How to hire a developer in India

As we continue to build a more globalized economy, more and more businesses—of all sizes and from all around the world—are tapping into the worldwide talent pool. Hiring developers from around the world, particularly from tech hubs like India, can provide businesses like yours with a competitive edge. India has become practically synonymous with IT excellence, home to a large and growing community of highly skilled developers who can tackle projects of virtually any scale.

So whether you’re a startup looking to build a groundbreaking app or an enterprise aiming to optimize your IT infrastructure, India’s developers may very well have the experience and creativity your project needs to succeed. This guide will help you learn how to hire developers in India, from defining your project and goals to choosing and vetting the right developer or agency for your needs.

What kinds of projects should you hire a developer for?

You can hire a developer for a wide variety of projects, ranging from simple website updates to complex software development. Below are some  common types of projects that typically benefit from professional development expertise:

• Website and web application development:
• Business websites. Having an online presence is essential for businesses. A developer can create a dynamic, responsive, and visually appealing website to represent your brand and attract and engage visitors.
• Ecommerce platforms. Developing an ecommerce website involves integrating payment gateways, securing transactions, and providing a seamless user experience. A skilled developer can handle those complexities and build a site that drives sales and customer satisfaction.
• Custom web apps. For companies that require specific online functionalities that aren’t available in off-the-shelf solutions, developers can create custom web applications tailored to their business needs.
• Mobile app development:
• Native apps. Programmers can build native mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms that allow businesses to offer services or products directly through mobile devices.
• Cross-platform apps. Using frameworks like React Native or Flutter, developers can create cross-platform apps that work seamlessly on both iOS and Android, reducing development time and costs.
• Software development:
• SaaS products: For startups and companies looking to launch software-as-a-service products, developers can design and build scalable solutions that cater to a broad user base.
• Enterprise software: Businesses often need custom software solutions to streamline operations, manage data, or support decision-making processes. Developers can build tailored software that meets their needs and requirements.
• System integration:
• API integration. Developers can integrate various third-party services and APIs into your existing systems to create new or better functionality and seamless data flow across different platforms.
• CRM and ERP systems. Customizing and integrating customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to fit your business processes can improve your organizational efficiency and data management.
• Maintenance and support:
• Website maintenance. Regular updates, security patches, and performance optimizations can help you maintain a secure and healthy site. Developers provide ongoing support to keep your site running smoothly.
• Legacy system upgrades. Updating or migrating legacy systems to modern platforms can improve performance, security, and user experience.

When should you hire a developer?

Deciding when to hire a developer can impact the success of your projects—and even your overall business growth. Here are some examples of times and scenarios when a business might consider bringing a developer (or development team) on board:

• When launching a new project. If you’re launching a new website or web application, hiring a developer early in the process can help ensure it’s built with solid technical foundations and aligns with your business goals. When planning to launch a mobile app, a developer’s technical skills are essential from the initial design phase through to deployment, to make sure the app meets performance and user experience standards.
• When expanding or updating existing projects. When you need to add new features or functionalities to an existing website or application, a developer can implement these changes efficiently and seamlessly. Or, if your current systems are outdated or lacking in performance, hiring a developer to upgrade or refactor your codebase can significantly improve efficiency and security.
• When facing technical challenges or maintenance issues. When you encounter persistent bugs, performance issues, or security vulnerabilities, a developer’s problem-solving skills can help diagnose and resolve those problems. And regular maintenance is essential for keeping your digital assets up-to-date and secure—hiring a developer for ongoing support ensures that your systems stay functional.
• When scaling your business. As your business grows and your digital platforms experience more traffic, a developer can optimize performance and scalability to handle increased load without compromising user experience. To support business growth, you may also need to integrate new tools, third-party services, or advanced features. A developer has the skill set to seamlessly integrate these elements into your existing systems.
• To incorporate specialized technical requirements. When off-the-shelf solutions don’t meet your specific business needs, a developer can create custom software tailored to your unique requirements. Or for projects requiring the integration of multiple systems or APIs, a developer’s technical expertise can help with implementation.

What skills do developers have?

Here are some common skills that developers typically have:

• Programming languages:
• JavaScript: Essential for front-end development and building interactive web applications.
• Python: Widely used for web development, data analysis, and machine learning.
• Java: Commonly used for Android development and building enterprise-level applications.
• C++: Important for system/application software, game development, and performance-critical applications.
• PHP: Popular for server-side web development and dynamic web pages.
• Web development technologies:
• HTML & CSS: Fundamental for structuring and styling web content.
• React, Angular, and Vue.js: JavaScript frameworks/libraries for building user interfaces and single-page applications.
• Node.js: For building scalable server-side applications using JavaScript.
• Database management:
• SQL: For managing and querying relational databases.
• NoSQL Databases (e.g., MongoDB): Used for handling unstructured data and scalable web applications.
• Mobile development:
• Swift: For iOS app development.
• Kotlin: For Android app development.
• React Native: For building cross-platform mobile applications.
• Version control systems:
• Git: For tracking changes in source code and collaborating with other developers.
• DevOps and cloud computing:
• AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud: For deploying, managing, and scaling applications in the cloud.
• Docker and Kubernetes: For containerization and orchestration of applications.
• Software development methodologies:
• Agile and Scrum: For iterative and incremental development.
• Test-Driven Development (TDD): For writing tests before code to ensure functionality.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles: To ensure applications are secure from vulnerabilities and threats.
• Problem-solving and analytical skills: Ability to diagnose issues, debug code, and optimize performance.
• Communication and collaboration: Effective communication skills for project management, quality assurance, working with cross-functional teams, and understanding client requirements to meet deadlines and create deliverables that meet expectations.

Types of developers

Understanding the different types of developers can help you choose the right expertise for your specific project needs. Here are some of the most common types:

• Web developers: Specialize in building and maintaining websites, focusing on both front-end and back-end development to ensure functionality and UI/UX.
• Mobile app developers: Create applications for mobile devices, proficient in iOS (Swift, Objective-C) and Android (Java, Kotlin) development, and often skilled in cross-platform frameworks like React Native or Flutter.
• Software engineers: Apply engineering principles to software development, working on a variety of applications from system software to web and mobile apps, ensuring robust and scalable solutions.
• DevOps engineers: Focus on automating and optimizing the software delivery process, bridging the gap between development and operations, and ensuring efficient CI/CD practices and infrastructure management.
• Front-end developers: Specialize in the client side of web development, using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (including frameworks like React, Angular) to create interactive and responsive user interfaces.
• Back-end developers: Manage the server side of applications, responsible for database interactions, server logic, and integration of various services, using languages like Python, Java, and PHP.
• Full stack developers: Have expertise in both front-end and back-end development, capable of handling all aspects of a project from the user interface to server logic and database management.
• Ecommerce developers: Build and maintain online stores, integrating payment gateways, ensuring secure transactions, and providing a seamless shopping experience.
• CMS developers: Specialize in content management systems like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, customizing themes and plugins to meet specific business requirements.
• API developers: Focus on designing, building, and integrating APIs to enable communication between different software systems and services, ensuring seamless data exchange.

Why hire a developer in India?

Outsourcing development projects to India can be a strategic choice. India has become well known for its large pool of talented developers who are highly skilled and capable of handling complex projects. The country has established itself as a global tech hub, often referred to as the "Silicon Valley of Asia," due to its thriving IT industry and innovative workforce.

Factors to consider when hiring a developer in India

Hiring Indian programmers can be the right fit, but there’s still a lot to consider before making the leap. It’s important to know your project needs and development costs, what hiring model is best for your organization, and more.

Understanding your needs

Before you begin the hiring process, have a clear understanding of your project requirements. This will help you identify  the right skill set and expertise needed for your project.

• Define project scope. Clearly outline what you need from the developer. This includes the specific functionalities, technologies, and any particular expertise required.
• Set clear objectives. Understand the goals of your project and what you aim to achieve. This helps communicate your vision to potential developers.
• Know your technical requirements. List the technical skills and experience necessary for your project. For example, if you're developing a web application, you might need proficiency in JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular.

Choosing the right hiring model

When you hire Indian developers, you can hire freelancers, part-time or full-time employees, or a dedicated team of developers (often through an agency). These are the three most common hiring models for remote developers—but choosing the right one for your business can be challenging.

• Freelancers
• Pros: Cost-effective, flexible, and suitable for smaller projects or tasks.
• Cons: May lack long-term commitment and reliability.
• Best for: Short-term projects, specific tasks, or when you need specialized skills temporarily.
• Use case: If you need to quickly hire software developers for a short-term project, freelancers can be a great option. They can provide the necessary skills and complete the project efficiently without the need for a long-term commitment.
• Part-time developers
• Pros: Flexible working hours and cost-effective compared to full-time employees.
• Cons: Limited availability and may not always be able to respond immediately to urgent tasks.
• Best for: Smaller projects or when you need ongoing support without a full-time commitment.
• Use case: If your project requires periodic updates or maintenance, hiring part-time developers can provide the necessary support without the expense of a full-time or in-house employee.
• Full-time developers
• Pros: Full commitment to your project, available for all business hours, and deeply integrated into your team.
• Cons: Higher cost due to salaries, benefits, and other employment-related expenses.
• Best for: Projects requiring constant attention, long-term commitments, and integration into the company’s culture and processes.
• Use case: For extensive projects with continuous development needs, hiring full-time developers ensures steady progress and reliability.
• Dedicated team (via development services agency)
• Pros: Provides a wide range of services, project management support, and a structured development process. Development companies often have extensive experience and resources.
• Cons: Higher costs compared to other options like hiring freelancers, but often worth the investment for complex projects.
• Best for: Comprehensive projects that require end-to-end solutions, ongoing support, and maintenance.
• Use case: When you need to hire dedicated developers for ongoing projects or large-scale applications, outsourcing to a development company can provide a well-rounded approach to meeting your needs.

Benefits of hiring a developer in India

Cost savings

One of the main reasons companies from around the world choose to hire developers from India is because of the potential to save money on highly skilled talent. A study by Deloitte and NASSCOM found that talent pool costs are up to 30% lower in 26 of India’s “high potential” cities compared to some of the world’s more developed tech hubs. India’s lower cost of living and competitive pay rates means businesses can often save substantially by hiring from its talent pool, which can be especially beneficial for startups and small businesses that are bootstrapping their budgets.

Large pool of diverse, highly skilled developers

Another report from NASSCOM showed that India graduates more than 1.5 million engineers each year, with many specializing in high-demand fields like web and software development. This means that India is home to a steady supply of skilled, qualified professionals in technology fields who can deliver high-quality work in the latest technologies for companies around the world. And since this has been going on for some time, many of them now have years of experience under their belts, from working with small startups to large enterprises.

High level of English proficiency

India is home to the second-largest English speaking population in the world, behind only the United States. With so many multilingual residents, its developers are well positioned to be able to communicate clearly and effectively with client companies all over the world.

Time zone advantages

While time zone differences are often thought of as a barrier in remote work, they can actually be an advantage—the time difference between India and many Western countries means companies can essentially have developers working around the clock, without any breaks in productivity. This can mean projects get finished faster, since work can continue even after work hours end in the business’ home country.

Challenges of hiring a developer in India

Communication barriers

Even with its large population of multilingual residents and English speakers, hiring developers in another country like India can lead to communication mishaps due to cultural differences and misunderstandings.

Time zone challenges

While there are advantages to the difference in time zones, there can be disadvantages as well. Trying to coordinate across vastly different working hours can be a challenge, delaying communication and decision-making, especially in any situations where immediate responses are required. And real-time communication or collaboration can be difficult or impossible if the time difference is too great.

Quality issues

While the talent pool of developers in India is large and growing, that means that their levels of skill and experience can vary—and that can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in quality of work. That means that companies hiring remote developers need to carefully vet their chosen candidates to make sure they have the right skills and experience to meet and deliver the goals and projects they’re hired for (more on that below).

Lack of control

When you hire remote workers in another country (especially freelancers), it can mean that you end up with less direct control over their work. When it comes to developers, this may mean you have less insight into the development process. It’s important to develop clear workflows and processes for communication and project management to keep everyone on the same page. Regular check-ins can also help make sure your projects stay on track and all stakeholders—regardless of their location—are aligned.

How to hire a developer in India

Follow these steps to streamline the hiring process and find the right Indian developer for your business.

Note: The following information is for informational purposes only and isn’t intended to be legal advice.

Step 1: Source potential candidates

Depending on the hiring model you choose, there are many places to look for qualified candidates:

• Freelancers: Sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal connect independent contractors with clients for all types of projects around the world.
• Part-time or full-time developers: Job boards like Indeed, Naukri, and LinkedIn can help get your job posting in front of qualified candidates.
• Agency team: India is home to many agencies that can match your company with a team of developers to work on your projects.

Step 2: Vet your candidates

Once you’ve compiled a list of candidates or agencies, carefully review their portfolios, past work, testimonials, and other materials to shortlist the ones that meet your project requirements.

Conduct reviews, and consider doing a test project to assess their technical skills and other attributes, like problem solving ability and communication skills. Once you’ve settled on who you want to work with, you can move on to onboarding them.

Step 3: Onboard your new developer and make sure they’re classified correctly

If you’re working with a freelancer or part-time or full-time employee, one of the most crucial considerations is classifying them correctly. Like many countries, India takes worker classification very seriously—misclassifying employees as independent contractors can result in fines, back pay on entitlements, or even jail time.
Indian courts and other regulatory authorities look at many different aspects of the working relationship when evaluating it for potential misclassification. Here are some of the key ways you can differentiate between contractors and employees:

Our free Worker Classification Analyzer lets you know if you’re risking fines, penalties, and more.

Step 4: Consider compliance

Another important thing to keep in mind when onboarding international workers is compliance. 

While independent contractors often handle most of their own paperwork and tax payments, it’s still important to draft a contractor agreement to outline their scope of work, deliverables, pay structure, and any other important details to avoid later disputes.

For employees, things can be more complicated. Companies that hire employees in India have many compliance issues to consider: Do you need to withhold and remit payroll taxes from their pay? What paperwork do you need to submit to the Indian government? What Indian labor and employment laws do you need to know?

When you hire employees in India, you have two options: You can establish a legal entity in the country, or you can use an Employer of Record (EOR) service. An EOR helps simplify international hiring for businesses by allowing them to employ global workers without establishing their own business entities in new jurisdictions. Instead, you hire the employees through the EOR, which handles administrative tasks like payroll, benefits administration, taxes, and international compliance on your behalf. 

Using an EOR can be a significant time and cost savings when hiring developers in India. Setting up a business entity there can be an extremely time- and labor-intensive endeavor. It’s complex and requires approvals from local authorities. With the help of an EOR, you can hire right away.

Step 5: Pay your developer

The last thing to determine is how you’ll pay your workers in India.

For contractors, you have multiple options:

• Bank wires
• International money orders
• Digital wallets or online payment platforms

If you hire employees in India through an EOR, it will handle payroll for you.

Another option is global payroll software like Rippling. Contractors aren’t usually included in payroll since they aren’t subject to the same withholdings as employees. But with Rippling, you can pay both employees and contractors around the world in the same pay run. Pay everyone in their local currency, eliminating the need for transfers or conversions—and automate compliance with local laws like minimum wage and overtime laws.

Disclaimer: Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.