the  country stands at around 48,000, which shows the availability of talent to support the growing demands of the industry. One of the key drivers of the Serbian IT market is its tech export value. In recent years, Serbia has seen an increase in tech exports, reaching a value of 913 million US dollars. This figure demonstrates the competitiveness of Serbian I T companies on the global stage, as they provide quality software development and IT services to clients around the world.
When it comes to programming languages, software development Serbia talent specializes in many different areas. The most popular programming languages in the Serbian IT market include PHP, .NET, Node.js, Java and Python. These languages are widely used in software development projects and provide a solid foundation for creating applications.

Serbia’s English Proficiency Index score of 567, signifying “High Proficiency,” highlights the nation’s commendable command of the English language, bolstering its international communication and global engagement.

The Employment Conditions in Serbia

Serbia’s employment conditions reflect a mix of traditional values and a growing inclination towards modernization. The country’s labor market is characterized by a wonderfully diversified industrial base. This encompasses manufacturing, agriculture and service sectors. Traditionally, industries such as mining, automobile manufacturing and information technology have played significant roles in the Serbian economy, offering job opportunities to a large segment of the population. 

The labor laws in Serbia are designed to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair treatment. The standard workweek is set at 40 hours. Overtime compensation overseen by law to safeguard employees from exploitation. Paid annual leave and social security benefits are also provided. The minimum wage in the country is around $343 per month. 

In recent years, the Serbian government has actively pursued reforms aimed at aligning the country’s employment standards with those of the European Union. These efforts have led to improvements in labor market flexibility. It has also played a pretty important role in attracting foreign investments! The government’s emphasis on creating a business-friendly environment has fostered a climate conducive to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, leading to job creation and economic development. Despite these positive developments, Serbia faces certain challenges within its employment landscape. And, unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains a persistent issue.

IT Market in Different Cities Across Serbia

The IT industry in Serbia has experienced major growth in recent years, attracting attention from both local and international businesses. As a result, many cities have emerged as hubs for IT services, specifically software development.  This section explores the IT market in five Serbian cities:

• Belgrade

As the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade has established itself as the leading IT hub in the country. Through the years, it has attracted numerous tech companies. And the city is home to a large number of software development Belgrade talent, accounting for most of the country’s talent pool.  Salaries for software developers in Belgrade vary based on experience and skill. But sources show that the average salary for a Java developer Belgrade is around $1800 per month. 

• Novi Sad

Novi Sad is Serbia’s second-largest city and is home to many web developer Novi Sad candidates. The city’s favorable business environment has contributed to its growing reputation in the IT sector and it is an attractive destination for tech companies. In terms of salaries, a .Net developer Novi Sad can expect an average  monthly income of $1500. 

• Niš

Niš is located in southern Serbia. The city’s lower cost of living and a pool of talented graduates have made it an appealing destination for IT companies, both local and international. The city has a smaller talent pool but the rates to hire developers are also lower. Software developers earn an average salary of $1405. 

• Kragujevac

Kragujevac, known for its strong industrial heritage, has also witnessed growth in the IT sector and rise in Java developer Kragujevac talent. The city’s focus on technology has attracted IT companies and startups, contributing to the expansion of the IT market. They have a small but skilled developer Kragujevac talent pool earning an average of $1300. 

• Kraljevo

Kraljevo, situated in central Serbia, is gradually establishing itself as an IT destination. With the presence of educational institutions and a variety of tech companies, the city  offers opportunities for software developers to thrive. Developers can expect to pay around $1200.

Check Profiles of Available Developers in Serbia

We have several consultants in Serbia available for hire right now – check their profiles below and inquire for more!

Nikola Z.

Backend Django Developer

3 years of experience

Nikola is a focused backend developer, proficient in Python and Django. Within Serbia’s rapidly expanding tech community, he’s become known for developing robust APIs and efficient backend systems. Nikola’s understanding of asynchronous tasks using Celery and his experience with PostgreSQL have been invaluable in building scalable and high-performance applications.

• Python
• Django
• Django REST Framework
• PostgreSQL
• Celery

Ana M.

Frontend React Developer

4.5 years of experience

Ana excels as a frontend developer, majorly focusing on the React ecosystem. Her ability to transform intricate designs into responsive and intuitive web pages has been showcased across various Serbian tech enterprises. With an emphasis on writing maintainable code and conducting thorough unit tests, Ana ensures that the applications she crafts offer both stability and innovation.

• React
• Redux
• HTML5
• CSS3
• Jest

Marko D.

Full Stack Laravel Developer

4 years of experience

Marko is a dynamic full-stack developer, with expertise in PHP, particularly the Laravel framework. Seamlessly integrating frontend technologies like Vue.js, he’s adept at delivering comprehensive web solutions tailored to client requirements. Marko’s knack for database optimization and his fervor for best coding practices make him an asset to any development team.

• PHP
• Laravel
• Vue.js
• MySQL
• Composer

Jelena V.

Mobile Flutter Developer

3.5 years of experience

Jelena is passionate about cross-platform mobile app development, specializing in Flutter. Operating in Serbia’s vibrant mobile development scene, she’s crafted apps that offer native-like performance across both iOS and Android. Jelena’s commitment to understanding user needs, combined with her expertise in Dart, ensures the delivery of engaging and efficient applications.

• Flutter
• Dart
• Firebase
• Provider
• SQLite

Why Companies Hire Developers in Serbia and Ukraine?

Nearshoring and dedicated software development team in Serbia or Ukraine have several significant advantages, such as:

• Convenient location. They offer little to no time difference to Europe. It ensures easy communication and management of a dedicated development team in Serbia or in Ukraine.
• Due to developing economies, these countries offer lower salary rates for developers. It might save up to 30-40% of the budget to hire a web developer in Belgrade, Serbia, or in Kyiv, Ukraine.
• Access to great talent. The IT market in Ukraine is the third-largest export of the country. Romanian software developers also contribute to the country’s economy.
• Overall, Ukraine and Serbia developers for hire both deliver great services.

An Overview of the Salaries of Software Engineers in Serbia 

As in any other job market, salary expectations for engineers or iOS developer Novi Sad or Belgrade vary depending on their level of experience or education. Below, we provide  a comparison of monthly salaries (in USD) across three experience levels within the software engineer field. This information can be valuable for anyone looking to hire Javascript developer Novi Sad candidates or other developers in Serbia.

Hire Serbian Developers or Ukrainian Teams? Salaries Comparison

Companies choose outsourcing to Serbia and Ukraine because of the financial benefits. PHP, Android developers in Serbia for hire cost cheaper than in Germany, the UK, or Canada. But let’s compare salaries for a Serbia dedicated team and Ukrainian programmers. Rates of Ukrainian programmers are represented according to the research on local job portals done by Mobilynity Recruitment Team.

* Ukrainian salaries are provided based on Mobilunity’s Recruitment Team research on the local job markets. All salaries are net and do not include the service fee (in case of hiring on a dedicated team model). The salaries are provided for comparison purposes and could be not entirely accurate. Contact us to know the exact cost of hiring a developer corresponding to the required parameters.

As you see, there is not so much of a difference whether you choose to hire developers in Serbia or Ukraine. Web developers in Serbia cost approximately the same and even if cheaper, one needs to consider the factors of quality and reliability of Ukrainian teams.

Pros of Ukrainian Programmers Over a Dedicated Development Team in Serbia

To know whether to hire developers Serbia or in Ukraine, one needs to focus on the differences. Here are the main benefits Ukrainian programmers can offer better than a Belgrade dedicated team:

1. More talent. In Ukraine, there are more companies, more startups, and more developers (about 200,000). At the same time to hire dedicated developers in Serbia is harder, as they are lacking specialists.
2. Ukraine is a trusted home for more than 100 R&D centers of international corporations and industry leaders.
3. 80% of Ukrainian developers have a great command of English. While a software development dedicated team in Serbia might not be as efficient in communication.
4. Ukraine has more flexible labor laws than Serbia. It might be tricky and hard to dismiss your own dedicated team in Serbia and taxes are higher too.
5. Ukraine has more experienced employees. The IT market in Serbia is quite young and one can hire developers in Belgrade, but many of them lack years of experience.

The Benefits of Outsourcing the Hiring Process to Professionals

When it comes to recruiting the right talent for your organization, the process can be resource-intensive. However, by outsourcing the hiring process to a professional web development agency Serbia, you can use their expertise to streamline the recruitment  process and find the best candidates for your company. Here are the key benefits of outsourcing the hiring process:

• Access to Expertise

Professional IT recruitment agencies in Serbia specialize in recruitment and have a deep understanding of the industry and job market. They possess extensive knowledge of  sourcing strategies, screening techniques and interview processes.

• Time and Cost Savings

Outsourcing the hiring process to an outsourcing partner in Serbia saves you valuable time and resources. Recruitment agencies take care of advertising job openings,  reviewing resumes, conducting initial screenings and scheduling interviews. This frees up your internal HR team to focus on other tasks.

• Wide Talent Pool

A professional web development company Serbia has access to a vast talent pool. Most companies have established relationships with potential candidates, allowing them to tap into a diverse range of talent.  

• Streamlined Screening Process

Professional agencies have strict screening processes to assess candidates’ skills, experience and cultural fit. They conduct thorough background checks and skill assessments to ensure you receive qualified candidates for consideration. 

• Enhanced Candidate Experience

Professional recruiters focus on delivering a positive candidate experience throughout the hiring process.  They provide timely communication, personalized attention and valuable feedback to candidates.  

Find out more about:

• How to find application development dedicated team Romania?

Mobilunity’s Expertise in Hiring and Providing Developers in Serbia

At Mobilunity, we extend our expertise in providing developers beyond our talent in  Ukraine. We have expanded our operations to include Serbia, a country known for its IT industry and tech professionals. With our experience and knowledge in the outsourcing industry we are proud to offer dedicated Serbian developer teams to meet your project requirements.

By using our network in Serbia, Mobilunity has established strong connections with top  professionals, such as front end developer Belgrade talent, in the country. Our dedicated recruitment team selects candidates to ensure they have the technical skills, experience and cultural fit for your project.

Whether you need web development, mobile app development, software engineering, or any other IT specialization, our web developer Belgrade talent has the expertise to  deliver exceptional results. If you want to hire BI developers contact Mobilunity!

We’ll find an experienced team of developers that’ll bring your business to the next level. Whatever your requirements are, we can meet them with ease.

Mobilunity’s Service Models for Serbia

Mobilunity provides various hiring solutions for our clients seeking outsourcing programming solutions in Serbia. We understand the unique needs of each business and strive to offer suitable solutions.  Our services include:

• Dedicated development team

Manage a dedicated software developer Serbia team while we handle HR, accounting, and help desk requirements. This model is ideal for businesses needing full-time frontend developer Novi Sad  or Belgrade talent for larger or ongoing tasks and projects. Enjoy a fixed monthly fee tailored to your budget.

• Consultancy service

Perfect for smaller projects or businesses requiring a part-time team. The C# developer Novi Sad or Belgrade team remains dedicated to your project for agreed hours and you are responsible for direct management. Mobilunity covers HR, accounting and help desk tasks.

• Recruitment service

Our simplified recruitment-as-a-service solution involves finding the right PhP developer Belgrade or other developer in Serbia for your company’s vacancy. Our specialized recruiters will source talent either from Serbia or across Eastern Europe. For instance, in 2020, we successfully helped a Japanese client fill a key role. Learn more about this partnership with an award winning  Japanese online music service here.

Hire developers in other Countries

Expand your team’s capabilities by recruiting experienced developers from around the globe. Utilize their varied backgrounds and specialized skills to spur innovation and advance your technology endeavors.

Spain

Latvia

Lithuania

Australia

Ireland

FAQs

• When looking to hire a developer in Serbia, what should I expect to pay per hour on average?

Developers might command different hourly rates in Serbia, based on their level of experience and specialization. Rates for developers in Serbia often fall between $20 and $50 per hour

• Can I expect clear and fluent communication with Serbian devs because of their English skills?

The fact that many Serbian developers speak English fluently is a huge plus for doing business with clients abroad.

• Can I hire Serbian remote devs for my projects, and how does it work?

Yes, you can engage Serbian remote developers for your projects. Many Serbian developers are willing to work remotely. You can engage with companies that specialize in remote staffing, like Mobilunity.

• How many developers with experience in specific technologies are in Serbia?

Serbia has a developing pool of IT talent with competence in a wide range of technologies. Developers with expertise in programming languages such as PHP, Java, and JavaScript are available, as are professionals in web development, mobile app development, and other fields.

• Are there any government incentives or tax breaks for companies employing developers in Serbia?

Serbia provides a variety of incentives to firms, including tax breaks and subsidies for employing and training staff. To take maximum use of government assistance when hiring developers in Serbia, it is best to investigate these possibilities and engage with local specialists.

Looking for an expert outsourcing partner in Serbia?  Contact the team at Mobilunity and find the right candidates fast.

Written by:

Anastasia Stefanuk

Market Researcher

Disclaimer: All salaries and prices mentioned within the article are approximate NET numbers based on the research done by our in-house Recruitment Team. Please use these numbers as a guide for comparison purposes only and feel free to use the contact form to inquire on the specific cost of the talent according to your vacancy requirements and chosen model of engagement.