There are an estimated 50 million new tech startups created every year globally and they all face a laundry list of challenges that can be difficult to overcome. It can be difficult for startups to secure the capital they need to launch, manage cash flow, and pay for the talented software developers and engineers that they need. It can be a challenge to find and hire skilled and talented people that meet their employment criteria in a competitive market that includes tech giants like Google and Amazon. It can be hard for tech startups to find their niche in the market, scale and grow their business, and navigate legal obstacles.
These challenges — and many more — have forced many tech startups to find and hire remote talent in other parts of the world. With deep talent pools, more affordable employment costs, growing tech markets, and supportive business practices, emerging tech markets like Central Asia provide a viable alternative to hiring software engineers and tech professionals in the United States.
Here is a better look at why tech startups are moving engineering to Central Asia in 2026 and how Truss can help you find the right talent for your remote team with our global hiring platform for tech companies.
READ MORE: Best Alternatives to Hiring Developers in India for 2026
4 Reasons Tech Startups Are Moving Engineering to Central Asia
Central Asia has become a hotbed for the tech industry, led by emerging markets like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. These growth markets provide tech startups with lower salary and employment costs, exceptional tax incentives, and a deep talent pool that is largely untapped — which have many startups moving their engineering operations to Central Asia.
Here is a deeper look at the key reasons why tech startups are choosing Central Asia for the base of their engineering operations:
1. Lower Employment Costs and Tax Incentives
The cost comparison of an offshore engineering team in Central Asia versus here in the United States paints a very black and white picture. The average annual salary for an entry-level software engineer in the United States is an estimated $80,000 – $90,000 compared to an estimated average annual salary of $18,500 – $22,000 in Kazakhstan for a similar position. Average annual salaries for software engineers in Uzbekistan, Georgia, and other countries in the region are within a similar range.
In addition to lower salary requirements, the countries in Central Asia provide incredible tax incentives for tech startups that invest in remote talent. For example, the Uzbekistan IT Park provides tech companies with exemptions for most corporate taxes, income taxes, and customs duties through 2040 — and a Zero Risk Program provides 12 months of free office space and equipment for remote engineers that is supplemented by lower overhead costs.
2. Growing Talent Pool
The investment in the tech industry has reached a fever pitch in Central Asia and the emphasis on tech-focused careers and education has created a deep pool of talent that is a direct benefit to tech startups looking for specific skillsets. Many countries in the region, like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, possess an educational system that emphasizes STEM and produces graduates that excel in tech-based career fields. The region has developed into a proven source of talent in AI development and data-driven solutions with Kazakhstan leading the way in AI training and development.
The geopolitical climate has also resulted in many talented tech professionals moving to the area. With the Russian-Ukraine conflict, continued conflict in Belarus, and geopolitical sanctions, many talented professionals have moved to the area and many tech companies have started to look to Central Asia as a primary source of talent. Add a high number of proficient English speakers in the region and an emphasis on English language skills in the industry to the equation and the talent pool in Central Asia continues to grow.
3. Supportive Business Environment
The growth of the tech industry in Central Asia is due in large part to the supportive business environment in the region. Dedicated tech-focused workspaces and infrastructure — like the Uzbekistan IT Park and Astana Hub in Kazakhstan — provide a strong foundation for tech startups that hire remote engineers in the area. With the time zones in the region, remote teams in Central Asia can provide almost 24/7 productivity for U.S.-based tech startups. Other initiatives like the Silk Road Innovation Hub in Silicon Valley have also made Central Asia an important piece of the global tech economy, providing millions of dollars to startups in the region.
4. Global Shift in Tech Startup Operations
Global shifts in the tech industry and how startups operate has made Central Asia an important part of the equation. Many tech startups have moved to remote first teams where founders go to Silicon Valley to raise funds and build remote software engineering teams back in Central Asia with access to great talent at more affordable salaries. This shift in how tech startups can hit the ground running has made Central Asia a focal point for tech industry growth.
READ MORE: The Financial Case to Grow Your Tech Team in Central Asia
Kickstart Your Tech Startup and Hire Engineers in Central Asia with Truss
Do you want to know why startups are moving engineering to Central Asia in 2026? This in-depth look at why many tech startups are shifting operations and building remote engineering teams in Central Asia will answer your questions — and Truss is ready to help you build your team.
Truss serves as a global hiring platform for tech startups and we are ready to help you find, recruit, hire, onboard, and manage remote teams in Central Asia. Truss has years of experience finding talented tech professionals in the area that we hope to put to work for you and your company. Armed with your list of technical skill and salary requirements, we will provide you with a list of talented candidates for your team and facilitate the interview and hiring process.
When you have found the perfect candidate for your remote engineering team, we will help onboard new employees and will provide global payroll management and support. Truss will also serve as your Employer of Record in Central Asia to make sure you remain in compliance with local employment laws and avoid any legal or financial penalties.
Contact Truss today to learn more about how we can help you grow your tech team!
