As the world becomes increasingly connected and companies embrace remote work as a permanent operating solution, Latin America (LATAM) is emerging as a top destination for multinational corporations (MNCs) looking to hire remote talent. With a range of unique advantages such as a large pool of skilled professionals, low cost of living and favorable time zones, numerous cities are vying for the title of the “Silicon Valley of LATAM.”
In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 cities for hiring remote talent in the region, delving into the unique advantages and challenges of each. By the end of this post, you will have a clear understanding of why these LATAM cities are attracting MNCs and top remote talent alike – and which may be the best fit for your remote hiring needs.
Here are the top 10 LATAM cities for hiring in alphabetical order
Bogotá, Colombia
Top industries for hiring: e-commerce, medical technology (medtech), education
Top roles: software developer/engineer, customer service representative, digital marketer/SEO specialist, sales/business development manager, graphic designer
Advantages: Access to a large pool of skilled professionals and a growing tech scene
Challenges: Complex labor regulations and relatively high crime rates
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and the largest city in the country. The city is home to several top universities, including the National University of Colombia, which is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in LATAM. This means that there is a large pool of highly educated talent available for hire in Bogotá.
The city has also been investing heavily in infrastructure in recent years, including a new metro line that is currently under construction. These infrastructure improvements may make Bogotá an even more attractive location for businesses looking to hire remote workers in the future.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Top industries for hiring: technology, marketing, design, blockchain/Web3
Top roles: software developer/engineer, digital marketer/SEO specialist, customer service representative, sales/business development manager, data analyst
Advantages: Access to a large pool of skilled professionals
Challenges: High inflation rate and complex labor regulations
Buenos Aires is a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and rich history. It’s also an excellent place to hire remote workers. Even with a relatively low cost of living, the city boasts high-quality infrastructure that makes it ideal for MNCs looking to expand.
The city hosts several top universities such as the University of Buenos Aires and the Argentine Catholic University, so businesses looking to hire remote workers in fields such as technology, engineering and finance will find large talent pools to draw from. The city’s thriving arts scene has helped to attract creative talent to the city, which is helpful for MNCs looking to hire in fields like advertising, design and entertainment. Buenos Aires is also home to a rapidly growing startup ecosystem, a trend fueled by government programs and initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Guadalajara, Mexico
Top industries for hiring: IT, manufacturing, healthcare
Top roles: software developer/engineer, data scientist, quality assurance analyst, technical support specialist, customer service representative
Benefits: A highly skilled workforce, lower cost of living compared to other major Mexican cities, a growing tech ecosystem
Challenges: Traffic congestion and air pollution
Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and the second-largest city in Mexico after Mexico City. The city’s economy is driven by a diverse range of industries, including technology, manufacturing and services.
One of the key factors that have contributed to Guadalajara’s growth as a hiring hub is its strong focus on education. The city is home to several top-ranked universities and technical schools that offer programs in engineering, computer science, and other related fields. This has resulted in a highly skilled workforce that is attractive to both local and foreign businesses. Several global tech giants such as IBM, Intel, HP and Oracle have established research and development centers in the city.
Another significant advantage of Guadalajara is its strategic location. The city is located in the central region of Mexico, making it easily accessible to other major cities in the country, such as Mexico City and Monterrey – as well as to the United States. This has facilitated the growth of international trade and investment in the city.
Lima, Peru
Top industries for hiring: agriculture technology (agritech), renewable energy, healthcare
Top roles: software developer/engineer, customer service representative, digital marketer/SEO specialist, sales/business development manager, technical support specialist
Advantages: Low cost of living and a growing tech scene
Challenges: Limited pool of skilled professionals and complex labor regulations
Lima is the capital and largest city in Peru, located on the central coast of the country. The city is quickly becoming a hub for innovation, with a growing tech scene and a range of top universities and technical schools. Lima’s low cost of living also makes it an attractive location for MNCs looking to expand their remote workforce in LATAM. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, with museums, galleries and historic sites, making it an exciting place to live and work.
Lima has earned a reputation among international investors and MNCs as a city on the rise, with a dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit that is attracting top talent from around the world.
Medellín, Colombia
Top industries for hiring: food/beverage, marketing, biotechnology, blockchain/Web3
Top roles: software developer/engineer, graphic designer, customer service representative, digital marketer/SEO specialist, sales/business development manager
Advantages: Low cost of living and a growing tech scene
Challenges: Limited pool of skilled professionals
Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia and has been experiencing a significant transformation in recent years. The city has a growing tech scene and a vibrant startup ecosystem, making it an ideal location for MNCs looking to hire remote talent in the technology sector. Additionally, Medellin is known for its highly skilled workforce, with many top universities and technical schools in the region. The city also has a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for both employers and employees.
Medellin is reinventing itself as a hub for innovation and creativity. It continues to be one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in LATAM.
Mexico City, Mexico
Top industries for hiring: technology, finance, manufacturing, blockchain/Web3
Top roles: software developer/engineer, data scientist, quality assurance analyst, technical writer, customer service representative
Advantages: Access to a large pool of skilled professionals
Challenges: High pollution levels and complex labor regulations
Mexico City, or CDMX as it’s commonly known locally, is the capital of Mexico and the largest city in North America. With a population of over 21 million people, it’s a bustling metropolis with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving business scene. The city has an advanced tech sector and is home to many of the country’s top universities and research institutions. As a result, it has a large pool of skilled professionals across a range of industries.
With a widely diversified economy and relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities in the region, Mexico City is a prime location for MNCs looking to expand their remote workforce in LATAM.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Top industries for hiring: technology, tourism/hospitality, creative industries
Top roles: software developer/engineer, digital marketer/SEO specialist, customer service representative, sales/business development manager, graphic designer
Advantages: Access to a diverse pool of skilled professionals
Challenges: Relatively high cost of living and complex labor regulations
Rio de Janeiro is an energetic and exciting city located on the coast of Brazil. Famous for its beaches, music and vibrant culture, it’s a popular destination for travelers from around the world. The city also has a diverse economy and is home to many large global corporations, making it an attractive location for MNCs looking to hire talent.
With a large pool of skilled professionals across a range of industries, Rio de Janeiro has become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, the city’s lively spirit and creative energy will likely continue to attract top talent from Brazil and key investments from MNCs around the world.
Santiago, Chile
Top industries for hiring: IT, finance, healthcare
Top roles: software developer/engineer, data scientist, quality assurance analyst, technical writer, customer service representative
Advantages: Access to a large pool of skilled professionals and a high quality of life
Challenges: High cost of living and complex labor regulations
Santiago, the capital city of Chile, is an economic powerhouse with a rapidly growing tech industry that is catching the eye of global corporations. The city boasts excellent infrastructure and a talented workforce, making it an ideal hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. With a rich cultural scene and easy access to breathtaking natural landscapes, Santiago offers an exceptional quality of life.
Chile is a leader in sustainability, according to the World Economic Forum, with several initiatives in Santiago focused on reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy. This forward-thinking approach has helped the city gain a reputation as a progressive and cutting-edge destination for business and innovation, attracting top talent from around the world.
São Paulo, Brazil
Top industries: technology, financial services, healthcare, blockchain/Web3
Top roles: software developer/engineer, data scientist, digital marketer/SEO specialist, sales/business development manager, technical support specialist
Advantages: Access to a diverse pool of skilled professionals
Challenges: High cost of living and complex labor regulations
São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, is the economic capital of the country and a leading business and financial center. The city boasts a rich and diverse economy with opportunities across various industries, including finance, manufacturing and technology.
São Paulo is home to a large pool of highly skilled professionals, making it a great place for businesses to find top talent. The city is also known for its vibrant culture, including bustling nightlife, world-renowned museums and a vibrant food scene. Despite being a large and busy metropolis, São Paulo offers a high quality of life, with access to green spaces and outdoor activities.
San Jose, Costa Rica
Top industries for hiring: tourism/hospitality, e-commerce, education technology (edtech)
Top roles: software developer/engineer, customer service representative, digital marketer/SEO specialist, sales/business development manager, technical support specialist
Advantages: Access to a growing pool of skilled professionals and a high quality of life
Challenges: High cost of living and complex labor regulations
San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is an ideal destination for MNCs seeking to hire remote talent. The city serves as the economic center of the country and hosts a rapidly growing tech scene. With a high quality of life and excellent infrastructure, San Jose offers an ideal environment for businesses to thrive.
Costa Rica’s strong commitment to education has resulted in a large pool of skilled professionals, making it an attractive option for companies looking to expand their remote workforce beyond their borders. Furthermore, the city’s strategic location in Central America makes it easily accessible to major markets across the Americas. As a result, San Jose has become an increasingly popular destination for companies looking to tap into the region’s talent pool.
Unlock LATAM talent with EOR hiring
As remote work continues to grow and becomes a mainstay in the world of work, the competition for top talent in LATAM is becoming increasingly fierce.
An Employer of Record (EOR) can provide a valuable framework for navigating the complex legal and regulatory landscape, mitigating risks and ensuring compliance. By partnering with an EOR in LATAM, companies can streamline their cross-border HR processes, manage payroll, develop benefits and gain access to local expertise. In some cases, an EOR can also provide strategic support in terms of recruitment and engagement, helping companies connect with top remote and digital nomad talent. At GoGlobal, our Recruit & Hire solution leverages our knowledge and expertise to help companies build stronger workforces around the world.
Whether you’re a startup or a large multinational corporation, working with an effective EOR provider like GoGlobal can help you unlock the full potential of the LATAM talent market.
Keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts in our series on tapping into top talent in LATAM.
GoGlobal is your partner for recruiting and managing remote talent. Contact us to learn more about how our one-of-a-kind Recruit & Hire solution can help you access new talent pools of remote workers and digital nomads around the world. Download our new guide to Building a Resilient Workforce in LATAM today.