Remote work has become the norm in recent years with leading technology firms often leading the way. Many tech companies, from household name multinationals to small start-ups, are now exploring the world to find top talent in locations across the globe.
Eos Global Expansion as Asia’s leading Employer of Record (EOR) firm, assists many tech companies (and other companies) to secure top talent no matter where the individual is based.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top Asian countries for remote tech talent, with a focus on lower salaries. These countries have been chosen based on their abundant pool of tech talent, favourable policies for remote work, and a well-established infrastructure to support it. However, we will also discuss the risks associated with companies entering a foreign country without experience, as this can lead to various challenges.
Benefit of Securing Tech Workers Across the Globe as Remote Workers
- India – India has a large pool of highly skilled tech talent mostly educated in English, making it one of the top countries for remote tech work. The cost of living and doing business are relatively low, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to hire remote tech talent. Local Indian tech companies are considered among the best in the globe with many alumni seeking new opportunities.
- Philippines – The Philippines has a large pool of tech talent educated in English, and the cost of living and doing business are relatively low. The country has a supportive policy for remote work, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to hire remote tech talent. Additionally, with a business culture supporting business process outsourcing, many tech professionals have the requisite background to successfully support businesses located abroad.
- Vietnam – Vietnam has a growing technology industry and a large pool of tech talent. The cost of living and doing business are relatively low, and the country has a supportive policy for remote work. At times language skills may be a barrier. Vietnam has a strategic important location being very close to China.
- Indonesia – Indonesia has a growing technology industry and a large pool of tech talent. The cost of living and doing business are relatively low, and the country has a supportive policy for remote work.
- Thailand – Thailand has a growing technology industry and a large pool of tech talent. The cost of living and doing business are relatively low, and the country has a supportive policy for remote work. Thailand even has a designated ‘digital nomad ‘ visa for eligible foreigners.
Along with the obvious benefits of securing top talent as remote workers across the globe there also risks that need to be considered and mitigated.
Risks of Securing Remote Worker Talent in Foreign Countries
- Legal and Compliance Risks: Companies hiring remote workers from foreign countries must navigate complex legal and compliance requirements. This includes employment laws, tax regulations, and corporate governance obligations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences, financial penalties, and reputational damage.
- Cultural and Communication Risks: Remote workers from different countries may bring diverse cultural backgrounds and communication styles. Managing cultural differences and ensuring effective communication can be challenging, potentially impacting collaboration, productivity, and project outcomes.
- Operational Risks: Remote work setups across borders require companies to adapt to different operational landscapes. This includes considerations such as time zone differences, infrastructure challenges, data security, and technology compatibility. Lack of preparedness in these areas can lead to operational inefficiencies and compromised work quality.
- Permanent Establishment Risk: Hiring remote workers in a foreign country can inadvertently create a permanent establishment, which triggers tax obligations and legal requirements. This risk arises when a company’s activities in a foreign country reach a certain threshold, potentially subjecting them to local taxation and regulatory frameworks.
Mitigating Risks with an EOR Firm
An EOR firm like Eos Global Expansion provides crucial support in mitigating the risks associated with securing remote worker talent in foreign countries, including the permanent establishment risk:
- Legal Compliance and Expertise: Eos specializes in global employment and possess comprehensive knowledge of local employment laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements. We ensure our clients remain compliant when hiring remote workers, reducing the risk of inadvertently creating a permanent establishment.
- Cultural Understanding and Communication: EOR firms offer cultural expertise and help bridge cultural gaps between companies and remote workers from diverse backgrounds. By facilitating effective communication and fostering understanding, they mitigate risks related to cultural differences that can impact remote collaborations.
- Streamlined Operations and Infrastructure: Eos provide support for remote work setups, including assistance with time zone management, remote technology tools, and data security. By ensuring smooth operations and addressing infrastructure challenges, we assist to minimize risks associated with remote work across borders.
- Permanent Establishment Risk Assessment: EOR firms assess the potential for creating a permanent establishment in foreign countries. They evaluate the activities and presence of the company to determine if any thresholds are being approached. This proactive risk assessment helps companies implement appropriate strategies to minimize the permanent establishment risk.
Conclusion
Securing remote worker talent from foreign countries offers companies access to a global talent pool. However, risks such as legal compliance, cultural differences, operational challenges, and the permanent establishment risk must be carefully managed.
In conclusion, Asia is full of opportunities for companies looking to hire remote tech talent at lower salaries. However, it’s important to consider the risks associated with entering a foreign country without experience. As an EOR company, Eos understands these risks and are here to support companies in their global expansion efforts, providing a comprehensive solution to help companies mitigate these risks and succeed in their new markets.
