Why Hiring Developers in Latin America Makes Sense
If you’re a startup in the U.S. looking to scale your engineering team, chances are you’ve heard great things about Latin America (LATAM) as a source of tech talent — and for good reason.
But one question always comes up: “Is it legal, practical, and actually worth it?”
Short answer: Yes.
But there are a few key things you should know before jumping in.
1. You don’t need to open a local entity
Most companies hire LATAM developers as independent contractors, using wallets like Wise, Deel, Payoneer or PayPal.
That means:
- No need for a local company or legal rep.
- No administrative overhead on your side.
- Clean, contract-based agreements that are easy to manage.
2. Cultural fit is a huge plus
Developers in Latin America usually:
- Work in U.S. time zones
- Speak solid English (especially in tech)
- Are familiar with agile, product-led teams
This makes onboarding and collaboration way smoother compared to offshore teams in other regions.
3. Rates are competitive — but so is demand
Hiring in LATAM is not “cheap labor” — it’s high-quality work at competitive rates.
Great developers in the region are in demand and expect to be treated as key team members, not outsourced resources.
If you’re serious about hiring here, make sure your offer reflects that.
4. You still need a proper hiring process
Even if it’s “just a contractor”, you still need:
- A clear job description
- A solid interview flow
- A fast, respectful candidate experience
Working with a recruiting partner who knows the local market can save you time, help you avoid common pitfalls, and get you access to the best talent — before your competitors do.
Final Thought
Hiring in LATAM is absolutely doable — and many startups are already doing it successfully.
If you’re ready to explore this path, we’d be happy to help.
At mindIT, we specialize in end-to-end tech recruiting across Latin America, fully adapted to U.S. companies and remote setups. Want to talk? Reach out or check out “How We Work”.