Northern countries, especially startups, have turned to Eastern European outsourcing companies as the best solution for finding a workforce without hiring in-house staff. Outsourcing to North Macedonia has become especially popular among Nordic companies looking for cost-effective, high-quality, and nearshore external staff.
The reasons Nordic businesses outsource to North Macedonia go beyond cutting operational costs, focusing on quality, efficiency, and skilled professionals with work ethics and a Nordic-like business culture.
1. Cost Efficiency Without Compromising Quality
The substantial cost savings North Macedonia outsourcing offers are one of the leading drivers why Nordic companies choose it as a nearshore destination.
The labor costs are much lower than those in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Western European countries, making the country an attractive option for outsourcing accounting and IT services.
2. Proximity and Cultural Alignment
Situated at the heart of Southeast Europe, North Macedonia offers a strategic location for Nordic companies. It operates in the Central European Time zone, closely aligning with Nordic working hours, which allows for real-time communication and collaboration.
Besides this time zone advantage, North Macedonia is also geographically close, which allows for affordable business trips on demand.
Additionally, there’s the similarity in business culture between the country and the Nordics, focused on quality and work ethic, which allows for smooth integration of North Macedonia outsourcing teams into Nordic business operations.
3. Skilled and Multilingual Workforce
North Macedonia has a lot to offer when it comes to talented and skilled professionals in a wide variety of industries. With a plethora of highly educated people across different industries, especially IT and accounting, it’s no wonder Nordic countries choose to outsource these services to the country.
High proficiency in English is another benefit North Macedonia offers to companies that choose to nearshore their processes here. English is obligatory from first grade, with most kids learning it even before starting school, so it’s no wonder most graduates are fluent in the language. This proficiency enables Nordic companies to serve diverse markets with ease.
5. Proven Track Record and Industry Growth
The outsourcing industry in North Macedonia has consistently grown in recent years. As stated in the MASIT Outsourcing Report 2019, In 2018, the sector contributed 2.1% to national GDP (EUR 150.3 million) and was projected to reach EUR 288.1 million by 2022. (MASIT outsourcing report 2019).
This growth shows that foreign companies that’ve chosen the country as a location for outsourcing have made the right choice.
6. Competitive Advantage Over Other Outsourcing Destinations
While many Eastern European countries remain attractive outsourcing hubs, North Macedonia offers several advantages that make it unique. Lower labor costs than most countries in Europe, highly educated and skilled workers, a less saturated market, and a great focus on quality make the country a top outsourcing destination for Nordic companies.
By choosing to hire developers, accountants, or professionals from any other industry in North Macedonia or establish BPO operations locally, Nordic companies can tap into a steady, cost-efficient pipeline of skilled workforce and premium delivery quality.
Outsourcing to North Macedonia: Final Thoughts
North Macedonia is an attractive destination for Nordic companies considering cost-efficient outsourcing. Its closeness to the Nordics, cost savings, skilled and multilingual workforce, strong government support, and proven industry growth give businesses of this region a competitive edge.
By leveraging the benefits that nearshoring to North Macedonia offers, Nordic companies can enhance operational efficiency, build resilient teams, and achieve sustainable growth in the global market.
FAQ
Is North Macedonia a good country for outsourcing?
Yes. North Macedonia offers cost efficiency, a skilled workforce, and a strategic, nearby location for European businesses, making it ideal for outsourcing IT, accounting, and other business processes and services.
How much can Nordic companies save by outsourcing to North Macedonia?
Nordic businesses can save between 30% and 50% on labor costs without sacrificing quality, thanks to lower salaries and operational expenses in North Macedonia.
Is North Macedonia a safe place for outsourcing in terms of data security and legal issues?
Yes. North Macedonia follows EU data protection standards and offers a stable legal environment, ensuring that outsourcing operations are secure and compliant.
