In 2025, Ukraine remains one of the most compelling options for hiring software developers, offering a broad talent pool, high expertise, and reasonable prices. Ukrainian developers are known for their technical prowess, problem-solving abilities, and strong work ethic. Ukrainian companies have demonstrated their ability to adapt quickly to extreme situations, mitigate risks, and fulfill their obligations under any circumstances.
However, we realize that a decision to hire software developers in Ukraine in 2025, during the ongoing full-scale invasion, is all about balancing benefits with potential risks and challenges. In today’s post, we want to offer a transparent and realistic overview to help you navigate the current landscape. We'll discuss the practical aspects of hiring Ukrainian devs so you can make an informed decision that will align with your business needs.
Why Hire Ukrainian Developers: Exploring the Core Advantages
Ukraine is one of the leading markets in Eastern Europe, attractive to clients from the United States and the European Union. So what exactly makes our country a preferable choice, even despite the unstable situation?
Cost-effectiveness
According to Glassdoor, average software development salaries in Ukraine are about $24,000 to $60,000 annually. This makes Ukrainian IT services significantly cheaper than American ones, with average developers charging from $91,000 to $130,000 annually, or even compared to other Eastern European countries, like Poland, where developers charge about $40,000 to $120,000 annually.
Large talent pool
As of the end of 2024, the Ukrainian market provided services of 302,000 specialists. The number is growing, with one of the reasons for it being the wide accessibility of higher education in Ukraine. Every year, about 16,000 of IT specialists graduate from universities, and even more — other tech and non-tech specialists who decide to start a career in IT. The range of skill sets is as broad as you can expect from a booming market: Ukraine ranks first globally by the number of Unity3D game developers and C++ engineers and 2nd in JavaScript, Scala, and Magento developers.
Cultural compatibility
Being a part of Europe, people in Ukraine share Western values such as productivity, work ethics, and personal reputation. While working on a developing market, Ukrainian companies strongly prioritise productivity, efficiency, and are committed to building a strong reputation. Ukrainian specialists prioritize high quality above all and appreciate direct and transparent communication. The language barrier also rarely becomes an issue, as 86% of Ukrainian IT specialists can communicate in English.
Geographic location
Ukrainian programmers operate just one hour ahead of most European countries, sharing 7 out of 9 business hours with many Western countries. This creates a great opportunity for real-time collaboration and face-to-face communication. For the most of the United States, the time difference is more significant, but can bring unexpected benefits: as soon as the business day in the US starts, the Ukrainian colleagues can already present some finished work.
Strong skills
Due to education accessibility in Ukraine, most of our software specialists are university graduates, with profound knowledge of information technologies. Ukrainian software engineers are very skillful in most of the popular programming languages, as well as in more specific technologies, like AI/ML, big data, or IoT. The most popular programming languages in Ukraine are JavaScript, C#, Java, and Python, but you can find specialists in dozens of commonly used programming languages and frameworks.
Adaptability
During wartime, Ukrainians have proved their reputation as reliable professionals, able to stay productive even during the most challenging times. Ukrainian outsourcing companies demonstrate a high level of adaptability to turmoils and great problem-solving skills.
Ukrainian software engineers are skilled and motivated to work with cutting-edge technologies, which is reflected in most well-known projects developed in Ukraine:
— Grammarly, a go-to writing assistant for English texts. According to its founder’s words, “Grammarly used AI before it was cool.”
— Ajax, a range of innovative house security solutions, which is used by more than a million of customers in 120 countries.
— Diia, the project of “State in a Smartphone,” which let Ukraine become the first country ever to implement digital IDs.
— Air Raid Alert, an app developed by Stfalcon in just two days in cooperation with Ajax Systems and with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Today, it is used by millions of Ukrainian residents on a daily basis.
Now, as we have discussed the advantages, let’s pay attention to possible concerns and potential drawbacks you should keep in mind while hiring software developers from Ukraine.
Risks and Challenges of Hiring Ukrainian Developers
Let’s address some of the biggest concerns of international clients. The ongoing Russian invasion
The major risk is the ongoing war in Ukraine that can influence not just everyday life but also business processes. Ukrainian companies and specialists have to operate despite infrastructure disruptions and power outages and implement robust security measures to prevent the high risk of cyber threats. The challenging geopolitical situation creates a sense of uncertainty that many business owners face, and struggles of everyday life during wartime negatively influence specialists’ mental health.
Solution: As we have recognized these risks, here is the good news: after living and working in such a challenging environment for almost three years, Ukrainians have become professionals in adapting to changes, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining productivity under any circumstances. We have learned to mitigate risks, diversify resources, create multiple backup plans, and support employees to make sure they can continue effective work. It may not be an overstatement to say that as for now, Ukrainian companies are best prepared for any kind of challenges and unexpected circumstances. Most of the offices in Ukraine are equipped with backup power generators and Internet connection via Starlink in case of power outages or connection issues. A lot of companies have also relocated their offices and specialists into safer regions or abroad.
At Stfalcon, our specialists work from different locations in Ukraine and other countries, so we can be sure our business processes will keep up. We also take all the necessary precautions to be ready for power outages and provide our specialists with everything they need for work. We always foster transparent communication with our clients, addressing their concerns and making sure we are fulfilling our obligations.
Cultural and language differences
Clients may be concerned about potential language barriers, the decision-making process, and general communication issues. For example, as we have mentioned before, Ukrainians are generally accustomed to a more direct and straightforward communication style, which might be perceived as less polite to cultures used to a more diplomatic approach.
Solution: As we know firsthand, the key to understanding is open and honest communication. At Stfalcon, we always encourage our clients to ask questions and express their perspectives and concerns, and we do our best to adapt. Ukrainian specialists are not new to cooperating with Western clients, and the professionals who communicate closely with the clients, like account managers or project managers, are skilled in building cultural bridges. As for language differences, you should know that a lot of Ukrainian software developers have English proficiency at the intermediate level or higher, and companies always support their employees with language training. The level of English proficiency can be easily assessed during initial interviews, so our clients can make their decision based on how effective the communication is.
Taxation and legal issues
Tax payments, legal concerns, and different kinds of paperwork related to international hiring can be complex. The Ukrainian legal environment may be unusual for Europeans and Americans, with its own peculiarities that need to be considered.
Solution: The most important rule would be to only work with companies that are 100% transparent with their operations and are eager to sign all necessary contracts and agreements. Also, a wise decision would be to consult with legal and tax professionals specializing in international employment and Ukrainian law. They can provide guidance on compliance requirements and help you navigate the complexities of international hiring.
Cybersecurity threats
Cyberthreats also are a constant concern, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine may heighten these risks. Potential data breaches, malware attacks, and other cyber incidents can have devastating consequences for businesses. Luckily, Ukrainian specialists are not new to it as well.
Solution: As a client, you want to ensure that the vendor adheres to industry best practices (for example, security certifications as ISO 27001 and SOC 2) and has a documented security policy. Ask about their incident response plan and how they handle data breaches. You can ask how exactly they detect breaches, who is responsible for handling the response, how do they remove malicious software or unauthorized access and how they restore affected data. This will give you the idea of how the vendor will react to potential threats. Also, confirm they have strict data protection measures in place, including encryption, access controls, and regular data backups.
Finding a reliable vendor
The last but probably most important challenge associated with international hiring is finding the right company to bring your project to life. There are many factors to consider, and choosing the wrong partner can lead to delays, cost overruns, and quality issues.
Solution: Prioritize vendors who are responsive, communicative, and transparent. Before making final decisions, you want to conduct thorough research and check not just the company’s portfolio but also testimonials from previous clients. Assess the vendor's technical skills and experience in the relevant technologies, and look at the examples of similar projects they’ve completed.
Comparing Ukraine to Popular Outsourcing Destinations
Now, as we already know major factors that can influence hiring decisions, let’s compare Ukrainian IT services to some of the most popular outsourcing destinations all over the world.
As you can see, Ukraine is an excellent choice for companies looking for high-quality developers at a reasonable cost, especially for complex or innovative projects. However, if cost is the primary concern, India or the Philippines may be cheaper. Poland offers similar quality but higher rates, while Latin America is an excellent nearshoring option for US companies.
The cost of hiring an app developer in Ukraine may vary depending on the level and type of specialist. The salaries of juniors may start from a few hundred dollars and reach up to $6000+ for senior system architects. The rates and, consequently, salaries depend on the tech stack of a specialist, their experience, and, to some extent, location.
Here you can see the comparison of average monthly salaries of Ukrainian software developers based on technologies they specialize in, and seniority levels:
As the price of Ukrainian development services often becomes a dealbreaker for clients from EU or US, we can also compare international developer charges. Here are the examples of software developers’ medium annual salaries according to Glassdoor:
- Ukraine: $36,000
- USA: $135,000
- Canada: $76,000
- Poland: $38,000
- Germany: $64,000
We can clearly see that Ukrainian development services are definitely more budget-friendly than those in North America and Western Europe and often cheaper than those in Eastern European countries. Unlike some other offshore development outsourcing, lower price comes without compromising quality.
The final price of your project will depend on team size, work scope, complexity, technologies, expected features, and deadlines. To avoid hidden costs, consider development vendors offering transparent pricing models and upfront quotes. At Stfalcon, we usually calculate the budget together with our clients at the initial stage of the project.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hiring Approach
Before taking concrete actions to hire Ukrainian developers, we need to lay some groundwork and consider the key needs that can define our approach to hiring.
- Project Needs: Begin by clearly defining the scope and nature of your project. Are you looking for short-term support for a specific task, or do you require a long-term dedicated team for ongoing development? A short-term project might be well-suited for a freelance platform. In contrast, a long-term project often benefits from the stability and continuity of an outsourcing company or direct hires.
- Budget: Understand the cost implications of each hiring model. Freelancers may offer lower hourly rates but can be less predictable regarding availability and project completion. Outsourcing companies typically have higher hourly rates but often provide more comprehensive services and project management. Direct hiring involves costs related to recruitment, salaries, benefits, and potentially legal and administrative overhead.
- Control and Management: Determine the level of control you want to maintain over the development team. Direct hiring gives you the most control. Outsourcing balances control and flexibility, with the outsourcing company handling day-to-day management while you retain oversight. Freelance platforms offer less direct influence from your side. You should choose the model you will be more comfortable with.
- Legal and Administrative Support: Consider whether you require assistance with legal, HR, and other administrative tasks. Direct hiring often necessitates internal resources or external support for these functions, while outsourcing companies typically handle these aspects, simplifying the process for you.
- Time and Resources: Evaluate the amount of resources you can dedicate to the hiring process. Direct hiring can be time-consuming, requiring significant recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding effort. Outsourcing and freelance platforms can streamline the process, allowing you to quickly access pre-vetted talent.
We absolutely can’t say that a certain hiring approach is better than the others. But by carefully considering these factors, you can choose the hiring approach that best aligns with your project needs, budget, and overall business objectives. A well-informed decision will create a successful and productive partnership with your development team.
Where Can You Find Ukrainian Software Developers for Hire?
Now, as you are already informed of most of the nuances about hiring developers from Ukraine, let’s talk about where to find them.
Freelance Platforms
In case your project is small or short-term, or you have to realize some part of it but lack specialists for the purpose, hiring a freelancer may become your ideal option. Upwork , Fiverr , and Freelancer are full of talented specialists from Ukraine, and it costs quite a decent amount to hire a software developer. You can easily find the right talent to meet your project needs there.
Flexibility is the key advantage of freelance cooperation. On the one hand, you can close the necessary skill gaps quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, you can quickly relieve a freelancer of their role if the work is unsatisfactory. You can always check a freelancer's feedback, testimonials, and ratings; however, the risk still exists. As an independent worker, your freelance developer may fail or disappear in the middle of the project. The communication is less streamlined, as it usually happens through the freelance platform. You should also keep in mind that freelancers can work on different projects for different clients simultaneously, which can negatively reflect on their productivity and the quality of work, especially if your project is not their priority.
A freelancer can carry out only a particular task or set of tasks, while a company or an agency can control your whole project through its lifecycle.
Software Development Companies
Project-based outsourcing or dedicated team is a widespread cooperation model Ukrainian IT companies. As a customer, you get a team of dedicated specialists working solely on your project, as a rule, at an hourly rate. The team handles everything from the initial discovery phase through brainstorming and project development to technical support.
It’s an excellent option if you are not a techie because you can delegate all managerial work to your vendor and get a team of a PM, Business Analysts, UI/UX specialists, developers, and QA specialists who work full-time for your benefit.Unlike building an in-house team, outsourcing your project lets you set up a team much quicker and gets administrative tasks like legal compliance or tax control out of the way, letting you focus on your strategic business tasks.
To find a suitable software development partner, you can start with resources like Clutch, Goodfirms and Designrush, conduct research in professional online-communities like LinkedIn and make use of professional networking and personal references.
As a software development provider with 15+ years of experience, the Stfalcon team can be one of the top choices for your project. Over the years, we have obtained solid expertise in a wide range of technologies, backed up by a portfolio of 300+ successful projects and reviews from satisfied customers.
And if you’re curious about other options, you can read more about the best Ukrainian software development companies in our opinion.
Outstaffing Agencies
Outstaffing agencies help their clients form an entire development team. So, you can treat it as a team extension focusing on urgent tasks or a regional office in another country. You hire a dedicated developer team that works full-time under your supervision in an outstaffing company’s office. The latter provides them with equipment and arranges HR management. This option works well for long-term cooperation and projects that assume close work with other company departments.
In such a way, recruitment is professional and realized according to your specific requirements with the candidate's soft skills and tech stack checking. At the same time, the final interview and hiring decision is on your part.
You can find pre-vetted Ukrainian developers through the outstaffing model at platforms like YouTeam, Lemon.io (specialized on hiring devs for startups), Turing (offering AI-matched developers).
Unlike outsourcing, where the company taking up your project is responsible for it, outstaffing leaves all responsibility on the contractor hired. At the same time, you get greater control over the project direction and execution. It may become a drawback for those seeking a hand-off approach.
Job Boards
If direct hiring and building an in-house team is your choice, you may pay attention to traditional job boards. To hire Ukrainian dedicated developers, consider platforms popular here, like LinkedIn, Djinny, or DOU.
This option is great for companies looking for complete control over the processes and used to hands-on management. It gives a number of advantages, like simplified access to confidential information and cooperation between departments. Still, you also need to be ready to handle recruitment, onboarding, training, and legal processes yourself.
R&D Providers
This approach involves partnering with a company that specializes in helping businesses establish their own research and development (R&D) office in Ukraine. This is an ideal solution for companies that prefer maximum control over the development process and require assistance with getting things going. The R&D provider manages a variety of essential tasks, including recruiting top talent, ensuring legal compliance, managing payroll and accounting, securing office leases, and handling procurement. Essentially, they take care of the operational and administrative responsibilities, allowing you to focus on your core business objectives and directly manage your development team. This model is especially beneficial for companies investing significantly in software development and seeking a long-term presence in Ukraine.
Final Thoughts
Hiring software developers in Ukraine in 2025 remains a strategic decision for businesses looking for a combination of technical excellence, cost efficiency, and strong work ethic. Despite the ongoing challenges, the Ukrainian IT sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, ensuring uninterrupted, high-quality development services for global clients.
By choosing Ukrainian developers, you gain access to a highly skilled and adaptable talent pool and contribute to supporting a country that continues to prove its strength and innovation in the face of adversity. Ukrainian IT companies have refined their ability to mitigate risks, maintain stability, and deliver outstanding results even in uncertain conditions. With robust infrastructure, flexible working models, and a strong focus on security, they provide a reliable and future-proof choice for software development.
Being a credible software developer committed to quality, Stfalcon is ready to become your qualified tech partner. We can guarantee that the best-in-class talents will carry out your project according to the timeline and highest standards, as proven by our clients' feedback. Whether you need a dedicated team, end-to-end development, or consulting services, we are here to help. Just contact us and we’ll get things done.
To find out why Ukraine remains a perfect destination to find plenty of web and app developers for hire, download Stfalcon’s latest whitepaper “How to Hire a Developer or a Development Team in Ukraine”.
