Use of outsourced IT personnel in Central and Eastern Europe

Around 87% of IT organisations integrate external workers into their workforce, amounting to 2.2 million ICT professionals in the CEE. The IT outsourcing market in Europe is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 10.5% to reach EUR 219 billion by 2028. 1

Outsourcing IT Services in CEE: Opportunities and Regulatory Complexity

CEE offers a compelling mix of opportunities and challenges for businesses looking to outsource IT services. Many countries in the region combine advanced technical capabilities, strong STEM education systems, linguistic proficiency and cultural compatibility with Western markets. At the same time, engaging IT personnel across multiple jurisdictions requires careful navigation of local employment, tax, corporate, data protection and regulatory frameworks. Diverging national approaches mean that structuring outsourcing arrangements correctly from the outset is critical to managing risk and ensuring compliance.

Scope and Structure of the Guide

This guide provides a practical, jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction analysis of the key legal aspects of outsourcing IT personnel in CEE. It is designed to support both international companies entering the region and local businesses seeking to optimise or scale their IT operations.

The guide offers a comprehensive overview of the regulatory landscape in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine, addressing the most common legal models used in practice.

Key Questions Addressed

The guide answers the core questions frequently raised by companies considering IT outsourcing in CEE, including:

• Can IT specialists be engaged directly by a foreign company?
• Can teams be hired via an intermediary (an outsourcing company), and is this common?
• What kind of agreements should be entered into between the IT specialist and a foreign customer?

How CMS Can Help

IT outsourcing is a multifaceted process that often requires tailored legal advice and step-by-step support. CMS, as a full-service law firm with a strong presence across all covered jurisdictions, has extensive experience advising IT companies, technology-driven businesses and end users on structuring and implementing compliant outsourcing solutions. Our multijurisdictional teams work closely together to help clients navigate local legal requirements, manage cross-border risks, and achieve sustainable, legally robust outsourcing outcomes.