In today's globalised world, expanding your business beyond borders has become essential to stay competitive. However, managing a global workforce comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to compliance and legal requirements. This is where Employer of Record (EOR) services come in.
In this roundup review, we will take a closer look at the best employer of record services, their pros and cons, and which one might be the best fit for your business needs.
Knit - The best overall employer of record service
Papaya Global - The best EOR service for global expansion
Remote - The best EOR service for remote teams
Deel - The best EOR service for invoice automation
Globalzation-Partners (G-P) - Great alternative for global expansion
Atlas - The best EOR service for technology integration
Oyster HR - The best EOR service for international employment
Velocity Global - An excellent option for doing business in a new country
Multiplier - The best for international compliance
What is an employer of record service?
Employers of record are third-party service providers acting as your workforce's legal employer, taking on all responsibilities and liabilities associated with employment. This includes HR management, administrative tasks, payroll services, employee benefits administration, and compliance with local employment laws and regulations.
By partnering with an EOR service, companies can expand their operations into new countries without independently setting up a legal entity or navigating complex labour laws. This allows for faster and more cost-effective international expansion.
Whether you’re expanding through independent contractors, part-time or full-time employees, EORs can help you with this transition without the headaches of all the legal responsibilities.
What is the best employer of record service?
Choosing the best employer of record services for your business depends on various factors, such as the countries you wish to expand into, your team size, and your budget.
To help you choose the right EOR service, we have researched and compiled a list of the top options. Let's take a look at each one in detail.
Knit
Knit is an all-in-one HR platform that offers robust employer of record services. Their user-friendly platform allows companies to easily onboard and manage new and existing employees while ensuring compliance with local laws. With transparent pricing and excellent customer support, Knit is the best overall employer of record service.
Key Features
Comprehensive HR management software integrating payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance in one platform, tailored for growing businesses
Employer of Record features, including a unified dashboard for hiring and compliance support, global payroll processing in international currencies, and customizable workflows
Specializes in compliant employment, offering competitive benefits options and payments in local currencies for team members globally
Knit provides local payroll where most other EOR providers outsource their payroll
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Streamlined payroll and HR tools designed for growing businesses
Comprehensive support services and transparent pricing
Ability to handle international hiring with expertise in various countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines
Cons:
Currently expanding global coverage, which may limit options in some regions
Bottom line
Knit offers an all-in-one integrated solution for growing businesses, focusing on simplifying business management across borders. Their platform is especially beneficial for companies looking to expand their team globally without setting up a new legal entity while offering compliant employment, global payroll, and competitive benefits.
Specs
Starting price: 8% of total monthly processed payroll
Global coverage: US, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with ongoing expansion
Compliance expertise: Comprehensive understanding of employment legislation and compliance, with support for visa and relocation processes
Customer support: Email, phone, and knowledge base support are all a click away
Onboarding and offboarding: Streamlined through the platform
Papaya Global
Papaya Global stands out as the best EOR service for global expansion due to its wide coverage of over 160 countries. Their comprehensive platform offers features such as automated tax calculations and customisable employment contracts, making it an ideal choice for growing businesses with international teams.
Key Features
Wide global coverage across more than 160 countries
A comprehensive platform that includes international payroll solutions, compliance management, health insurance benefits, and more
Integrates with popular HR systems, allowing seamless data transfer
Offers a dedicated customer success representative for personalised support
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Wide global coverage
Comprehensive platform with customisable features
Dedicated customer success representative
GDPR compliant
Cons:
Higher pricing compared to other EOR services
Bottom line
For companies looking to expand globally, Papaya Global covers a wide range of countries and offers customisable features. However, it may not be the most cost-effective solution for smaller teams.
Specs
Starting price: Starting from $650 an employee per month
Global coverage: Over 160 countries
Compliance expertise: Provides access to legal compliance experts in each country
Onboarding and offboarding: A self-service platform for the onboarding process and offboarding
Remote
As the name suggests, Remote is an excellent employer of record service for companies with remote employees. Their platform makes it easy to compliantly hire and pay international employees, ensuring they have access to local benefits and employment rights.
Key Features
Easy onboarding and offboarding process for remote employees in over 179 countries
Payroll with support for over 100 currencies with no interchange fees
Full and comprehensive IP protection in all countries they cover
Benefits management, including health insurance and stock options
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Wide global coverage for remote employees
Competitive pricing and no hidden fees
Comprehensive IP protection
Cons:
No dedicated account managers for non-enterprise plans
The customer support team is limited to email only
High price mark may be out of budget for small businesses
Bottom line
If you are operating a remote team, Remote is a great option for international hiring and managing global employees with ease. Their competitive pricing and comprehensive IP protection make them a solid choice for smaller businesses.
Specs
Starting price: Starting from $599 a month per employee
Global coverage: 179 countries
Compliance expertise: Owns a legal entity in the countries they cover and provides access to legal compliance experts
Customer support: Email support for non-enterprise plans. Dedicated customer success manager for enterprise plans
Onboarding and offboarding: A self-service platform for onboarding and offboarding processes
Deel
Deel is one of the market's larger and more established EOR services. It offers a comprehensive platform for managing global teams. Their platform includes features such as automated payroll and benefits management, making it an ideal choice for companies looking to scale their international workforce quickly.
Key Features
Owns legal entities in more than 100 different countries
Offers an easy-to-use interface for onboarding and offboarding employees
Uses automated invoice management and payment systems to support timely and accurate payments
24/7 customer service
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Wide global coverage with legal entities in over 100 countries
Automated payroll system for faster payments
24/7 customer service
Cons:
Certain features have an additional cost above the base price
Limited localisation and customisation options
Bottom line
Deel's automated platform and global coverage make it a top choice for companies looking to expand their international workforce. However, be aware of additional costs for specific features and limited localisation options.
Specs
Starting price: Starting from $49 to hire contractors or $599 to hire employees
Global coverage: Over 100 countries
Compliance expertise: Owns a legal entity in each country and provides access to legal compliance experts
Customer support: 24/7 live chat and phone support with staffing consultants
Onboarding and offboarding: Efficient onboarding and offboarding with expert assistance available
Globalization Partners (G-P)
Globalization Partners offers a comprehensive suite of global employment products known as G-P Meridian Suite, designed for businesses looking to manage global teams. The platform allows companies to hire and manage talent globally without the hassle of having to establish new legal entities in each expansion country, ensuring legal compliance and speed in international employment.
Key Features
Customisable SaaS-based global employment product suite for hiring and managing talent worldwide
Access to a global legal and HR experts network, ensuring local compliance and efficient market entry
A range of advanced tools, including G-P Meridian Contractor for hiring contractors in over 180 countries, with features like flexible payments, real-time tracking, and self-service workflows
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Comprehensive solution with services available in over 180 countries
End-to-end technology platform with seamless global accessibility
Strong emphasis on compliance backed by in-house legal, HR, and tax experts
Cons:
Pricing structure is not explicitly stated on the website, making it difficult to gauge cost-effectiveness without direct inquiry
While offering a wide range of services, some niche requirements might need additional customisation or external integration
Bottom Line
Globalization Partners stands out with its G-P Meridian Suite, offering a robust and comprehensive global employment solution. The combination of its technological platform and in-house expert team across numerous countries makes it a top choice for businesses seeking efficient and compliant global expansion.
Specs
Pricing: Not explicitly detailed on the website, option to “Request A Proposal”
Global coverage: Available in over 180 countries
Customer support: 24/7 support via GIA Virtual Assistant. The upgraded Prim plan includes a dedicated customer success manager, and quarterly account reviews
Onboarding and offboarding: Simplified processes with tools for employment contract generation and customisation, and bulk onboarding.
Atlas
Atlas is a global technology company offering expertise and software solutions for the future of work across over 160 countries. Their Employer of Record services provide the flexibility needed for hiring, onboarding, managing compliance, and paying global talent, making it easier for businesses to expand and operate internationally.
Key Features
Network of locally owned and operated entities in over 160 countries, ensuring localised expertise and resolution
Cloud-based payroll services and a comprehensive EOR platform for efficient global workforce management
Innovative technology platform with proven processes for industry-leading client experience and key performance indicators (KPIs)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Global coverage in 160+ countries
Streamlined payroll services and onboarding processes
24/7 support from global human resources, legal, and compliance teams
Cons:
It may be complex for smaller businesses without international expansion plans
Potential reliance on the platform for all HR and compliance needs
Bottom Line
Atlas's EOR services offer a robust solution for businesses aiming for global expansion, providing extensive country coverage, compliance expertise, and a comprehensive technology platform. They are well-suited for businesses seeking a reliable partner to manage international workforce complexities.
Specs
Global Coverage: Over 160 countries
Compliance Expertise: Local expertise with 24/7 support, including legal and HR compliance teams
Customer Support: 24/7 global support
Onboarding and Offboarding: Streamlined processes with local expertise
Additional Features: Direct EOR model, industry-specific solutions, and a full suite of Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions
Oyster HR
Oyster HR is a newer EOR service in the market, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its focus on international employment contracts. Their platform offers compliant hiring and payroll services in 180 countries and uses local partners to ensure a deep understanding of local laws and regulations.
Key Features
Local partners in each country for better compliance and understanding of local laws and regulations.
Streamlined global payments in local currencies
Comprehensive platform with customisable payment options for different types of contracts.
Localised benefits packages
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Extensive global coverage with local partners in each country
Personalised contract management based on different types of workers (full-time, part-time, etc.)
Multi-currency support for easy international payments
Cons:
Lack of integration with popular accounting software
Customer support is email only
Bottom line
Oyster HR is an excellent choice for companies looking to hire foreign employees. Their localised approach and personalised contract management make them stand out in the EOR service market.
Specs
Starting price: $499 a month per employee
Global coverage: 180 countries.
Compliance expertise: Local partners in each country ensure compliance with local laws and tax management.
Customer support: Email support only.
Onboarding and offboarding: Offers assistance with immigration and work permits for employees.
Velocity Global
Velocity Global offers comprehensive support for immigrants, business travelers, and expats. It is an excellent choice for companies with a global workforce. Their platform offers in-depth compliance and payroll management services in over 185 countries.
Key Features
Comprehensive support for employees on international assignments or business trips.
A platform that covers all aspects of immigration, including work permits and visas.
Offers assistance with tax compliance and payroll management for internationally-based employees.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Support for immigrant and expat workers
In-depth compliance expertise
Automated workflows to streamline processes
Cons:
Freelance plans don't include compliance support
Payroll deposits are mandatory
Bottom line
Velocity Global is a fantastic choice for companies with global mobile teams. Their comprehensive platform covers all aspects of immigration and compliance for employees on international assignments, making it easier for businesses to manage their global workforce.
Specs
Starting price: Varies on the scale of services required
Global coverage: Over 185 countries
Compliance expertise: Offers full compliance support for all internationally-based employees
Customer support: Chat, phone, and email support available.
Onboarding and offboarding: Streamlined processes with assistance in obtaining work permits and visas.
Multiplier
Multiplier is a modern SaaS-based global employment solution streamlining international workforce management across 150+ countries. Known for its robust compliance, it handles multi-currency payroll and legal contracts. They allow businesses to efficiently manage and pay global teams while adhering to varying labour and tax laws, without needing a local legal entity.
Key Features
Allows effortless onboarding, management, and payment of international workforce in over 150 countries, ensuring 100% compliance without needing a business legal entity.
Manages payroll in over 120 currencies, providing a unified platform for employee taxes, social contributions, and payslips.
Offers locally compliant contracts, benefits, and insurance management, ensuring compliance with country-specific labor and tax laws.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Global coverage in over 150 countries, ideal for diverse and widespread workforces.
Compliance-focused, with on-site legal and tax experts to ensure adherence to local laws.
Efficient payroll management in 120+ currencies, simplifying international transactions.
Cons:
The platform may be complex for businesses new to international hiring.
Pricing could be higher compared to local or less comprehensive services.
Bottom Line
Multiplier is an efficient, compliance-focused global employment solution, perfect for businesses aiming to expand internationally without the hassle of setting up local entities. Its extensive coverage and expert-driven compliance support make it a robust choice for global workforce management.
Specs
Starting Price: $400/employee, $40/freelancer.
Global Coverage: Over 150 countries.
Compliance Expertise: On-site legal and tax experts for compliant contracts and benefits management.
Customer Support: Not explicitly mentioned, but likely available through contact options on the website.
Onboarding and Offboarding: Streamlined processes with compliance and local law adherence.
Choosing the best employer of record services
As businesses embrace globalization, choosing an Employer of Record service becomes more than a convenience; it becomes a strategic necessity.
The right EOR partner can differentiate between successful global expansion and a tangled web of compliance issues.
Choosing a service that aligns with your global strategy ensures your business grows and thrives in the international market, backed by the expertise and support essential in today's dynamic business landscape.
Still unsure of which service to go with? Give us a call, and we can walk you through all your options.
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