9 Best Employer of Record Services for 2024

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
• Customer support: Dedicated customer success representative
• 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​​
• Compliance expertise: In-house legal, HR, and tax experts ensure legal compliance​​.
• 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.