Source: https://rivet.global/blog/pay-developers-in-eastern-europe-from-us
Published: 2026-09-12 · Updated: 2026-09-12 · By Alexia M.

# Paying developers in Eastern Europe from the US

How US companies pay developers in Poland, Romania, Ukraine, the Baltics and the Balkans: euro vs local currency, SEPA, local rails, B2B invoices and W-8BEN-E.

## Key takeaways

- Developers in euro-area countries such as Croatia, Slovakia and the Baltic states receive euros by SEPA.
- Poland and Romania use their own currencies and local rails; many developers there also hold euro accounts.
- Ukraine has currency rules on inbound payments; ask contractors how they want to be paid.
- Many developers invoice through a sole proprietorship or company, so collect a W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E as appropriate.

US companies have hired engineers across Eastern Europe for years. Paying them mixes euro-area countries, which take SEPA, with countries that keep their own currencies.

## By country

| Country | Currency | Rail |
|---|---|---|
| Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Baltic states | EUR | SEPA |
| Poland | PLN | Elixir, Express Elixir |
| Romania | RON | Local transfers |
| Bulgaria | BGN, moving to EUR | Local transfers |
| Ukraine | UAH | Local transfers, with NBU rules |

## Invoices and forms

Many developers invoice through a company or a sole proprietorship. Collect a W-8BEN-E for companies and a W-8BEN for individuals.

## A $60,000 monthly run

Paying 10 developers by USD wire costs 10 sending fees, possible intermediary deductions and each bank's FX margin. Paying in their currency on local rails costs 10 flat payout fees and one FX margin.

## Paying into the United States: the local rail

| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Local rail | ACH for batch payments; RTP and FedNow for instant transfers |
| Run by | Nacha for ACH; The Clearing House for RTP; the Federal Reserve for FedNow |
| Settlement | Same-day ACH within the business day, standard ACH the next; RTP and FedNow in seconds, 24/7, where both banks take part |

Source: [Nacha: Same Day ACH](https://www.nacha.org/rules/same-day-ach-moving-payments-faster). Checked when this guide was last updated; the scheme's own page has the current figures.

## Where Rivet fits

Rivet pays developers across Europe and 120+ countries from your USD balance, in EUR by SEPA and in local currencies on local rails where available, with fee and FX shown first. Growth adds a EUR balance if you also earn euros. Rivet is not a bank; regulated partner institutions hold the funds. See [SEPA transfer from the US](/blog/sepa-transfer-from-the-us).

## Questions

### Should I pay Polish developers in PLN or EUR?

Ask them. Many invoice in EUR or USD but want PLN in their account. Paying in their preferred currency at a good rate avoids their bank's margin.

### Can I pay developers in Ukraine?

Yes, through banks and providers that serve Ukraine, subject to the National Bank of Ukraine's rules. Ask the contractor what their bank requires.

### Which form do I need?

W-8BEN for individuals, W-8BEN-E if they invoice through a company.

### Is SEPA available from the US?

Only through a provider that holds euros and sends SEPA payments. A USD wire is converted somewhere along the way.