Expanding a business globally is an exciting opportunity, but let’s be honest—it’s also a logistical nightmare. Every country has its own set of employment laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements, and one misstep could mean hefty fines or legal trouble. That’s where Employer of Record (EOR) companies come in.
Think of an EOR as your secret weapon for hiring international talent without the headaches. Instead of setting up legal entities in multiple countries, navigating complex payroll systems, or figuring out local labor laws, an EOR handles all of it for you. It’s like having an HR and legal dream team that ensures your employees are hired, paid, and managed compliantly—no matter where they are in the world.
With the rise of remote work, companies are no longer limited to hiring within their own borders. Startups, tech giants, and enterprises alike are leveraging EOR solutions to tap into global talent pools, speed up expansion, and reduce administrative burdens.
But with so many EOR providers out there, how do you choose the right one for your business? That’s where this article comes in. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the Top 10 Employer of Record (EOR) Companies to Consider, breaking down what makes each of them stand out. Whether you’re a fast-growing startup or an established company looking to scale internationally, this guide will help you find the perfect EOR partner.
What is an Employer of Record (EOR) Company?
Imagine you’ve found the perfect candidate for your team—highly skilled, a great cultural fit, and ready to hit the ground running. The only catch? They live in a different country, and you have no legal entity there. Suddenly, you’re drowning in a sea of international employment laws, tax codes, and compliance requirements. Sounds overwhelming, right?
That’s where an Employer of Record (EOR) company comes to the rescue.
An EOR is a third-party organization that legally employs workers on your behalf in countries where you don’t have a business entity. In simpler terms, they become the official employer in the eyes of the law, handling everything from payroll and tax filings to compliance with local labor laws—while you retain full control over the employee’s day-to-day work, responsibilities, and integration into your team.
How Does an EOR Work?
Think of an EOR as a bridge between your company and international employees. Here’s how it typically works:
- You (or they) find the right candidate in a country where you don’t have a legal entity.
- The EOR hires them on paper, meaning they handle all the legal and administrative responsibilities.
- You manage the employee’s work, just like you would with any other team member.
- The EOR takes care of payroll, taxes, and compliance, ensuring everything is done legally and smoothly.
This means no dealing with complex tax laws, no setting up foreign subsidiaries, and no worrying about whether you’re following labor laws correctly.
Why Do Companies Use an EOR?
EOR services are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. Businesses use them to:
- Expand internationally—fast. Setting up a legal entity in a new country can take months (or even years). An EOR allows you to start hiring immediately without the bureaucracy.
- Stay 100% compliant. Employment laws vary widely from country to country. An EOR ensures you don’t accidentally break local labor regulations (which could lead to hefty fines or legal trouble).
- Handle payroll and benefits seamlessly. From tax withholdings to health insurance, an EOR manages all compensation-related tasks so you don’t have to.
- Save time and money. Instead of investing in legal teams, HR infrastructure, and international accountants, companies can outsource all of this to an EOR for a fraction of the cost.
- Support remote work. With remote teams becoming the norm, businesses can hire the best talent—regardless of location—without the hassle of international employment complexities.
Top 10 Employer of Record (EOR) Companies to Consider
Choosing the right EOR can make all the difference when hiring international talent. Below, we’ve ranked ten of the best providers based on their services, global reach, and unique features.
1. South
If you’re a U.S.-based business looking to hire remote talent in Latin America, South is a top choice. Unlike traditional EOR providers, we offer an end-to-end solution, handling not just payroll and compliance but also talent acquisition. Our recruiters’ deep understanding of the Latin American market helps businesses find top-tier professionals while ensuring fair and compliant employment practices.
With a focus on cost-effective hiring and seamless integration, we can be an ideal partner for companies looking to expand into one of the fastest-growing remote work regions.
2. Deel
Deel has quickly become a major player in the EOR space, offering an easy-to-use platform that streamlines international hiring. Their service covers over 100 countries, handling everything from payroll and compliance to localized benefits. What sets Deel apart is its contractor management system, which allows companies to onboard freelancers and full-time employees effortlessly. Their transparent pricing and fast onboarding process make them a great choice for startups and enterprises alike.
3. Remote
Remote is a fully integrated EOR service that provides compliance, payroll, and benefits administration across more than 60 countries. With a strong emphasis on ethical hiring and employee well-being, Remote ensures that workers receive proper benefits and protections. Their platform offers equity management for distributed teams, making it an excellent option for companies offering stock options to international employees.
4. Oyster
Oyster helps businesses expand their global teams without the complexity of setting up local entities. With coverage in over 180 countries, Oyster simplifies payroll, tax filings, and benefits administration while ensuring compliance with local labor laws. They also provide an extensive knowledge hub, guiding employers through country-specific hiring requirements. Their mission-driven approach focuses on creating equitable job opportunities worldwide.
5. Rippling
Rippling is known for its all-in-one HR and IT platform, which includes a powerful EOR solution. It allows businesses to manage payroll, benefits, and compliance for international employees while integrating seamlessly with HR and finance tools. Their automated workflows save time, making global hiring feel as simple as onboarding a local employee. Rippling is particularly well-suited for tech-driven companies that need a streamlined, software-first approach.
6. Velocity Global
With a presence in 185+ countries, Velocity Global offers one of the broadest EOR coverages in the industry. They cater to businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations, helping them expand globally without legal or compliance risks. Their customizable solutions include immigration services and tax advisory, making them an excellent choice for businesses with complex international hiring needs.
7. Papaya Global
Papaya Global is a tech-forward EOR provider that leverages AI and automation to streamline payroll and compliance. Supporting over 160 countries, Papaya offers detailed workforce analytics and real-time reporting, helping businesses optimize their global hiring strategies. Their platform integrates with leading HR systems, ensuring a smooth employee experience.
8. Safeguard Global
Safeguard Global specializes in helping large enterprises expand into new markets with ease. Their EOR services provide localized payroll, benefits administration, and compliance support in over 170 countries. They also offer strategic workforce planning, making them a strong partner for companies with long-term international growth plans.
9. Globalization Partners
Globalization Partners simplifies global hiring with its fully managed EOR platform, covering 187+ countries. Their AI-driven technology ensures compliance with local employment laws while providing a seamless payroll experience. They focus on making international hiring as simple as hiring domestically, helping companies scale quickly.
10. Atlas
Atlas is a self-service EOR provider that empowers businesses to manage their global workforce with flexibility. Operating in 160+ countries, they provide localized HR support, payroll processing, and compliance management. Unlike some competitors, Atlas offers a DIY approach, allowing companies to maintain more control over the hiring process while still benefiting from EOR services.
How to Choose the Right EOR for Your Business
With so many Employer of Record (EOR) providers out there, how do you pick the one that best fits your company’s needs? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—the right EOR depends on your hiring goals, the regions you’re expanding into, and the level of support you require. Here’s what to consider when making your choice.
1. Global Coverage: Where Do You Need to Hire?
Before choosing an EOR, make sure they operate in the countries where you plan to hire. If you only plan to expand into a specific region, working with an EOR specializing in that area can give you a more tailored experience and better local expertise.
2. Compliance & Legal Expertise
Employment laws vary wildly from country to country. One small compliance mistake—like misclassifying a worker or failing to provide the right benefits—could lead to serious legal trouble and financial penalties. A reliable EOR should offer:
- Up-to-date knowledge of labor laws and tax regulations
- Contract and documentation support
- Risk management to protect your business from compliance issues
If compliance is a top concern, choose an EOR with a proven legal team that provides ongoing regulatory updates.
3. Payroll, Taxes, and Benefits
Managing payroll across different countries isn’t just about sending money—it involves tax withholdings, social security contributions, and benefits administration. Some EORs offer basic payroll processing, while others provide comprehensive benefits packages that include health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.
Questions to ask:
- Does the EOR handle multi-currency payroll and tax filings?
- Do they provide benefits that meet local labor requirements?
- Is payroll processed on time and accurately each cycle?
A smooth payroll process is key to keeping employees happy and avoiding compliance issues.
4. Speed & Ease of Onboarding
One of the biggest advantages of using an EOR is fast-tracking the hiring process. Setting up a legal entity in another country can take months, but a good EOR can onboard employees in days or weeks. If speed is a priority, choose an EOR known for efficient onboarding and a seamless digital experience.
5. Pricing & Cost Transparency
EOR pricing models vary. Some charge a flat monthly fee per employee, while others take a percentage of the employee’s salary. Be sure to ask about:
- Hidden fees: Are there extra costs for contract terminations, benefits, or tax filings?
- Scalability: Can the pricing structure grow with your business?
- Value for money: Are you getting the services you actually need?
If you’re a startup or small business, cost-effectiveness is key—look for an EOR that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
6. Technology & Platform Integration
A modern EOR should make your life easier, not harder. Many providers offer user-friendly dashboards that allow you to manage contracts, payroll, and compliance from a single platform. If you already use HR software like Workday, BambooHR, or ADP, check whether the EOR integrates seamlessly with your existing tools.
7. Customer Support & Service Quality
Not all EORs offer the same level of support. Some provide dedicated account managers, while others rely on chatbots and email support. If you value personalized service, choose an EOR known for responsive, hands-on support, especially if you’re hiring in multiple countries with complex labor laws.
The Takeaway
Expanding your team globally doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right Employer of Record (EOR), you can hire top talent, stay compliant, and scale your business seamlessly—without the hassle of setting up legal entities or navigating foreign labor laws. Whether you’re looking to grow in multiple countries or focus on a specific region, choosing an EOR that aligns with your needs is the key to success.
If you’re ready to expand your team with skilled remote workers in Latin America, schedule a free call with us and let us handle the finding, hiring, and payroll compliance—so you can focus on what you do best: growing your business!
