Home
/
Reviews
/
Top Employer of Record Services

10 Best Employer of Record (EOR) Services in 2024

The best employer of record services hand-picked by our experts. Find feature comparisons, pricing info and more below.

Rodrigo Vázquez Mellado
Written by
Rodrigo Vázquez Mellado
HR and B2B software analyst and advisor, tech writer and editor, former conversational designer
Contributing Experts
No items found.
We are a reader supported site with strict editorial standards, clicks may earn a fee which supports our testing. Learn More
Last Updated: Mar 28, 2024
TOP
EOR payroll services in 150+ countries
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
EOR payroll services in 150+ countries
Deel
4.4
Popularity Score
4.6
User Score
4.5
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Best for APAC EOR hiring
Multiplier
4.3
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.4
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Best for APAC EOR hiring
Multiplier
4.3
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.4
Product  Score
Learn More
TOP
Customer-centric EOR platform
Remofirst
4.1
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.0
Product  Score
Visit Website
TOP
Customer-centric EOR platform
Remofirst
4.1
Popularity Score
4.3
User Score
4.0
Product  Score
Learn More
Over 3 million HR leaders trust our advice

Introduction to Employer of Record Services

Employer of record (EOR) services are third parties that can act as the legal employer of staff in jurisdictions where your company has no presence. With an EOR service, companies can hire talent in another country without the hassle of setting up a legal entity there.

These companies can not only help you pay, provide benefits, and handle taxes for a foreign employee. They can also help with visa and sponsorship applications, local legal compliance, and many other HR processes.  

We've spent hundreds of hours over the last few years researching and keeping this guide to the best EOR companies up to date.

Show More +
Show Less -

Top Employer of Record Services

Deel

: EOR payroll services in 150+ countries

Multiplier

: Best for APAC EOR hiring

Remofirst

: Customer-centric EOR platform

PapayaGlobal

: Global People & EOR platform

Remote

: EOR & HR for global remote teams

Rippling

: EOR + world-class HRIS

Globalization Partners

: Stellar service + HR & EOR platform

GoGlobal

: White glove, cost-effective EOR services

Oyster

: EOR services & benefits in 180+ countries

Atlas

: EOR & payroll technology and services

Our Criteria: Here's How We Chose The Top Employer of Record Services

The best EOR services made this shortlist based on dozens of demos and numerous in-depth conversations with product teams. However, with EOR tools, the software takes a back seat to the on-the-ground service provided to your employees overseas, so we also spoke to HR experts that have engaged their services.

Key factors we considered when comparing EOR companies include the number of countries where they offer first-hand services, pricing transparency, customer support, and the quality of their user interface.

  • Payroll aggregators or in-house entities?: Many EOR and global payroll companies aggregate the services of third-party entities to offer services that reach hundreds of countries. We prioritized companies that own all the entities they use to hire people on your behalf, so they provide those services first-hand.
  • Pricing transparency: In dealing with payroll, it’s essential to be able to see exactly what fees you’re paying and why. The best EOR services have no issues when it comes to providing peace of mind to their customers.
  • Customer support: While many tools in the space promote a self-service approach to be less pricey, we favored companies with a strong customer focus. Few business aspects are as touchy as payroll, so vendors with a white-glove approach get prioritized.
  • User interface: The best EOR companies tie all of the above together through nice-looking and modern software tools. These products are where you can keep track of everything going on with your international payroll. Hence, we favor EOR businesses that recognize this is a huge value offering for their clients.

Whether you're a startup, a small business, or overseeing a large HR division, there are at least a few choices you should explore here.

Want more details on how we vet tech vendors? Here’s a blog covering our in-depth assessment process.

Show More +
Show Less -

Compare the Top Employer of Record Services

Popularity Score
Best for
Key Differentiator
Pricing
Free Trial
Customers
Users Score
Product Score

Deel

Most Popular
4.4
For varying needs of a contractor & EOR combination
Easy to scale up/down from hiring contractors or full-time
Starts at $49/month
No
15,000+
4.6
4.5

Multiplier

Most Popular
4.3
Companies with international hiring needs mostly in APAC
Strong EOR expertise in the APAC markets
Starts at $20/user/mo
No
N/A
4.3
4.4

Remofirst

Most Popular
4.1
Remote & distributed teams in tech, mostly 100-200 employees
Great customer support that caters to remote teams
Starts at $199/user/mo
No
N/A
4.3
4.0

PapayaGlobal

Most Popular
4.2
All-size companies with a primary focus on EOR hiring
Remarkably good UX and continuous product expansion
Starts at $12/month
Yes
600+
4.4
4.3

Remote

Most Popular
4.0
Payroll + HR for early to mid-stage global tech companies
One place to manage the entire global employment lifecycle
Starts at $50/month
Yes
Undisclosed
4.6
4.5

Rippling

Most Popular
4.2
EOR & contractor payroll management on top of an HRMS
Combines HRMS, Payroll, and in-house EOR functionalities
Starts at $8/employee/month
No
2,000+
4.2
4.1

Globalization Partners

Most Popular
4.0
Those looking for a solid EOR with white glove service
EOR firm first, software company second. So, great service
Custom Pricing
No
N/A
4.7
4.3

GoGlobal

Most Popular
4.1
VC-backed tech companies with an international team
Substantial expertise in several markets, with a tech focus
Custom Pricing
Yes
N/A
4.0
4.2

Oyster

Most Popular
4.3
SMBs looking for a quick way to hire overseas
Huge country offering, plus noteworthy perks for nonprofits
Starts at $29/month
Yes
2k+ customers
4.4
4.2

Atlas

Most Popular
4.1
Businesses that need direct EOR services and visa support
No 3rd party EOR providers, yet breadths of local expertise
Custom Pricing
No
N/A
4.0
4.1
Phil Strazzulla
HR Tech Expert, Harvard MBA, Software Enthusiast

Need Help? Get Custom Recommendations for Top Employer of Record Services

Talk to An Advisor

Detailed Reviews of the Best Employer of Record Services

Deel

Visit Website
Deel
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Deel

Deel can operate as an employer-of-record in over 150 countries. They own entities in 90+ countries and have focused on global-first companies for a long time. They have been tech-oriented from the beginning, boasting a stellar platform, coupled with solid services.

PROS

  • Deel has outstanding customer service. Users benefit from 24/7 in-app assistance and an impressively swift onboarding process, typically taking only 2-3 days.
  • Local payroll experts are available in various jurisdictions to offer comprehensive support.
  • Deel effortlessly integrates with popular platforms such as Quickbooks, Bamboo, Greenhouse, and more. It further offers custom integrations to streamline and synchronize processes, enhancing efficiency and workflow automation.
  • Deel also caters to the self-service approach. Newer users can quickly dive into its features without going through lengthy calls and demos. We have consistently found the setup process to be hassle-free, with identity verification often completed within 24 hours or even minutes.
  • Automated invoicing, available in English, simplifies financial tasks for both companies and contractors.
  • One of the best features of Deel is its customer service. They offer 24/7 in-app support and the fastest-in-class onboarding speed of 2-3 days. Users get access to local payroll experts in each jurisdiction, and support is available for contractors facing challenges setting themselves up as an LLC.
  • Integrates seamlessly with common platforms like Quickbooks, Bamboo, Greenhouse, and more. They also offer custom integrations to automate and sync processes.
  • Self-service approach; tech-enabled features so customers can jump in quickly and easily. Our user researchers found it quite easy to set up: the identity verification process consistently took less than 24 hours, and in some cases, it took mere minutes.
  • Automated invoices, which are a breeze to do as long as they’re in English, both on the company and the contractor or employee’s side.

CONS

  • Certain advanced features cost extra, including onboarding automation.
  • Deel's rigidity in altering contracts or service agreements might be restrictive for companies seeking more adaptable terms. Modifications often necessitate addendums, potentially causing administrative complexities.
  • Deel imposes a $5 fee per payout, which can accumulate over time and impact cost-effectiveness, particularly for businesses handling frequent payouts.
  • Deel currently supports invoice generation exclusively in English, potentially posing constraints for organizations requiring multi-language invoicing capabilities.
  • Deel doesn’t own the entities they use for an EOR setup in all the jurisdictions they operate in. Depending on the country, a third-party company may have to be included in the mix.
  • Some of Deel’s best and most powerful services, like onboarding automation, appear to be add-ons, which might be too costly for some companies
  • There is little to no flexibility when it comes to altering their contracts or service agreements, so many changes would require an addendum.
  • There is a $5 fee per payout
  • As far as we’ve seen, it’s not possible to generate invoices in another language.

Deel Review

When it comes to global payroll, Deel is one of the pioneering companies. They offer a comprehensive solution that includes contractor and freelancer management, as well as EOR and PEO capabilities.

For an EOR setup, they act as the legal entity that would hire your international teammates in their country of residence. They can do this in over 90 of the countries they currently operate in, so it’s best to check their exact list if you’re positive about wanting to go the EOR route.

Moreover, their sleek design has always made them stand out in the category. Many companies in this space started out offering EOR services and then developed a software product for clients to stay in the loop and perform basic tasks. Deel is one of the companies that started as a tech product from the get-go, which means the platform is quite robust and can handle a variety of international payroll use cases.

Deel Customers

Deel is used by companies such as Brex, Google, Homelight, Duffel, and Andela.

Deel Pricing

Deel offers an intriguing pricing structure that promotes exploration and adaptation. Users have the opportunity to sign up for free and fully experience the tool's functionalities before incurring charges, which begin once the first team member is paid. The pricing tiers for Deel are as follows:

  • Contractors: Priced at $49 per contractor per month, this plan ensures comprehensive management of payroll and compliance for contract engagements spanning 150 countries. Deel efficiently handles the intricacies of contractor payroll, streamlining operations across diverse jurisdictions.
  • Full-Time Plan: Starting from $500, this plan proves highly advantageous for companies seeking to expand their workforce across international boundaries. This is where Deel acts as an Employer of Record, alleviating the complexities of establishing legal entities in new countries.

Best For

Businesses who are considering an EOR service provider with great tech to go along with it, and the option to have some contractors within the same tool.

Deel in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

Deel was used on a daily basis for us. It was used to manage all of our international contractors, manage contracts, payments, and payroll, and we used their employer-of-record model to hire in certain areas as well. Being able to run international payroll for various countries outside of the US using one system was extremely helpful. The customer support for Deel is also great, as you get an employment advisor as well who will help you understand how to best use Deel's international PEO/Employer-of-Record services. To summarize, hiring, international payroll, understanding employment/payroll laws of various countries, and making it digestible are the highlights of using Deel. It saved us a lot of time, money, and energy.

What do you like about this tool?
  • I like that you can use one platform to run multiple payrolls for different countries.
  • I like that they make hiring contractors in other countries easier.
  • I like that they make understanding other countries' payroll and employment laws easy with all sorts of helpful resources.
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our small start-up company of under 50 employees was looking to hire international consultants in various areas, mainly Canada, Brazil, and later Poland and Ireland. We've used Deel for about 2 years now mainly for contract management and international payroll, and used their PEO and Employer of Record services as well. The key benefit is being able to hire great talent outside of the US and being protected and advised around payroll and employment laws for various countries.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • I dislike their reporting function as it's essentially just Excel and doesn't allow for advanced filtering/reporting.
  • I dislike that the integration with Rippling is a bit wonky. Some employee info will flow in, but not all.
  • I dislike that making changes in contracts can be difficult and that the e-signature capability is not great.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

I believe that Deel is the best in class in terms of international hiring/payroll/compliance/PEO. They have a great team behind getting the system of hiring set up in each individual country. Their customer service is really great and they are great consultants that help you meet your goals. If you use their PEO or Employer of Record service it can be costly depending on where you're hiring.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?
  • Location of Hiring - Depending on where you're hiring, Deel may not support that region so it's important to take a look at which areas they cover. They do cover most major areas of international hiring.
  • Cost - Overall it's an affordable and effective system for international payroll. It does sit outside of the HRIS ( if you use one) so that's something to think about as an additional cost.
  • HRIS Compatibility - It's also important to think about the compatibility with your HRIS, otherwise you have a lot of data sitting outside of your HRIS which you can manually upload through CSV reports.
How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

In the time that I used Deel, they developed their PEO availability regions. I believe they do a good job at customer listening, and their team is extremely attentive.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Deel is great for small to medium-sized businesses that are looking to quickly expand internationally. It's also important to note that in each new location you're hiring in, if you're looking to have a hiring hub of 20+ more employees in that particular company, using Deel may only be a short-term solution. But for quick hires, small hiring hubs, and hiring consultants across countries, it's a great platform.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

I imagine it may not be the best for a very well-established company with a significant number of hires in particular locations. For example, having 20+ employees in one country would not be the best fit for Deel.

Multiplier

Visit Website
Multiplier
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4.4 / 5

Why we picked Multiplier

Multiplier’s EOR platform helps you send contracts in minutes, run payroll, offer insurance, and manage tax contributions in compliance with tax laws in over 150 countries. They also offer 24/5 customer service.

PROS

  • Compliance, payroll, onboarding, and timesheets, all in one platform
  • Multi-currency payments in over 150 countries
  • Multi-lingual contracts made instantly
  • Multi-currency payments in local currencies
  • Multi-lingual contracts made instantly
  • Compliance, payroll, onboarding, and timesheets, all in one platform

CONS

  • Limited integrations: As of 2023, Multiplier only integrates with BambooHR for HCM-type tools, although they are working on adding more.
  • Lack of tailored options: Customers would like more customization options, especially concerning contract clauses and leave types.
  • A few users reported a slow response time from the customer support team.
  • Limited integrations. As of Summer 2022, Multiplier only integrates with BambooHR for HCM-type tools, although they are working on adding more.

Multiplier Review

Multiplier’s Employer of Record solution helps you hire, onboard, manage, and pay employees, as well as manage taxes, allowances, bonuses, social contributions, and statutory deductions in over 150 countries.

For a company that was founded in late 2020, they have made significant strides in their industry, one of which is securing over $70 million in funding from 14 investors. We’ve been happy to see them grow with time, and their EOR services with an APAC focus have always been at the center of the tool. After a couple of demos and numerous conversations, we can attest to the seriousness of their team and the robustness of their software. 

Multiplier can function as the middle-man employer to process payroll, benefits, and other expenses required to manage global workforces. Multiplier also helps businesses with local entities process local payroll in the specific markets they are hiring.

Multiplier Customers

Multiplier is used by many companies with a global footprint, including Amazon, PWC, ServiceNow, Korn Ferry, and Orange Business Services.

Multiplier Pricing

Multiplier offers two price plans for their EOR services. They are flat rates priced on a per monthly basis. The amount stays the same regardless of the number of employees you manage. You get to cancel anytime, and no credit card is required for initial sign-up.

Plan Price What's Included?
Hire Employees $400 per month - Automatically generated contracts
- Multi-country payroll
- Multi-currency payments
- ESOPs, Benefits, and Insurance administration
- Expense and time off management
- 24/7 support from local HR and legal experts
- Salary calculator
- Invoice management
Pay Freelancers $40 per month - Instant Contracts
- Multi-currency and crypto payments
- Benefits and Insurance administration
- 24/7 support from local HR and legal experts, no third-party delays
- Remittance advice

Note that, in addition to these plans, you will pay additional costs for the employee insurance package (also offered as a stand-alone tool). It starts from $20 per month for the basic coverage plan, and the prices vary with additional coverage. Prices may also vary with location.

Global Payroll is also offered as a stand-alone product for businesses with or without local entities - starting at $20 per employee per month.

Best For

Multiplier is an excellent option for companies seeking to expand their global workforce, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, although they do cater to clients outside of that area as well. Their platform offers a range of features that benefit startups, mid-sized businesses, and enterprises alike.

Multiplier in action
No items found.

Remofirst

Visit Website
Remofirst
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4.3 / 5
Product Score
4 / 5

Why we picked Remofirst

Remofirst makes an all-inclusive EOR platform aimed toward making remote global hiring a seamless reality. Its standout features include budget-friendliness and exceptional customer support, where every client is privileged with a dedicated 24/7 account manager.

PROS

  • Employers can conveniently remunerate Remofirst in USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, and SGD.
  • Remofirst disburses payments to each international employee in their local currency.
  • Their coverage spans more than 150 countries.
  • Embracing a youthful disposition, Remofirst boasts a modern, sleek UI that's visually appealing.
  • Employers are able to pay Remofirst in USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, and SGD.
  • In turn, Remofirst pays each global employee in their local currency.
  • Over 150 countries serviced
  • Since it’s a young product, the UI looks quite modern, sleek, and generally easy on the eye.

CONS

  • Being a comparatively newer player, Remofirst is progressively unveiling integrations and features from its monthly roadmap, resulting in current limitations.
  • As a younger company than others in the industry, Remofirst are still rolling out new integrations and features from their roadmap every month. Hence, these are somewhat limited for now.

Remofirst Review

Remofirst effectively straddles the realms of a software platform and Employer of Record provider. It extends comprehensive compliance solutions to global teams seeking to recruit personnel and contractors in regions devoid of their own legal entities.

We’ve been lucky enough to witness their product evolution since its inception in 2021. After a demo and a couple of conversations with their product team, we’ve noted transformations like a revamped UI, expedited same-day onboarding, and enhanced 24/7 customer support.

On the services front, we’ve heard praise from several users for Remofirst’s transparent operations and exceptional customer service. They also boast extensive country coverage and a reasonably priced offering.

Remofirst Customers

The notable clientele of Remofirst includes Microsoft, Mastercard, ZocDoc, QED, Labster, and Byrd.

Remofirst Pricing

Remofirst's pricing model is worth checking out. For EOR services, the pricing tier initiates at $199 per employee per month. Contract workers can start using the platform for $19 per month.

A conventional free trial is absent, but Remofirst is still a cost-friendly tool. For example, there are no monthly charges for hiring global contractors. Hence, you can perform a low-commitment evaluation of the platform's offerings before transitioning to full EOR services.

Best For

Remofirst caters effectively to organizations aiming to onboard remote global workers while maintaining adherence to compliance regulations, whether they are full-time staff, contractors, or a mix of both.

The platform serves a diverse clientele, encompassing large enterprises, small businesses, and even bootstrapped startups. Predominantly, its clients consist of tech-sector companies with employee counts ranging from 100 to 200. Nevertheless, the platform scales flexibly, accommodating scenarios from hiring a single employee or contractor and onward.

Remofirst in action
No items found.

PapayaGlobal

Visit Website
PapayaGlobal
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5

Why we picked PapayaGlobal

Papaya Global does more than cross-border payments. The platform incorporates employee payroll, advisory services, and compliance tools, making it a solid EOR solution for large enterprises to hire, onboard, and manage employees and contractors in over 160 countries.

PROS

  • Papaya Global packs the EOR services you need to do global payroll and employment compliantly in over 160 countries.
  • Automated payments in over 100 currencies, 80 of them directly to the worker's bank account through its global banking partners.
  • Dedicated customer support providing locations-specific knowledge regarding employment and payroll.
  • End-to-end payroll guaranteed payouts in 72 hours.
  • Offers four standalone solutions: data and insights, supplemental benefits & immigration support, payment services, and employee data management, making the platform more affordable and scalable.
  • Papaya Global packs the EOR services you need to do global payroll and employment compliantly in over 160 countries.
  • Automated payments in over 100 currencies, 80 of them directly to the worker's bank account through its global banking partners.
  • Dedicated customer support providing locations-specific knowledge regarding employment and payroll.
  • End-to-end payroll guaranteed payouts in 72 hours.
  • Offers four standalone solutions: data and insights, supplemental benefits & immigration support, payment services, and employee data management, making the platform more affordable and scalable.

CONS

  • No free trial or free plan.
  • Doesn’t own entities in all the countries it serves. The platform forms relationships with existing local in-country partners to handle employment in a specific region on the client’s behalf.
  • BI analytics reports and global immigration services cost additional fees.
  • Charges extra fees for setup, onboarding, employee cycle, and tax filing. Also requires a refundable deposit.
  • Built-in integration options aren’t very robust. However, the platform does offer pre-built APIs, SFTP, and custom API integrations for free.
  • No free trial or free plan.
  • Doesn’t own entities in all the countries it serves. The platform forms relationships with existing local in-country partners to handle employment in a specific region on the client’s behalf.
  • BI analytics reports and global immigration services cost additional fees.
  • Charges extra fees for setup, onboarding, employee cycle, and tax filing. Also requires a refundable deposit.
  • Built-in integration options aren’t very robust. However, the platform does offer pre-built APIs, SFTP, and custom API integrations for free.

PapayaGlobal Review

Papaya Global has been chosen as one of our recommended EOR solutions for three main reasons: a complete suite of services for global employment, a straightforward and flexible pricing structure, and distinctive customer service.

From our experience testing the platform, Papaya Global excels at providing a range of EOR services that businesses need to ensure their global employment is compliant without having to establish a local entity in the hire's country. The platform allows businesses to hire contractors and employees in 160+ countries. While the self-service portal is not new in this space, Papaya Global has made it helpful and engaging for end users. Employees can finish their country-specific onboarding, check their company org chart, time and attendance report, and access payslips, wage and tax statements, and employment documents. The platform has also rolled out its mobile app, with new features coming, to allow employees to access those features on the go.

While we would like to see Papaya Global offer 24/7 customer support, its current support service is already impressive. The global support center and knowledge base are available for all plans. Those purchasing EOR and Payroll solutions will have dedicated experts working in country-specific time zones to provide local expertise regarding employment and payroll.

PapayaGlobal Customers

Microsoft, Intel, Toyota, Wix, Fiverr, Johnson & Johnson, Deezer

PapayaGlobal Pricing

  • Employee of Record is one of Papaya Global's plans. It enables businesses to manage their EOR locations on one platform. The platform’s in-country partners function as employers of record, being responsible for payroll, workforce management, benefits, compliance, and more. This plan costs between $770 and $1000 per employee per month.
  • Other than the Employee of Record plan, Papaya Global offers Contractor Management (starts at $25 per employee per pay cycle) and Global Expertise Services (priced at $250 for an annual plan or $320 quarterly per location).
  • PapayaGlobal has added four standalone services in addition to its three plans: Full-Service Payroll (starts at $12 per employee per month), Payroll Platform License (starts at $3 per employee per month), Data and Insights Platform License (starts at $150 per employee per location), and Payments-as-a-Service (starts at $3 per employee per month).

Best For

The price point of Papaya Global’s EOR plan makes it work best for medium to large teams looking to hire international contractors/employees or ones wanting to send staff to work in their international offices.

PapayaGlobal in action
No items found.

Remote

Visit Website
Remote
Learn More
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.6 / 5
Product Score
4.5 / 5

Why we picked Remote

Remote is among a small number of EORs that operate as a local entity in the countries they service. They offer numerous global HR solutions in addition to payroll, including onboarding, taxes, and equity plans.

PROS

  • Remote owns 100% of the entities for which the platform offers EOR services.
  • Flat fee structures don’t require a deposit.
  • The benefits packages are country-specific.
  • Supports ironclad IP and invention rights protection.
  • Responsive customer support via email and live chat.
  • Supports equity incentive planning across countries, including tax withholding.
  • Easy-to-use employee mobile app.

CONS

  • The platform supports direct deposit and wire transfers but doesn’t support off-cycle pay runs.
  • No phone support is available.
  • There are limited integration options but using their open API doesn’t incur in additional charges.

Remote Review

Remote is a globally distributed HR hub where businesses can process payroll, perform salary simulations, onboard new hires, manage benefits, and take care of most of the administrative tasks of having an internationally distributed team. One of the things we’ve always liked best about Remote is that it wholly owns local legal entities in the 60+ countries it covers. This frees them up to offer more flexibility and speed in services and prices, (which is something most top EOR vendors should have in most of their jurisdictions, we’d argue). 

Now, Remote’s EOR services are not the most budget-friendly, but we appreciate the platform's flat fee structure. Users know exactly how much they’ll pay monthly, with no billing surprises. For businesses that meet their creditworthiness criteria (exact standards are unknown to all but Remote), no deposit is necessary.

Though Remote no longer offers free payroll for contractors, it does offer a couple of other benefits we appreciate. Some startups and nonprofits are eligible for discounts, and incentives are provided for businesses that employ refugees.

Remote Customers

Loom, GitLab, DoorDash, HelloFresh, Workato, Semrush, Teamway

Remote Pricing

  • Employer of Record: Starts at $599/employee/month (when paid annually)
  • Global Payroll: $50/employee/month
  • Contractor Management: $29/contractor/month
  • Contractor Management Plus: $99/contractor/month (Everything in Remote Contractor Management with added indemnity coverage)
  • Remote Talent: Starts at $119/month
  • HRIS: Free
  • Startup and nonprofit discount: Eligible startups and nonprofits can get 15% off EOR and Contractor Management services for 12 months.

Best For

Remote’s an excellent value for money for remote-first enterprises to get a full-fledged and trusted EOR, thanks to its 100% owned-entity model in 60+ countries.

Remote in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I use remote.com to hire contractors in multiple countries for our company. Once we find a candidate we want to hire, we send an offer letter and start the onboarding process in remote.com. Employees create their invoices at the end of the month and we complete payment through remote.com immediately.

What do you like about this tool?
  • Ease of use - ability to learn how to use the system in a day
  • You are able to contract from over 100 countries in remote.com
  • Reporting is clear and easy to understand
Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

As a small organization we were looking to hire many contractors in various countries. Remote.com is extremely easy to use and makes hiring internationally simple. I have been using Remote.com since March 2023.

What do you dislike about this tool?
  • Customer service was not helpful and very rude. I had to get a manager involved.
  • The system is not very robust. It really is just a payment and time tracking services system, any organization would need an employee performance management system.
  • The integrations are underdeveloped and could be improved.
How is this tool different than their competitors?

This is the first contractor tool that I have used, and I am very impressed. Remote.com does everything we need so I do not see us needing to switch to a different product.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

I think people should assess what countries they need to hire contractors in, and make sure that remote.com is able to hire in those countries. Furthermore the cost of remote.com is pretty reasonable for the price that it costs.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I have not really seen a difference since I have been using it since March 2023. I will say that the reporting is great and I am always happy to improve my process while using it.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

Companies with multiple contract workers

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

Companies with the majority of their hires in the United States.

Rippling

Visit Website
Rippling
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.2 / 5
User Score
4.2 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Rippling

When Rippling entered the global payroll and EOR space, competition got harder. They are able to offer first-hand EOR services backed by a platform that’s already widely known as a best-in-class HRIS and payroll suite.

PROS

  • Full HRIS on top of a global payroll suite
  • Operation support for work authorization with the local authorities 
  • Local HR advisors for topics like immigration, performance improvement plans, termination, complaints, and several kinds of leave (parental, sick, unpaid, etc.). 
  • You can also pay contractors or part-time employees overseas. 
  • As of Fall 2023, the platform also offers a robust ATS
  • All-in-one platform for employee management + PEO services offered, and even a suite of other IT products 
  • With 500 integrations, it’s very likely that they integrate with other key tools from your tech stack.
  • Operates globally with any currency
  • Workflow automation
  • Analytics opportunities
  • Provides a holistic view of company outflows—headcount costs included

CONS

  • Rippling as an EOR or Global Payroll suite is only available as part of a comprehensive package, and cannot be purchased separately. This means that businesses interested in using the Rippling system will need to commit to the entire Rippling HRIS.
  • Moreover, it may not be a suitable option for very small businesses experiencing slow growth, as the cost and complexity of the platform may outweigh the benefits for these companies.
  • Total buy-in to Rippling is essential 
  • Very SMB-oriented, in case you’re a larger company. 
  • New features tend to be buggy in ways that tech teams are not accustomed to fixing

Rippling Review

Rippling's platform can manage every element of the compensation process for a company. This goes from monitoring employees' and contractors' working hours to performing tax and PTO calculations. This has long been the case with the US-based company, but they can now do this internationally. When processing payroll globally, you as the HR manager or business owner get to choose how to pay employees overseas. You can run payroll through Rippling’s own EOR entities in the country of destiny, or have them help you set up your own local entity and manage everything through the platform.

This contrasts with most global payroll companies; since the majority only act as intermediaries between multiple third-party vendors. What they do is unify all those processes in a single platform, so you get to see everything on a dashboard that's way easier on the eye. Don't get us wrong, that was quite novel not so long ago, and it's still a useful way of employing people internationally while making sure you're abiding by all local tax regulations.

Rippling’s approach, however, is new in the sense that local EOR entities are set up and handled by themselves. They provide the local contracts and thus avoid acting as an intermediary. This approach also lets them offer benefits management, stock options, and global support, with more flexibility; and all this on top of the entire HR suite they are famous for. We were happy to demo it once again in late 2022, and can confirm that their global payroll and EOR offering is worth looking into if you're also in the market for a new HRMS.

Rippling Customers

Proxy, Dwell, Superhuman, Expensify, Checkr

Rippling Pricing

Rippling starts at $8 per user per month. However, the final fee you'll pay is determined by the specific modules you choose to use. The full platform includes the HR cloud but also their IT and Finance products. It's easy to get a free quote via the pricing page of their website.

Best For

Rippling is an excellent choice for SMBs that value a seamless user experience and seek comprehensive HR tools in a unified platform. The product is thoughtfully designed for accessibility across the entire organization, encompassing a wide array of essential HR functions.

Rippling in action
Reviewer's Rating
10/10

I help with recruiting and other HR stuff here at Tatem. While I am no longer a part of this as my role has expanded into marketing, I formerly used Rippling to manage employee payments, write, edit, and send employee contracts, get employee signatures on legal documents, make approved changes to employee and company profiles, and more. Now I just use it as a non-administrator employee and it's equally great. I also loved using the apps for insurance for Tatem.

What do you like about this tool?

It's incredibly easy to use and has a great customer experience. The customer support is excellent, always very responsive, and helpful. They have so many functionalities and features available, from insurance to legal documents.

Why did your organization buy this tool, and how long have you used it for?

Our founder used Rippling in his former company and had had a good experience with it. We tried Gusto due to all the hype, but it was a bit hard to use at first. We ultimately returned to Rippling due to its excellent user experience, customer support, and ease of use. It also just seemed to have more features and functionalities available.

What do you dislike about this tool?

Honestly, nothing. Maybe if I had to choose something, I'd say that their design could be a bit more modern or updated, and it'd be great if they had an easy to use mobile app.

How is this tool different than their competitors?

Compared to Gusto, Rippling is much more straightforward. Gusto had very poor user experience for first-time users, but with Rippling, I didn't have to wonder what's next. I was able to hop on and begin using it as both an admin and employee.

What Instructions should people think about when buying this type of tool?

Rippling is a tool that's comprehensive enough that it will cover every possible HR scenario imaginable. It works for teams of all sizes. It has a responsive support team which you’ll need.

How has this tool changed or evolved over time to meet users needs?

I feel like they've made product updates along the way to enhance their user experience and ensure there are no glitches. They really focus on creating an excellent, no-fuss UX.

What specific type of user or organization is this tool very good for?

We're in technology (SaaS), but it could really be good for anything.

What specific type of user or organization would this tool not be a good fit for?

A solopreneur or a one-person team.

Globalization Partners

Visit Website
Globalization Partners
Learn More
Popularity Score
4 / 5
User Score
4.7 / 5
Product Score
4.3 / 5

Why we picked Globalization Partners

Globalization Partners stands as the driving force behind an expansive global Employer-of-record platform called G-P Meridian. It’s remarkable for blending professional services with AI capabilities that extend far beyond the realm of payroll management.

PROS

  • Their G-P Meridian platform is heavily focused on the EOR space, but it’s offered in several plans that can cater to varying needs, even those that might only need to hire people as contractors.
  • Using their tool also implies access to a team of HR and legal professionals with significant experience in each country they operate in.
  • Their UX has evolved continuously and gotten more intuitive and modern each time we delve into the product.
  • Their G-P Meridian platform is heavily focused on the EOR space, but it’s offered in several plans that can cater to varying needs, even those that might only need to hire people as contractors.
  • Using their tool also implies access to a team of HR and legal professionals with significant experience in each country they operate in.
  • Their UX has evolved continuously and gotten more intuitive and modern each time we delve into the product.

CONS

  • Customizing a contract is only possible with the G-P Meridian Prime plan.
  • Features like background checks, equity management, and IT equipment— to name a few— are only available as add-ons.
  • There is no way to try out the software product unless you sign up for a demo and request a proposal.
  • Customizing a contract is only possible with the G-P Meridian Prime plan.
  • Features like background checks, equity management, and IT equipment— to name a few— are only available as add-ons.
  • There is no way to try out the software product unless you sign up for a demo and request a proposal.

Globalization Partners Review

Globalization Partners offers a holistic approach by seamlessly integrating professional HR services and worldwide payroll solutions through an innovative AI-driven platform. Spanning a remarkable count of over 180 countries, their comprehensive offering enables businesses to effortlessly hire and onboard team members across the globe.

Their platform extends its capabilities beyond the confines of payroll, providing invaluable support for diverse aspects such as onboarding, management, benefits administration, and compliance.

A distinguishing feature lies in their extensive presence, with a business entity established in nearly every country. This unique advantage facilitates the swift and efficient global talent acquisition process, often culminating within a matter of days. The most remarkable aspect is that this entire process unfolds devoid of any burdens related to legal, tax, or HR intricacies, as Globalization Partners shoulders these responsibilities seamlessly.

Since we first came across this tool in early 2021, we’ve witnessed its continuous growth and expansion. In 2023, they offer a wider variety of plans that can accommodate the needs of organizations big and small. Their UX has also improved significantly, and they keep adding new people to their team in all corners of the Earth.

Globalization Partners Customers

Globalization Partners is used to do global payroll at companies like Distek, Udemo, Zoom, Neurala, and more. Their website has use cases for all of these companies, so be sure to check them out.

Globalization Partners Pricing

While specific pricing details are not disclosed by Globalization Partners, their commitment to tailored solutions shines through. The most prudent path forward for those interested is to engage in a demo.

Best For

Globalization Partners presents an ideal match for enterprises in pursuit of an employer-of-record partner that not only offers a comprehensive platform but also excels in overseeing the intricacies of the entire spectrum of HR operations.

Globalization Partners in action
No items found.

GoGlobal

Visit Website
GoGlobal
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5

Why we picked GoGlobal

GoGlobal is the world’s fastest-growing privately-owned EOR provider. They are among the true pioneers of the space and have substantial expertise in many markets.

PROS

  • GoGlobal is a rapidly growing EOR provider with substantial expertise, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, operating in over 100 countries.
  • Despite being smaller, GoGlobal leverages its size to be responsive and adaptable to client needs with a remote workforce of around 250 individuals.
  • GoGlobal offers custom-based pricing, providing clear breakdowns and open communication about charges.

CONS

  • GoGlobal may have somewhat limited integration options, potentially causing compatibility issues with existing HR software.
  • It’s also been noted by some users that GoGlobal’s services are not a great fit for companies with revenues below 100,000 EUR. 
  • GoGlobal’s EOR services are only available in around 100 countries. This might seem limited compared to other companies. However, it does imply a strong focus on these markets, and therefore a considerable level of expertise. 
  • GoGlobal lacks phone support for immediate communication, potentially affecting clients in urgent situations.

GoGlobal Review

GoGlobal started providing EOR services in Asia Pacific, quickly becoming highly sought-after experts in the region by companies from the West wanting to hire top talent there. They've been expanding rapidly while sticking to their credo of doing things themselves. They rarely turn to third-party firms to establish a presence in a new territory; since they actually have people in most places they operate in.  

We first came across them in 2020, smack dab in the center of the pandemic, when the EOR space was suddenly experiencing a boom thanks to the sudden necessary normalcy that remote work acquired. Being founded in 2018 and with decades of experience in international hiring, we noticed these guys had everything to ride out this wave. 

Back then, they could only offer services in 50 countries, but we were told they were adding a new territory nearly every week. A couple of years later, they operate in more than 100 nations. Now, they continue to grow rapidly, constantly adding new countries and clients. As a self-funded venture, GoGlobal has always been nimble, responsible, and adaptable to what its clients need. Their workforce of approximately 250 passionate and fully remote individuals spans the entire globe.

GoGlobal Customers

They have worked with some of the most well-known companies across various industries including social media companies, food delivery technology companies, streaming companies, and one of the largest liquor producers.

GoGlobal Pricing

GoGlobal's pricing is custom-based since it varies depending on the number of people you're looking to hire and the location. One thing we can say is that they tend to be very transparent about their pricing, consistently providing breakdowns and being very open about what is charged.

Best For

GoGlobal’s services can be helpful for businesses of all sizes and geographies. That being said, they tend to find great matches with VC-backed SaaS companies with a remote global workforce.

GoGlobal in action
No items found.

Oyster

Visit Website
Oyster
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.3 / 5
User Score
4.4 / 5
Product Score
4.2 / 5

Why we picked Oyster

Oyster partners with local entities in over 180 countries, making it a legal employer you can rely on to handle compliance, onboarding, payroll, benefits, and terminations. You will also love the platform’s generous discounts if you’re hiring refugees or a nonprofit.

PROS

  • Oyster’s interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
  • Simple and competitive flat rate for employees and contractors.
  • Smooth onboarding and offboarding with helpful guidance from lawyers and accountants regarding the labor laws in your hiring countries.
  • Non-profits get to hire their first full-time team member for free for a year.
  • You can hire refugees in countries where Oyster has direct entities at no or discounted cost.
  • Helpful Academy with easily accessible help docs.
  • Responsive customer support. Highest-price plan users also are assigned a dedicated account manager.
  • The employee cost calculator lets you quickly estimate detailed costs of hiring in a new country.
  • Doesn’t charge extra fees for setup or cancellation.
  • Intuitive: The platform is easy to navigate and makes logical sense.
  • competitively priced: The flat rate for employees and contractors makes cost comparisons simple, and is competitive in the market.
  • Targeted for a remote workforce: Whether your employees are in one country or 100, Oyster can accommodate them accordingly, and this is a feature few platforms can boast.

CONS

  • Some delays in local currency payment can be expected.
  • No phone support for immediate communication is available.
  • There’s a refundable security deposit required to initiate the engagement.
  • No native time-tracking feature. Only offers an in-app time-off tool.
  • If you’re looking to co-employ your employees and partially outsource HR responsibilities, Oyster might not be for you. They are more of an Employer or Record (EOR) rather than a Professional Employer Organization (PEO).
  • Slight delays in processing times for payments in the local currency are somewhat common.
  • Immediate communication via phone support is not an option, but they do offer live support via Zoom when necessary.
  • An initial security deposit is necessary to begin the engagement and is refundable.
  • The platform lacks native time-tracking functionality and provides only an in-app tool for managing time off.
  • If you’re looking to co-employ your employees and partially outsource HR responsibilities, Oyster isn’t for you. They are more akin to employer of record services (EOR) than a Professional Employer Organizations (PEO).

Oyster Review

Oyster is a flexible and user-friendly platform businesses can rely on to compliantly hire global contractors and employees and handle onboarding, house payroll, benefits, and employee information — all these things under one roof. We’re glad the platform didn’t lie when it said it’s designed with end users in mind. We found no difficulty navigating each of its service tools and were especially impressed with Oyster’s customer support. They got back within a few hours to our ticket and were very helpful in assisting with foreign employment law and regulatory aspects.

Diving into more details on Oyster’s EOR services, the first thing that stood out to us was its smooth onboarding process. There are no setup fees, but you’ll be expected to pay a security deposit (equal to one month of your total employment cost) by the first month of your team members. It will be used to fund the team member's payroll should any unexpected payment issues of the customer invoice and will be refunded once all final invoices have been settled, which does make sense.

We liked how Oyster could carry many services: from hiring to onboarding, benefits, time off management, payroll, and offboarding, while maintaining a comfy UI. Our experience with the platform’s cost calculator tool was also positive: it let us quickly estimate potential costs and risks of hiring employees and contractors in specific countries. Another reason for Oyster making it to this guide is the EOR’s remote work regulation guide: it provides remote work policies and regulations in different countries — very up-to-date, and even packs tips for hiring, paying, and managing global workers.

Our experience using Oyster was good overall, yet we still didn’t enjoy some parts of the EOR module. First, while the help center and customer service are punctual, there is currently no phone support. Dedicated account managers are also limited to the highest-tier plans. Another drawback is that you must pay for local benefit plans as add-ons, which cost $80 per month or more. We also expected to see a native time-tracking system, but the current Oyster only supports a time-off management service.

Oyster Customers

Quora, Wagestream, Impala, and Grover are some companies on Oyster’s long list of customers.

Oyster Pricing

Oyster has three pricing plans:

  • Contractor: Starts at $29 per contractor/month. It includes hiring contractors in 180+ countries, drafting, editing, signing compliant contracts, processing invoices, and paying contractors in 120+ currencies.
  • Employee: Starts at $499 per employee/month billed annually. The plan enables you to hire full-timers in 130+ countries with compliance and liability coverage, get automation, and IP protection, set up global payroll, and manage expenses, allowances, and bonuses in 130+ countries.
  • Scale: It has custom pricing and comes with a discounted rate, dedicated guidance, and support to navigate global employment and bulk hiring.
  • Benefits packages are available as paid add-ons for Employee and Scale plans.
  • You can create an account, explore the platform, and access Oyster’s global HR tools and resources for free. Fees will only kick in once you’ve engaged a contractor or employee.
  • There are special discounts for nonprofits and businesses hiring refugees.

Best For

Small and medium-sized businesses looking to scale their global workforce would find Oyster’s EOR services helpful. Nonprofit organizations and organizations that are recruiting refugees can also take advantage of the platform’s generous discounts.

Oyster in action
No items found.

Atlas

Visit Website
Atlas
Learn More
Popularity Score
4.1 / 5
User Score
4 / 5
Product Score
4.1 / 5

Why we picked Atlas

Atlas combines industry expertise and technology in its offering, empowering companies to hire and pay employees beyond their borders while keeping them compliant with local labor laws.

PROS

  • Atlas has legal entities in over 160 countries. They’ll help you take care of employee onboarding and payroll processing in any of those countries, eliminating the need to engage any local service providers. 
  • The platform simplifies how you hire, manage, and pay employees and contractors abroad, without needing to set up an operation where they are located. 
  • Atlas helps you stay compliant with local labor laws and frees you from employer liability.
  • Atlas has legal entities in over 160 countries. They’ll help you take care of employee onboarding and payroll processing in any of those countries, eliminating the need to engage any local service providers.
  • The platform simplifies how you hire, manage and pay employees and contractors abroad, without needing to set up an operation where they are located. 
  • Atlas helps you stay compliant with local labor laws and frees you from employer liability.

CONS

  • Atlas currently doesn’t offer globally managed payroll for non-EOR clients; so if your company doesn't need Atlas to function as the employer of record in a particular region, but you still need to use Atlas' global payroll services, you can't do so at this time. However, the team at Atlas told us they’re planning to offer this service next year.
  • Atlas currently has limited prebuilt integration modules but they do offer API access for users to plug in third-party tools.
  • Atlas currently doesn’t offer global managed payroll for non-employer of record (EoR) clients; so if your company doesn't need Atlas to take on from you as EoR, but need to use Atlas' global payroll services, you can't do so at this time. Do note though that the team at Atlas is planning to offer this service next year.
  • Atlas currently has limited prebuilt integration modules but they do offer API access for users to plug in third-party tools.

Atlas Review

Atlas is a 100% direct employer of record (EOR) and international payroll platform that enables companies to hire and pay talent almost anywhere in the world. They’ll assume the role of legal employer on your behalf; this means once you find employees that you want to hire, they’ll help you manage those employees’ lifecycle, from onboarding to payroll processing - all while keeping you compliant with local labor laws.

We first came across Atlas a couple of years ago, and it’s been nice to see their UX evolve into the modern and sleek look they boast today. Also, they have long been one of the few companies to guarantee a direct EOR model, which wasn’t so common in the early days of the space.

Atlas Customers

Atlas is used by over a thousand companies, including Toyota, CACI, Bath & Body Works, Coupa, PAE, and Namely.

Atlas Pricing

  • Essential: For $99 per month, this plan encompasses features and services that help users navigate the labor & employment laws in over 160 countries (+50 US States), manage employee lifecycle, compliance information between countries, be compliant with their accounting for travel and business expenses, receive personalized notifications, as well as have moderate access to expert insights and HR templates (which are priced separately). 
  • Premium: For $149 per month, this plan packs everything in the Essentials plan, plus compliance audit interactive checks, people analytics and planning features as well as dedicated account management.
  • Enterprise: The pricing of this plan varies according to the number of purchased licenses and customer needs. You can reach out to Atlas’ Sales team for a custom price quote. 

Add-ons:

  • Contractor Pay: Starting at $49 per contractor per month
  • Employer of Record: $595 per employee per month
  • Visa & Mobility Sponsorship: Starting at $2,500 per visa

Best For

Companies of all sizes can avail of Atlas’ offering. If you’re looking to compliantly hire and pay employees globally, Atlas is worth checking out.

Atlas in action
No items found.

Benefits of EOR Services

The main benefit of using an EOR service is the ease with which your company can expand its workforce outside of its home country. 

All legal responsibilities are shouldered by the EOR service. That means using one to access a foreign talent market can be significantly quicker than establishing your own legal entity with all the associated compliance and regulatory hoops to jump through.

Being able to use a single EOR service to manage employees in multiple jurisdictions is also a key benefit. Centralizing everything through a single platform not only saves time - it potentially reduces overhead costs versus dealing with different systems for each country, too.

Another advantage that you have when using an EOR service is the local market knowledge and know-how that many of these companies will be able to share with you. 

If, let’s say, further down the line you decide that you’d like to hire a new salesperson in Southeast Asia, an EOR services firm is likely to already have an operation there and guide you through each step of the process. 

You can then focus on finding the right talent, knowing that you’re able to offer at least as many benefits and as much security to them as a local company would.

Finally, while an EOR services company is not a staffing agency, some of them can indeed help with recruitment. Some have in-house capabilities, while others partner with staffing agencies in relevant territories. 

Use Cases for EOR Companies

Building remote-first teams, exploring new markets, scaling quicker, acquiring assets, and maintaining compliance are all solid use cases for employers of record:

  • For remote-first teams: For businesses that have been remote since their inception and intend to stay that way, EOR services are a great option. It doesn’t make sense to set up full operations in several different countries if you’ll only have a handful of employees in each. 
  • Exploring new markets: For businesses wanting to develop a stronger foothold in a foreign country, EOR services are a great place to start and get a feel for what it’s like to operate there. 
  • To start and scale quickly: If there’s a strong need to begin operations quickly, for example, if a company has already found workers in a foreign jurisdiction, an EOR can help with getting started quickly. 
  • As part of an acquisition: EOR services can also be used as a part of an acquisition process. If the deal didn’t include a new legal entity in a target country but did include a local workforce, an EOR provider can ensure the employment relationship continues with complete peace of mind. 
  • Stay compliant: EOR services are useful for companies that have many independent contractors overseas but no intention of making them full-time employees. This is common with remote startups, for instance. In this scenario, an EOR firm can help with mitigating any non-compliance risks that could derive from each local regulation.

Pro Tips on Employer of Record Services

Risks Associated With EOR Services (and How to Mitigate Them)

Using an EOR service may limit your company’s ability to engage in certain business activities. or enforce compliance or make rule changes that affect staff hired via an EOR. EOR services may also become cost-inefficient as teams grow larger.

  • Regulated professions: It may not be possible to hire workers in regulated professions via an EOR company. This is a sticking point if your company is involved in, for example, healthcare or legal services. In some jurisdictions, this restriction can be solved by the EOR company itself receiving the necessary licenses, but beware of the added costs that may be incurred.
  • Lack of control: On balance, the fact that an EOR company takes on all legal and compliance obligations is a strong selling point for the services they offer. However, in situations where you want to enforce new policies or change working conditions, this hands-off approach could become problematic. Issues may also arise with respect to data protection if sensitive information is being shared between your business and a third party.
  • Scalability issues: As your teams grow larger, EOR services that charge on a per-employee basis may become cost-inefficient. At a certain point the advantages of having full control over your operations in that jurisdiction, with the legal obligations that this entails, becomes more financially prudent than outsourcing. 

So, even with an EOR company, hiring people overseas is no picnic. Here are some suggestions for how some of the issues above can be mitigated:

  • Knowing local laws: Just because a software company/services provider will be doing the work for you, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of what that work is. As an employer or HR professional, you should know what laws and regulations you need to adhere to in each country where you’ll be employing someone through an EOR. This not only helps ensure you stay compliant but it also helps when budgeting and recruiting.
  • Know your costs: Try and calculate how much you’d spend if you choose to go with individual providers in each country rather than an EOR service, or even set up an operation there and handle it in-house. That should help determine how much is reasonable to spend on the project, instead of trying to find the lowest-cost provider. Among these costs, you should also consider the fines that you would incur if you become non-compliant, or even the potential cost of churn if your employees and/or contractors leave you for not providing the full range of benefits.
  • Be mindful of data protection: Data protection laws, especially GDPR, should be one of your concerns if you’re planning on hiring people in new markets. If you’re trusting a software company with your employees’ personal data, you should know which laws are being obeyed when it comes to said data’s safe-keeping. You should also know what kind of practices are put into keeping it safe, beyond the legal requirements.

What to Look for When Choosing an EOR Company

Here are some of the key things to investigate when you’re looking for an EOR company: 

  • How much do they know about the country (or countries) you’re expanding in? Ideally, they should be true experts in tax laws, work permits, payroll processing, health insurance, background checks, employee onboarding, and everything about the employment relationship within the foreign country. One easy place to check this is the company website - do they post any thought leadership or content that demonstrates their expertise in the space?
  • Do they have a permanent local entity in the country you’re looking into? Some EOR companies rely on local partnerships instead of having an entity of their own. This is common if the company is new in the jurisdiction, or haven’t seen much interest in that geography from their current clients. Ask if they have some type of legally-incorporated entity within the country. The answer will reveal how much of a priority your target country is for them (and therefore your likely quality of service).
  • What cost structure does the EOR employ? Typical cost structures include per-contractor/per-employee or flat rates, while some vendors will offer custom pricing models. The best pricing structure for your business depends on the number of people you intend to employ through the EOR, and the type of work that they will be doing (extra costs may be incurred if things like professional licenses are required).
  • Is the EOR service a good cultural fit? It pays to do extensive due diligence on any third-party you are engaging for services, and an EOR company is no different. You should make sure that nothing in their terms of service or modus operandi will clash with your company’s culture and brand building efforts.
  • Are potential exit avenues clear? Before you commit to an EOR company, you should assess potential exit strategies should the relationship not work out for any reason. Enquire about things like fees for early termination from fixed terms and exclusionary clauses.

EOR or PEO?

EOR services are not the same thing as a Professional Employer Organizations (PEO). The distinctions between one and the other are subtle, but very important: 

  • Liability: An EOR takes the better part of the liability of hiring somebody. With a PEO, the client company is the one that holds the employment contracts, assuming all liabilities and responsibilities.
  • Geography: A PEO is typically a co-employers, meaning hiring someone overseas through a PEO entails having to set up a legal entity within that country. This also means that a PEO wouldn’t be completely in charge of ensuring compliance with local labor laws, as is the case with an EOR.  
  • Insurance and other Benefits: With a PEO co-employment situation, the client usually has to pay for an insurance policy provided by the PEO but, as the actual employers, they need to provide the workers with insurance of their own. The same goes for other benefits such as a retirement fund or expenses. When working with an EOR, on the other hand, the client’s employees are fully covered under what the EOR provides, which will be tailored to the local laws and regulations, or what local companies are able to offer top talent.

Some PEOs can become employers of record, but not all of them offer that option. Also, PEOs typically don’t operate in many countries -they tend to focus on a certain market, which is why some EORs will partner with them to further their scope of operations within a new country.

  • Papaya Global: Hire and pay all employee types in 140+ countries.
  • Deel: Payroll and savvy local expertise for remote international employees.
  • Remofirst: Top-notch customer support
  • Remote: HR services & payroll platform for remote teams. 
  • Globalization Partners: Global Employer of Record platform. 
  • GoGlobal: Fastest-growing independent EOR firm

EOR Services FAQs

What are the best EOR service providers?

  • Papaya Global: Hire and pay all employee types in 140+ countries.
  • Deel: Payroll and savvy local expertise for remote international employees.
  • Remofirst: Top-notch customer support
  • Remote: HR services & payroll platform for remote teams. 
  • Globalization Partners: Global Employer of Record platform. 
  • GoGlobal: Fastest-growing independent EOR firm

What is an EOR? 

ERO stands for ‘Employer of Record’. It is an essential component of an internationally-compliant payroll, since it’s what most providers use in order to be the legal employer of a worker in their country. Through this practice, a company doesn’t need to set up a legal entity in that country in order to stay compliant with the local labor laws. 

What is global payroll?

The term “global payroll” refers to the compensation that a company needs to make to its foreign employees, independent contractors, and freelancers. Typically handled by the HR or finance departments, it includes salaries, tax withholdings, invoicing, benefits, bonuses, PTO, overtime, commissions, and of course, international bank transfers.

Last Advice on EOR Companies

Ultimately, the question of whether to engage an EOR services firm, pick a global payroll solution, or hire people as independent contractors, is one that will require a lot of self-examination and planning. You have to think about the level of liability and workload that you’d like to keep, and consider the cost of doing it in-house versus the quote from an EOR company. 

When looking at some of these companies, you also have to do some deep digging into how they operate within the countries you’re interested in. Some companies tend to partner with other EOR services firms and don’t really have people of their own within that region, which can be important when your employee needs timely support regarding their contract, taxes, or benefits. 

We’d recommend reaching out to the companies listed here that you may have found interesting, getting a quote based on your current global expansion plans, and examining how you feel while interacting with these people. An EOR services firm will become a crucial part of your relationship with your employees, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them. 

About Us

  • Our goal at SSR is to help HR and recruiting teams to find and buy the right software for their needs.
  • Our site is free to use as some vendors will pay us for web traffic.
  • SSR lists all companies we feel are top vendors - not just those who pay us - in our comprehensive directories full of the advice needed to make the right purchase decision for your HR team.

Get expert advice on

Get in touch with

Step 1 of 2

How many employees are in your company?

Thank you!
We'll get in touch with you shortly.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
100% free service
Customized recommendations
1 on 1 help