The IT Talent Shortage in Denmark: Why hiring in Poland & Ukraine is the perfect answer

by Tetyana Utlova, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Netminds.

Let's face it - hiring IT professionals in Denmark is difficult. Highly competitive market, with a shortage of talent, high salaries, and many months needed to find a good match for your needs. Meanwhile, just a short flight away, Poland and Ukraine have some of the best IT talents in Europe. So why are more and more companies tapping into these labor markets?

Here's why:

✅ Huge pool of highly skilled IT professionals 

We're talking about 800,000 specialists across the region. These aren't just any software developers - they're experienced, innovative, and often have years of experience working with Scandinavian companies. Most are fluent in English and share the same “Western” work culture. 

✅ Cost-effective without sacrificing quality 

Hiring in Denmark is expensive. In neighboring markets, companies can access top-tier talent at competitive rates, freeing up budgets for growth, R&D, and innovation. It's important to note that it's not enough to compare the salaries or rates only, but the cost of keeping an employee, the cost of hiring and future termination, the cost of the social package, etc.

✅ Time zone & cultural compatibility 

Forget the headaches of working across six or more time zones – IT specialists from this region operate in CET or just one hour ahead. Plus, the work ethic, communication style, and problem-solving approach are well suited to Danish culture. 

✅ Tech hubs with strong ecosystems

This region isn’t just a source of talent – it’s an innovation powerhouse. Local professionals are driving technological advancements with expertise in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, cloud solutions, e-commerce, and many other domains. Major players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have R&D centers here for a reason! 

✅ Scalability & Flexibility

Whether you need a remote developer or a full-scale nearshore team, Eastern Europe, and specifically, we at Netminds, offer flexible hiring models - from full-time employees to short-term consultancy.

So what's stopping you? Scandinavian companies have always been driving digital innovations in Europe, but where do they find the talents these days? The solution is closer than you think.

Already hiring? Thinking about it? Let's talk in the comments! 👇🏼