The fastest-growing global hiring markets to watch in 2026

The hiring hotspots you know are changing. While the Philippines and India are still popular, other countries are growing even faster. That’s a sign of how global hiring is shifting in 2026, as teams spread talent more intentionally instead of relying on the same few markets. 

These countries offer a real edge, such as early access to strong talent before competition heats up, better time zone coverage, and hiring costs that can scale more sustainably as teams grow.

Oyster’s Global Hiring Trends and Impact Report identified which nations are leading in recent hiring growth, presenting companies with an opportunity to tap into expanding labor markets.

1. Mexico (+136%)
2. Peru (+89%)
3. Switzerland (+88%)
4. Colombia (+68%)
5. Serbia (+43%)
6. Ireland (+42%)
7. United States (+39%)
8. Germany (+32%)
9. Philippines (+25%)
10. Australia (+25%)

This guide breaks down what’s driving growth in the top four countries based on our local expertise in each market.

1. Mexico

Mexico’s recent hiring growth is driven by a combination of practical advantages. Its time zone alignment with North America makes real-time collaboration easier for distributed teams, while a predominantly young population and diversified economy continue to expand the talent pool. The country also has a strong and growing tech ecosystem, with Guadalajara often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Mexico. 

From a hiring perspective, Mexico’s labor framework is clearly defined, including a severance-based termination system: there is no legal requirement for notice, but employees terminated without cause are entitled to three months’ salary as compensation. Together, these factors make Mexico an increasingly attractive market for companies looking to scale thoughtfully and compliantly.

Quick reminders for hiring in Mexico

• Provide a vacation premium of at least 25% above an employee’s daily pay during annual leave
• Pay a mandatory year-end bonus, typically equal to 15–30 days’ salary
• Account for a severance-based termination model, with three months’ salary owed for terminations without cause

Get ahead: Explore our Mexico hiring guide

2. Peru

Like Mexico, Peru has become an increasingly relevant market for international hiring thanks to its geographic proximity and compatible time zone with North America, which supports collaboration across teams. 

According to research firm PwC, Peru remains an attractive country for foreign investment thanks to its “strong macroeconomic policy track record, ample international reserves, and credible central bank.” Our local employment experts confirm that this stability allows companies to scale quickly and confidently.

The country’s labor framework also includes well-established statutory payments and leave entitlements that help employers forecast costs and comply with local norms.

Quick reminders for hiring in Peru 

• Plan to pay 13th and 14th month salaries in July and December, which are equivalent to one month's salary 
• Employees are entitled to 98 days of fully paid maternity leave and 10 days of paternity leave
• Non-compete agreements must be limited in scope and duration

Discover Peru’s talent market 

3. Switzerland

Wages in Switzerland are among the highest in the world, reflecting the country’s high cost of living, yet Switzerland continues to attract top talent across technology, life sciences, finance, and engineering. For international teams, Central European Time enables overlapping work hours with both North America and APAC, supporting coordination across regions.

Switzerland also stands out for its multilingual workforce. The country has four national languages—German, French, Italian, and Romansh—making it well-suited for cross-border and customer-facing roles. While hiring is relatively flexible compared to many European markets, work permits—particularly for non-EU/EFTA nationals—require careful planning and local expertise.

Quick reminders for hiring in Switzerland

• Switzerland has a complicated three-tiered taxation structure on the national, regional, and local levels 
• Employees in Switzerland usually work 40–42 hours each week 
• Overtime is usually compensated with time off in lieu or at a 125% rate of base salary 

Learn about hiring in Switzerland 

4. Colombia

As the fourth-largest economy in Latin America, Colombia offers scale and stability that appeal to People leaders building long-term teams. According to ProColombia, the country also has a large domestic talent base, with a population of more than 52 million and a workforce that skews younger—advantages our local employment experts witness daily as they support continued expansion across professional and technical roles.

From an operational standpoint, Colombia’s geographic position supports collaboration across the Americas. Most cities fall within two time zones of major North and South American hubs, making it easier for distributed teams to stay aligned throughout the workday. These factors position Colombia as a practical option for companies expanding in the region.

Quick reminders for hiring in Colombia

• Employee income is taxed in “units” and there’s a breakdown of units for each salary range
• Employees are entitled to a 13th salary equivalent to one month's salary
• Employees typically work eight hours daily, six days per week, and 48 hours weekly 

Navigate Colombia’s employment landscape

Build your 2026 global hiring plan

The companies winning the talent war aren't fighting in crowded markets—they're moving early into high-growth regions. Start with our country guides to hire smarter in 2026.

Explore more hiring guides and see how Oyster can help you grow your global teams in 2026.