Hiring globally gives businesses the flexibility to access top talent and enter new markets faster. Whether it’s a software engineer in Eastern Europe or a sales manager in Southeast Asia, global hiring is no longer limited to large enterprises.
However, hiring in a country without a legal entity comes with challenges—compliance with payroll, taxes, and employment laws differs everywhere. Setting up a subsidiary for each hire isn’t practical or scalable.
That’s where Employer of Record (EOR) software helps. It enables companies to legally hire full-time employees in other countries without opening a local entity. The EOR handles legal employment, payroll, and compliance—while you manage the employee’s role and performance.
What This Blog Covers
If you’re exploring how to hire international talent without setting up a legal entity in every country, this blog breaks down everything you need to know. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What EOR (Employer of Record) software is and how it works
- How EOR platforms enable compliant hiring across borders
- A side-by-side comparison: EOR vs. setting up a legal entity
- Core features to look for in EOR software
- When EOR is the right choice for your business
- Key benefits of using an EOR platform
- A list of leading EOR software providers
- Tips for choosing the right EOR partner for your needs
Whether you’re hiring one person or building a remote team, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Is EOR Software?
Employer of Record (EOR) software helps companies hire full-time employees in countries without a legal business entity. It works through a third-party provider that becomes the official, legal employer on paper—handling compliance, contracts, payroll, and benefits—while the company directs the employee’s day-to-day responsibilities.
Unlike traditional HR or payroll tools that assume you already have a legal setup, EOR software fills the gap by offering the infrastructure and legal presence needed to employ people globally.
How EOR Software Enables Hiring Without Legal Entities
Building a global team used to mean months of paperwork, legal consultation, and setting up local branches. EOR software changes that. It gives companies a faster, more straightforward way to hire full-time talent in other countries—without taking on the burden of entity setup or navigating unfamiliar legal systems. Here’s how it works in practice:
Entity Infrastructure
Setting up a legal entity can take several weeks to months, and costs can run high with registration fees, legal counsel, and ongoing compliance. EOR providers already have fully functional legal entities in the countries in which they operate.
By partnering with one, your business can bypass this process entirely. The employee is hired through the EOR, but they work exclusively for your company—just like any other team member.
Legal Compliance
Hiring in a new country means dealing with local employment regulations, some of which are easy to overlook. From statutory benefits and holiday entitlements to termination rules and probation periods, every country has different laws.
The EOR is responsible for making sure every employment contract, policy, and process is compliant. This removes the guesswork and helps avoid expensive legal mistakes.
Payroll & Taxes
Running an international payroll comes with complexity: tax rates, deductions, social contributions, exchange rates, and government filing requirements vary widely. EOR software takes care of this entire process.
Salaries are processed in local currency, taxes are withheld correctly, and contributions are paid to the appropriate authorities. You get a monthly invoice while your employee receives accurate, on-time pay.
Work Permits & Visas
If your hire is relocating or is not a citizen of the hiring country, visa support is essential. Some EORs have experience managing visa applications and sponsorships, which helps businesses bring in skilled workers legally and smoothly.
While not all providers include this, it’s a must-have feature for companies hiring across borders.
Contract Management
Each new hire requires an employment contract that complies with local law. EOR platforms handle this end to end. They generate contracts in the correct language, with locally compliant clauses, and manage signatures digitally.
This speeds up onboarding and creates a smooth experience for both employer and employee.
EOR Software Comparison Checklist: What to Look for Before Buying
Common Features in EOR Software
EOR software goes beyond just acting as a legal employer—it streamlines global hiring, automates HR processes, and helps companies maintain compliance without expanding their internal operations. These platforms combine legal infrastructure with practical tools that simplify managing an international team.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Automated Payroll | Process salaries in local currencies with tax and benefit deductions. |
| Compliance Safeguards | Stay updated with country-specific labor laws and regulations. |
| Self-Service Portals | Employees can access payslips, tax forms, and leave balances. |
| Benefits Management | Offer region-specific insurance, paid leave, and other perks. |
| Time-Off Tracking | Track holidays and leave policies based on local calendars. |
| Contract Management | Create and store compliant, signed contracts digitally. |
Automated Payroll in Local Currencies
One of the most valuable features is the ability to process payroll in multiple currencies. EOR software calculates salaries, tax withholdings, and social contributions according to each country’s requirements.
Payments are made in the employee’s local currency, avoiding exchange rate issues or late transfers. Many platforms also offer consolidated payroll reporting for finance teams, reducing administrative workload.
Built-in Compliance Safeguards
International employment involves navigating ever-changing legal frameworks. EOR platforms are built with country-specific compliance, covering employment contracts, benefits, taxation, and termination rules.
This means every employee is hired according to local laws, minimizing the risk of legal issues or penalties. Compliance features also include alerts for regulatory updates, helping companies stay informed without needing legal teams in every country.
Employee Self-Service Portals
A better employee experience begins with transparency. Self-service portals allow employees to manage their own profiles, view payment history, download payslips and tax forms, and track leave balances.
These platforms reduce the need for manual HR communication and give team members a sense of ownership over their information.
Benefits and Insurance Management
Offering the right benefits is critical to attracting and retaining talent. EOR software makes it easier by including benefits management as part of the package. This may involve access to country-mandated health insurance, pension schemes, paid time off, and even supplementary perks such as wellness programs.
Since these benefits are aligned with local standards, you can provide competitive packages without managing separate providers in each region.
Time-Off and Holiday Tracking
Public holidays, annual leave entitlements, and sick day policies vary widely across regions. EOR software includes local calendars, so leave policies automatically reflect each country’s rules.
Employees can request time off within the platform, and managers can approve or decline it based on visibility into available balances—all without manual tracking.
Digital Document & Contract Management
Managing employment documents across borders is easier with built-in contract templates, localized offer letters, and e-signature workflows. These documents are generated and stored securely within the platform, keeping everything organized and accessible.
This helps companies scale their hiring process without the usual paperwork bottlenecks.
When Should a Company Use EOR Software?
EOR software isn’t just for large enterprises—it’s a smart solution for startups, scaling teams, and even established businesses looking to expand internationally with agility and control. While every business has different needs, here are some common scenarios where EOR software can make a significant impact:
Testing a New Market
Expanding into a new country often starts with one or two strategic hires. Whether it’s a local sales rep, marketing lead, or support role, EOR software allows businesses to test the waters without establishing a full legal entity.
It’s a lean way to validate demand, understand customer behavior, or build partnerships before committing to long-term investment.
Hiring Remote Contractors Full-Time
Many businesses begin working with international contractors for short-term projects. Over time, some of these contractors become key contributors. Transitioning them into full-time employees helps with retention and engagement, but doing so legally is where EOR software becomes essential.
It allows you to offer formal contracts, local benefits, and job security without worrying about misclassification or labor law violations.
Scaling Quickly Across Multiple Countries
Speed becomes a priority when your company is growing fast and you need to build teams in multiple countries simultaneously. Setting up a legal entity in each country can delay hiring for months.
EOR software helps bypass that delay, letting you onboard employees in different regions in just a few days while ensuring compliance is handled for each market.
Avoiding the Cost of Establishing a Legal Presence
Forming a legal entity involves high upfront costs—legal fees, government filings, office setup, and ongoing maintenance. EOR platforms eliminate these expenses.
You get all the benefits of a local entity without the complexity or financial commitment. This makes EOR especially attractive for startups and mid-sized businesses focused on efficiency and resource allocation.
Hiring for Short-Term or Project-Based Roles
If you’re running a fixed-term project that requires talent from a specific country, setting up a legal entity might not make sense. EOR software gives you the ability to bring on short-term employees quickly and compliantly, then offboard them when the project ends—without any long-term obligations or legal complications.
Building a Remote-First Global Team
For companies embracing a remote team, talent is no longer restricted by location. With EOR software, you can hire the best candidates regardless of geography and provide them with the same employment structure and benefits as your core team—building trust and long-term stability.
Benefits for Companies
EOR software plays a critical role in helping businesses go global without slowing down internal operations. It simplifies complex international employment processes, improves speed to market, and minimizes risk—making it a valuable investment for companies of any size.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Faster Hiring Timelines | Onboard employees in days with pre-established legal entities. |
| Reduced Legal & Financial Risk | Ensure full compliance with local laws and avoid penalties. |
| Cost-Effective Expansion | Hire abroad without the ongoing costs of setting up entities. |
| Built-In Local Expertise | Get in-country guidance on taxes, benefits, and employment rules. |
| Scalable Global Growth | Expand into new countries easily—no legal setup needed each time. |
Faster Hiring Timelines
Hiring internationally often involves registering a legal entity, which can delay onboarding by several months. With EOR software, this step has already been handled.
The provider has legal entities in place, so you can issue compliant offer letters, sign contracts, and onboard employees in days—not months. This is especially useful for startups and high-growth teams that can’t afford long lead times when entering new markets.
Reduced Legal and Financial Risk
Labor laws can be highly specific and change frequently—what’s legal in one country may not be legal in another. EOR software reduces exposure to compliance issues by ensuring all employment terms follow local regulations.
This includes salary benchmarks, benefits, tax obligations, and termination processes. Having a legal foundation handled by experts helps companies operate confidently and reduces the risk of non-compliance penalties.
Cost-Effective Compared to Setting Up an Entity
Setting up a legal entity involves recurring administrative costs—accounting, EOR payroll, HR support, audits, and legal counsel. For small or growing companies, these expenses can be a major barrier.
EOR software operates on a predictable cost structure, typically a monthly fee per employee. Thus, you can hire and manage staff abroad without a long-term financial commitment or heavy internal resources.
Built-In Local Expertise
One of the most overlooked challenges in global hiring is understanding the local employment landscape—everything from public holidays and tax systems to mandatory insurance or severance rules.
EOR providers bring in-country expertise, helping you avoid costly errors and employee dissatisfaction. Their knowledge helps ensure every hire feels supported and every HR process aligns with local expectations.
Scalable Global Growth
As your business grows, EOR software grows with you. Whether you hire one employee in Canada or launch a 10-person team across three continents, the process remains consistent and manageable.
The ability to scale without needing new legal frameworks or internal legal hires helps businesses stay agile and focused on growth, not administration.
Popular EOR Software Options
Several EOR platforms have emerged as go-to solutions for companies expanding internationally. While each offers the core functionality of legal hiring, payroll, and compliance, some stand out for specific strengths. Here are a few popular options worth exploring:
Deel
Deel is widely recognized for its fast onboarding process, modern interface, and wide country coverage. It’s a strong fit for teams prioritizing user experience and quick turnaround when hiring globally.
Rippling
Rippling combines EOR services with a broader HR, IT, and finance tools suite. It’s a great option for companies looking to manage everything from global payroll to device management under one platform.
Remote
Remote is known for transparent pricing and a straightforward platform. It’s especially well-suited for small to mid-sized businesses that need predictable costs and simple workflows without sacrificing compliance.
Oyster
Oyster offers strong support for compliance and local benefits, making it a good choice for businesses focused on employee satisfaction and well-being in different countries.
Papaya Global
Papaya Global stands out for its powerful analytics, automation features, and integrations. It’s often favored by larger teams that need deeper visibility into global workforce costs and performance.
How to Choose the Right EOR Software
With multiple EOR providers in the market, choosing the right EOR comes down to aligning their strengths with your business goals. Whether hiring in one country or building a distributed team across continents, the right partner can make or break your international expansion strategy. Here’s what to look for:
Countries Supported
Start by checking if the EOR platform covers the countries you plan to hire in—today and soon. Some providers specialize in specific regions, while others offer global reach.
- Confirm if they support direct employment (not just contractor management) in your target countries.
- Evaluate their presence and infrastructure in each country
- Ask about how they handle regulatory changes in those regions
A provider with a wide and stable footprint will give you more flexibility to scale without switching platforms later.
Pricing Model
Understanding the pricing structure is key to managing costs. EOR providers typically offer two models: per employee per month or a flat monthly rate based on usage.
- Per-employee pricing is suitable for small to mid-sized teams with steady hiring.
- Flat-rate pricing may be better for larger teams or those with fluctuating headcounts.
- Look for clear billing breakdowns—payroll fees, onboarding costs, offboarding charges, etc.
Choose a pricing model that aligns with your hiring volume and financial planning.
Speed of Onboarding
Hiring delays can mean losing top talent, so an EOR platform should enable fast, compliant onboarding without bottlenecks.
- Ask how quickly they can generate a compliant contract in each country
- Understand their document collection process and onboarding workflow
- Some providers offer same-week onboarding; others may take longer due to legal review
If speed is a priority, choose a provider known for agility and automation.
Customer Support
International hiring involves ongoing questions about taxes, holidays, terminations, and more. You need responsive, knowledgeable support that doesn’t slow you down.
- Look for dedicated account managers or regional support teams
- Ask about response times and availability across time zones
- Review customer feedback on onboarding experience and post-hire support
Good support can save time, reduce errors, and improve your new hires’ experience.
Integrations with HR, Payroll, and Accounting Tools
Your EOR platform should work well with your existing systems to minimize manual work and avoid data silos.
- Check for direct integrations with tools like BambooHR, Gusto, QuickBooks, or NetSuite.
- If integrations aren’t available, see if they offer an API for custom setups.
- Confirm how data flows between platforms—especially payroll and time-off records.
Integration compatibility helps streamline your HR operations and improves reporting accuracy.
Conclusion
EOR software has become a reliable solution for companies aiming to hire globally without setting up legal entities in every country. It simplifies the process of onboarding, payroll, compliance, and employee management—saving time and reducing risk.
Whether you’re testing new markets, converting contractors to full-time roles, or scaling rapidly across borders, EOR platforms provide the flexibility and structure needed to grow confidently. Businesses can focus on building strong global teams without getting caught in administrative complexity by choosing the right provider based on coverage, pricing, support, and integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to set up a company in another country to hire employees there?
No, EOR software allows you to hire legally without establishing a local entity.
Is EOR software only for large enterprises?
No, it’s widely used by startups, scale-ups, and SMBs for flexible international hiring.
How long does it take to onboard an employee through an EOR?
Most EOR platforms can complete onboarding within a few days.
Can I convert a contractor to a full-time employee using EOR?
Yes, EOR platforms help you transition contractors to compliant full-time roles.
Is EOR the same as a payroll provider?
No, EOR handles payroll and acts as the legal employer, while payroll providers only manage salary payments.
