Global demand for programmers continues to accelerate, and with it, interest from Brazilian developers is growing. According to proprietary research by TechFXA specialized platform for Brazilian professionals receiving payments from abroad shows that the United States leads the list of nations attracting the most talent, with 85% of the positions. Of the 1,428 Brazilian developers working abroad who were interviewed, 1,220 work for American organizations, with average salaries reaching US$110,000 annually.
The study also indicates that Canada and Australia are tied for second place, with 1.85% each. Other prominent markets include the UK (1.85%), Argentina (1.55%), Portugal (1.16%), Mexico (1%), and Germany (0.62%).
"Brazilian professionals, on average, combine strong technical training with creativity and adaptability, a rare and highly valued combination for foreign companies," highlights TechFX CEO Eduardo Garay. "Moreover, international companies often offer salaries up to four times higher than those practiced in Brazil, making these positions even more attractive, especially for self-employed professionals," he adds.
The prominent presence of Brazilians in the international market is a reflection of the country's high density of programmers. According to JetBrains, a software development company, the world currently has over 19.6 million developers. With approximately 630,000 developers, Brazil holds the fifth position in terms of the absolute number of specialists.
National developer migration to global opportunities is increasing.
Despite the large number of developers, Brazil is estimated to face a 500,000 IT talent deficit today. One of the main factors behind this imbalance is the increasing value placed on Brazilian professionals by foreign companies. Between 2020 and 2023, the hiring of technology professionals in the country by international organizations soared, according to the Brazilian Global Salary study, conducted by TechFX in late 2024. The text contains the unclear value "491%".
The survey, which interviewed 1,611 Brazilians between November and December of last year, reveals that 731 of them are considering working abroad. In line with this interest, the global demand for Brazilian programmers is growing, on average, by 40% per year.
"The combination of technical excellence and the motivation to stand out in the global arena is making Brazilians increasingly sought after. With the devaluation of the local currency, it's natural that many are seeking opportunities in more competitive markets with better compensation," concludes the CEO of TechFX.
Most Searched Destinations for Developers
If the goal is to find the best destinations to apply your talents, it's worth observing where the world's largest concentrations of developers are. These markets usually offer more opportunities, strong infrastructure, and maturity for remote or international work. Not coincidentally, this list closely mirrors the destinations most chosen by Brazilians working abroad.
See below the countries with the highest number of developers in the world, according to the JetBrains study:
China
With 3.885 million developers, China leads in absolute numbers and has a software market valued at US$2 trillion. The country is a benchmark in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. However, its market is not widely open to foreign workers, thereby limiting access to opportunities for developers outside of Chinese territory.
United States
In second place, the USA boasts 2,918,000 developers and maintains an active policy of international recruitment: approximately 200,000 IT professionals are admitted annually, originating from various regions of the world. The average salary is US$110,140 per year, making the country the primary destination for Brazilians seeking higher income.
Germany
With over 832,000 developers, Germany solidifies its position as the largest tech hub in continental Europe. The average annual salary hovers around US$52,275, and the country maintains special entry programs for young Brazilians, such as... Working Holiday Visawhich facilitates the international mobility of specialists in the field.
Canada
The Canadian market boasts over 632,000 developers and roughly 80,000 open positions currently. The average annual salary is US$61,680. With more flexible immigration policies and initiatives aimed at attracting foreign talent, the country stands out as a viable destination for Brazilians seeking to work outside of Brazil.
United Kingdom
With approximately 500,000 developers, the UK stands out for its strong technological concentration in London, which emerges as one of Europe's leading innovation hubs. The average developer salary is around US$55,275 per year. Although the country represents a smaller portion of global Brazilian job recruitment, it remains a strategic option for those seeking to establish themselves in a mature ecosystem.