Why You Should Offshore Backend Development (Plus Top Providers and Costs)

Backend development isn’t just about apps—it’s the backbone of any digital platform, from websites and e-commerce stores to enterprise systems and cloud services. It covers everything from data management and user authentication to system performance and reliability.

However, building a robust backend in-house can quickly strain resources, especially for businesses focused on scaling.

Offshoring backend development provides access to specialized global talent, accelerates project timelines, and keeps your internal team focused on driving strategic growth.

This guide will explain what you need to know about offshoring backend development, from the key benefits and common challenges to costs. 

We’ll also highlight top service providers to get your search for the ideal offshore partner started.

7 Reasons Why You Should Consider Offshoring Backend Development

Backend developers are responsible for building and maintaining the server-side logic and infrastructure that power websites, applications, and software systems. They focus on the “behind-the-scenes” functionality that users don’t see but heavily rely on for seamless performance. 

In other words, they are critical to your development team, and if you can’t find them—or afford them—locally, then you need to look offshore. 

Here’s why businesses are turning to offshore backend development to stay competitive and scale efficiently.

1. Access to top global talent

Finding skilled backend developers can be one of the biggest hurdles for a growing business. Whether your in-house team is maxed out or you’re struggling to compete for local talent, the challenge is real—and it’s holding back your ability to scale.

Offshoring opens the door to a global talent pool so you can find the deep expertise you need, whether in API integration, database optimization, or another backend specialty. 

Instead of being limited by local talent shortages, you can hire professionals who match your exact project requirements, ensuring high-quality results.

2. Cost-effective solutions without cutting corners

Backend development is a serious investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. 

When you offshore to regions like Latin America or Southeast Asia, you can get high-quality work at a fraction of the cost (we’ll dig into the costs more in a bit).

These developers bring the same level of expertise as their US counterparts (sometimes even more) and often have a proven track record of delivering high-quality results without the hefty price tag.

3. Around-the-clock progress

Think of time zone differences as an asset, not a hurdle. When you work with offshore development teams in distant time zones, your project doesn’t sleep. While your local team wraps up their day, offshore developers are just getting started.

An offshore software development team enables a 24/7 workflow, meaning quicker iterations, faster fixes, and shorter timelines overall.

4. Scalability on demand

Backend development needs aren’t always predictable. Some projects require an all-hands-on-deck approach, while others may only need support for a limited time. 

Offshoring gives you the flexibility to expand or scale down your team as needed without the lengthy onboarding process or overhead of hiring full-time employees.

5. Free up your core team

Outsourcing backend tasks allows your in-house team to stay focused on high-value strategic initiatives. By offloading complex backend work to offshore developers, you free up internal resources to drive innovation and business-critical projects.

6. Fresh ideas and problem-solving power

An offshore team of developers can bring unique insights and problem-solving approaches from working on diverse global projects. 

Their fresh perspectives can lead to more efficient workflows, new features, and stronger backend architecture, all tailored to your business goals.

7. Faster time-to-market

Offshore teams are often ready to hit the ground running, helping you meet tight deadlines and roll out features faster. Whether you’re building a new application or scaling an existing one, offshoring can help you maintain a competitive edge.

In short, offshoring backend development is a smart way to scale your team, improve productivity, and fast-track your product roadmap, contributing to long-term business growth.

With the right partner, you get world-class talent and the flexibility to grow on your terms while streamlining your development process.

Challenges and Solutions in Outsourcing Offshore Backend Development

Offshoring backend development offers incredible benefits, but it’s not without challenges. Whether it’s navigating communication barriers or addressing quality concerns, having a clear strategy can make all the difference.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common hurdles and how to overcome them for a seamless outsourcing experience.

Communication barriers

Clear communication is the backbone of successful collaboration, but different time zones, languages, and work cultures can complicate things.

Solution: Work with nearshore development teams in Latin America, where overlapping work hours and cultural alignment minimize communication gaps.

Additionally, establish clear communication protocols using tools like Slack, Zoom, and project management software to ensure everyone stays on the same page.

Plus, by assessing the English proficiency of potential partners ahead of time, language barriers don’t need to be an issue.

Time zone differences

Time zone differences can be a double-edged sword. While they allow for 24/7 development—enabling your project to move forward even after your in-house team clocks out—this doesn’t work for everyone.

If your project requires real-time collaboration and quick feedback, significant time zone gaps can slow things down and create frustration.

Solution: Consider your team’s specific needs. If 24/7 development aligns with your goals, offshore teams in regions with opposite time zones can be a great asset.

However, if real-time communication and seamless collaboration are priorities, choose developers from Latin America.

Their overlapping work hours with the US make same-day meetings, instant feedback, and real-time problem-solving much easier, ensuring a smoother workflow.

Clearly communicate your expectations upfront to find developers who can work within your preferred schedule.

Quality control

Worried about inconsistent deliverables or bugs slipping through the cracks? Quality control can be a pain point if expectations aren’t aligned.

Solution: Partner with companies that prioritize quality assurance from the start. Look for an offshore development company that offers built-in testing and milestone-based deliverables to ensure high standards at every step.

Security risks

Offshore projects sometimes raise concerns about data privacy and security, especially when dealing with sensitive business information.

Solution: Look for outsourcing partners that follow strict security protocols and comply with industry standards like GDPR or ISO certifications.

Providers should offer secure communications channels and encrypted data handling and be willing to sign NDAs to safeguard your intellectual property.

Cultural differences

Varying work styles, expectations, and business practices can lead to friction and misalignment within the team.

Solution: Choose offshore developers who align with your company’s culture and values.

If you are working with a good recruitment partner, they should screen for cultural compatibility. For example, Near focuses on matching clients with developers who not only have the right technical expertise but also fit your company culture, allowing you to build a remote team that feels like an extension of your in-house team.

By working with experienced partners and implementing these solutions, you can overcome common challenges and unlock the full potential of your offshore remote team.

Top 9 Companies for Finding Offshore Backend Developers

Finding the right backend developers can make or break your project, especially when you’re building complex systems.

Some businesses prefer dedicated recruitment firms for tailored team-building, while others lean towards platforms for hiring individual developers or full-service development companies.

This list covers all types of companies—whether you’re looking for a fully managed solution or flexible freelance talent.

(This list isn’t ranked in any particular order, so focus on finding the best fit for your needs.)

1. Near

We’re proud to lead this list because we truly believe in the value we provide to businesses looking to scale their teams effectively. 

At Near, we connect businesses with top-tier backend developers from Latin America who bring both technical excellence and cultural compatibility. 

Our tailored approach ensures you find the right developers quickly, with seamless onboarding and continued support. Whether you need one developer or an entire team, we’ve got you covered.

2. Toptal

Toptal’s claim to fame is its rigorous selection process, only accepting the top 3% of global tech talent. Its developers excel in backend technologies like Node.js, Python, and Java, making them ideal for businesses needing specialized expertise.

Toptal’s flexible contracts make it easy to hire for both short-term projects and long-term support.

3. BairesDev

Based in San Francisco, BairesDev sources expert developers from Latin America, ensuring time zone alignment and cultural compatibility. Its backend developers have experience across various industries, from e-commerce to finance.

With its scalable services, BairesDev is an excellent choice for projects of any complexity.

4. Upwork

Upwork remains one of the largest global platforms for hiring freelance backend developers. On it, you’ll find professionals with diverse experience levels and specializations, all available for project-based or long-term engagements.

While it requires some due diligence, Upwork’s flexible model makes it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

5. Andela 

Andela connects companies with highly skilled backend developers across Africa and Latin America. Known for nurturing top-tier tech talent, Andela’s developers undergo rigorous training and vetting to guarantee high-quality performance.

If you’re looking for backend engineers who can hit the ground running, Andela is a great partner.

6. Gun.io

Gun.io focuses on matching businesses with top freelance developers in record time. Its service stands out for its combination of quality control and rapid turnaround.

Each developer is pre-vetted, and Gun.io handles everything from contract management to onboarding, making your hiring process fast and hassle-free.

7. Arc.dev

Arc.dev specializes in helping startups and enterprises hire pre-vetted backend developers for remote roles. Its streamlined platform offers access to freelance, contract-to-hire, and permanent candidates.

If you want experienced developers with strong communication skills and a startup mindset, Arc.dev is an ideal option.

8. Crossover

Crossover focuses on connecting businesses with elite, full-time backend developers. Its data-driven vetting process ensures that candidates are technically proficient and aligned with your company’s goals.

If you’re seeking high-performing, long-term team members, Crossover offers top-tier backend specialists across global markets.

9. Turing

Turing brands itself as the “talent cloud” for finding pre-vetted remote developers. Its platform uses AI to match you with backend developers who meet your exact requirements in terms of skills, timezone preferences, and availability.

Turing’s transparent process makes hiring offshore talent feel as seamless as hiring locally.

Each company on this list brings something unique to the table. Choosing a partner who aligns with your needs can help you build a strong backend development team that will drive your project forward.

What Is the Cost of Outsourcing Offshore Development

The cost of outsourcing backend development varies significantly depending on whether you partner with a development company or hire individual contractors. 

Let’s break down the differences to give you a clearer picture.

Working with development companies

When outsourcing to an offshore software development company, costs are typically project-based. They can vary widely from $50,000 to over $100,000, depending on the scope and complexity of the project. 

This generally includes:

• Backend development
• Quality assurance and testing
• Post-launch support

While this all-in-one option provides the convenience of a cohesive team handling the entire development process, it tends to come at a higher price due to bundled services. 

However, it can be a valuable choice for businesses seeking end-to-end solutions without the need to manage individual contractors.

Hiring individual contractors

Opting for individual contractors or freelancers often offers more flexibility and cost savings. According to our Salary Guide, hiring backend developers from Latin America can significantly cut costs compared to US-based hiring. 

Here’s how the numbers compare:

• US-based backend developer: up to $165,100 annually
• LatAm-based backend developer: up to $78,000 annually

By hiring LatAm talent, companies can save up to 53% without sacrificing quality.

A regional comparison

Here are some additional average salary insights across different regions (salaries sourced from Salaryexpert.com):

• India: $22,183 annually
• Philippines: $14,267 annually
• Ukraine: $17,753 annually
• Indonesia: $25,015 annually
• Poland: $44,323 annually

Developer salaries directly impact the prices charged by development companies, as labor costs form the foundation of project pricing. So whether you choose to hire developers directly or work with a development agency, these figures should help you choose a region to focus on. 

Ultimately, the right option depends on your project’s size, budget, and preferred level of involvement. 

For a further look at the cost of hiring developers, including costs in other regions, see our article “How Much Do Offshore Developers Cost? A Breakdown for US Companies.”

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing backend development offers you an incredible opportunity to access top-tier talent while optimizing your development costs. 

Whether you partner with a development company or hire individual contractors often depends on your goals, in-house capabilities, and budget.

In our experience, offshoring to LatAm provides a winning balance of cost savings and high-quality expertise, especially for backend development roles.

At Near, we make finding the right backend developers simple. With access to an extensive talent pool in Latin America, we help businesses fill key roles quickly and efficiently.

Ready to build a high-performing development team? Fill out this form to receive a list of pre-vetted candidates tailored to your project.