Ranked: Best countries for hiring freelancers, 2025

The traditional work model is seeing a substantial global shift. Factors such as heightened economic pressures, the pursuit of a better work-life balance, and the growing trend toward remote work have prompted many workers to seek more flexible work arrangements. Consequently, the global freelance workforce is expanding at an unprecedented pace. According to the World Bank, nearly half of workers worldwide now engage in freelance work. Professionals from major cities like New York, London, and Mumbai are finding that freelancing provides both financial rewards and job satisfaction. This guide is designed for CEOs and project directors, highlighting the leading countries to hire freelancers, each offering unique advantages for sourcing high-quality talent.

Certain countries provide favorable conditions for freelancers, such as high demand, supportive policies, and convenient payment methods. It’s worthwhile to consider expanding your client base globally, regardless of your location, to capitalize on more business opportunities. This applies to various professional fields, including copywriting, development, design, coaching, and more.

The United States and India stand out as top destinations for freelancers, each boasting large and diverse markets with significant opportunities across different industries. Our research indicates that the United States ranks as the best country to hire freelancers, followed by India, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Ukraine.

The United States offers a diverse pool of skilled freelancers across various fields. With native English speakers showcasing professionalism and expertise, it serves as an excellent hub for sourcing freelancers. Over one-third of the U.S. workforce engages in freelance work, ensuring a vast supply of freelancers for employers. In contrast, India features a massive talent pool recognized for its competitive pricing and strong English proficiency. As one of the fastest-growing freelancing countries, India boasts around 15 million freelancers collaborating with clients from the Americas, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

The United Kingdom is home to many talented freelancers, particularly within creative and professional services, presenting an appealing combination of quality and expertise that resonates with Western markets. Employers seeking freelancers in areas like business support, writing, and translation can discover highly qualified candidates in the UK.

The Philippines has established a robust English-speaking workforce, excelling in virtual assistance, content creation, and customer service, making it a favored outsourcing destination. As the fastest-growing freelancing country by revenue, the Philippines demonstrates the increasing value employers associate with its freelancers.

Even amidst ongoing conflicts and economic challenges, Ukraine is recognized for its highly skilled freelancers, especially in IT, design, and writing. With competitive pricing, Ukraine stands out as an attractive option. The demand for freelance services there is rising significantly as more freelancers transition to a standard 40-hour workweek, showcasing their admirable and effective skill sets.

Did you know that freelancers constitute a major segment of the global workforce? Approximately 1.57 billion freelancers operate worldwide. The freelance platform market is valued at around $3.39 billion globally. In the United States alone, freelancers generated an additional $100 million last year, totaling their earnings to $1.3 trillion. On average, freelancers worldwide earn about $21 per hour, with nearly 70% of them being 35 years old or younger.

Best countries for hiring freelancers

Have you read?
The World’s Best Medical Schools.
The World’s Best Universities.
The World’s Best International High Schools.
The World’s Best Business Schools.
The World’s Best Fashion Schools.
The World’s Best Hospitality And Hotel Management Schools.