If you’re considering outsourcing your projects, you’re probably weighing your options, such as onshore, offshore, or nearshore. And if you’re leaning towards reliable talent and manageable costs with probably minimal time zone headaches, outsourcing to Romania could be one of your options or at least worth putting it on your plan.
If you are looking for full-stack developers, mobile app creators, or UI/UX designers, Romania offers a solid mix of technical expertise. Today, it has a strong English communication community and a growing talent pool that’s already caught the attention of many international companies. You can also add here government support for the tech sector and a cultural fit with Western work practices, according to N-iX.
Why Businesses Are Looking to Romania for Tech Talent
Depending on where you are, you can get a nearshore or offshore option that ticks a lot of boxes. In any case, Romania boasts one of the highest numbers of certified IT professionals in Eastern Europe. Romania stands out, much like its neighbor Poland, as a hotspot for businesses seeking cost-effective tech talent.
When evaluating foreign direct investment (FDI) trends, Poland and Romania present noteworthy cases within Eastern Europe. In 2022, Poland’s FDI inflows reached approximately USD 29.4 billion. In comparison, Romania’s FDI net flows for the same year were EUR 10.039 billion. This growth underscores Romania’s strengthening position. It also makes it a competitive alternative to other destinations, such as India or China, where time zone and language barriers can be more challenging.
Speed, Budget and Daily Collaboration
What matters most is the budget, rates of developers and their expertise with the time spent on delivering projects. If you’re aiming for a balance between quality and cost-efficiency, Romanian services can give you the possibility to scale your development team without the typical friction that comes with long-distance outsourcing.
Eastern Europe today is about a growing pool of tech professionals, with strong English skills and supportive government policies. Yes, Romania is attracting attention from startups looking to delegate software development, design and digital services. The tech sector has seen steady growth over the past decade, thanks to a mix of things:
- well-educated graduates
- affordable rates
- strong work ethic
- dependable source for IT services
- speed and quality of delivering projects
- great collaboration skills
Key Cities to Consider
Each year, Romania produces new IT professionals. As of 2023, Romania’s information, technology, and communications (IT&C) sector employed over 240,000 people. This represents a significant 20.9% growth in the workforce since 2020, highlighting the sector’s expansion and increasing importance in the country’s economy. Several cities have become popular spots for IT outsourcing in Romania thanks to the niche companies and communities. Here’s a quick look at the top ones:
Romania’s Capital
Bucharest is a bustling hub for both established global companies and startups. You will see how innovation centers like the University of Bucharest Science and Technology Park and TechHub Bucharest complement the city’s infrastructure.
These spaces are about collaboration that provides a foundation for new ventures, offering tech companies access to talents, conferences, and resources that might otherwise be more expensive or harder to find in larger markets. The city has a dynamic atmosphere where businesses can thrive without sacrificing proximity.
Cluj-Napoca
Another spot that you need to pay attention to is, let’s say next, “Silicon Valley.” Cluj-Napoca has carved out a reputation for a thriving IT ecosystem. How is that possible? Initiatives like Cluj Innovation City and the Cluj IT Cluster serve as vital platforms for startups and innovation.
They are helping create a strong, interconnected tech community. For businesses looking to build partnerships in a new tech market, Cluj offers a mix of cost efficiency, time zone convenience and a pool of skilled pros.
Timișoara
Timișoara is located in the western part. When checking the city, you will mention that it has quietly established itself as an essential tech startup hub for outsourcing in Romania. The Timișoara Startup Hub and projects like Openville are about a culture of innovation.
It also makes it an attractive destination for businesses seeking not only cost-effective solutions but also an environment with creativity and growth. The city provides opportunities for collaboration, without the need to sacrifice the quality or efficiency of the service you might expect from more traditional, larger tech centers.
Strong Tech Skills and Education
Interestingly enough, when researching the industries and development road of a country, you can mention that Romanian universities maintain a focus on math, science and engineering. According to the World Economic Forum, the country ranks among the top globally for its technical education. Additionally, The European Union has outlined a significant investment in digital technologies, amounting to nearly 150 billion euros over the 2021–2027 financial framework period.
Such findings are essential for countries and are allocated across three key programmes, receiving the largest share for development of the IT industry. That translates to a consistently growing workforce equipped to handle complex IT tasks. Additionally, you can find other benefits as:
- English is widely spoken: with around 70% of the tech workforce able to communicate with international customers
- The IT services market is projected to grow nearly steadily annually through the next few years
- Proactive government involvement: local authorities have partnered with universities and tech associations to improve training
- Overally, there is an increase in innovation that also creates a favorable environment, even within the event of AI advancements shaking up the niche right now
Final Thoughts
When you compare outsourcing in Romania with Western Europe or North America, for example, you will notice that it offers significant cost savings. Yes, companies can often cut development expenses by 30 or even 50% without compromising on quality. How is that even possible?
Romania shares many work values with other countries. However, the essential aspect is that the country offers affordability: it tends to have slightly lower hourly rates. Also, familiarity with international business norms and a strong sense of responsibility all make collaboration easier.
