You've found a great candidate for your business, but there's a catch: they're based in another country. Now you're faced with figuring out how to hire them legally, pay them correctly and make sure you're following local employment laws.
The good news is that you don't have to manage all of this on your own. Employer of Record (EOR) services can take care of the legal and administrative side of international employment, making it easier to bring talented people on board.
But how do you know which provider is right for you? We've compared five of the best EOR services, looking at what each company offers and how they can help you grow your international team.
1.Teamed - Best overall EOR services for international hiring
Hiring internationally is a big decision, and Teamed has built its business around making that process easier. Since launching in London in 2018, the company has grown to support over 1,000 teams, helping businesses of different sizes navigate international employment.
Today, Teamed offers EOR services across 187+ countries, operating through its own legal entities in 57 markets, including the UK, Germany, Spain and Australia. This gives you plenty of flexibility when deciding where to build your international team.
But Teamed isn't just focused on getting your employees hired. Its team also helps you understand which employment arrangements make the most sense for your business, whether you're making your first overseas hire or planning a more permanent presence in another country.
With a 4.8/5 rating on G2 and a global legal partnership with DLA Piper, Teamed combines established employment expertise with a personalised approach, making it our top choice for international hiring.
Services offered by Teamed
- Employer of Record - Hire international employees while Teamed handles local contracts, payroll, benefits and compliance.
- Contractor Management - Manage freelancer contracts, payments and classification risks across different countries.
- Global Payroll - Process multi-country payroll for employees working through your own legal entities.
- Global Entity & Employment Operations (GEMO) - Establish and manage your own legal entities across 100+ countries, including ongoing governance and employment administration.
- Teamed Guard and Protect - Optional contractor protection services designed to address misclassification risks.
2.Brunel - Best for specialist recruitment and global mobility
Brunel is an international recruitment and workforce management company that helps businesses find and manage skilled professionals across different countries.
Founded in the Netherlands in 1975, Brunel has grown into an established company with offices around the world. It works with organisations across various industries, including engineering, energy, technology and life sciences.
Brunel's experience in specialist recruitment makes it an option for businesses looking to hire professionals with specific skills or experience. Whether you're expanding into a new market or need additional talent for an international project, the company can help you find suitable candidates.
It also supports businesses with international employment and employee relocation, helping make the process of managing overseas teams more straightforward.
Services offered by Brunel
- Employer of Record - Support with local employment contracts, payroll, taxes and compliance.
- Specialist Recruitment - Help businesses find qualified professionals for technical and industry-specific roles.
- Global Mobility - Assist employees relocating overseas, including immigration and local requirements.
- Workforce Solutions - Support workforce planning, recruitment and the management of international teams.
3.Vistra - Best for corporate and employment administration
Running a business across different countries involves much more than hiring employees. From keeping up with local regulations to managing corporate responsibilities, there's a lot to think about, and it can quickly become overwhelming.
Vistra helps you manage these responsibilities through its international corporate and employment services.
The company has extensive experience supporting businesses across different markets, helping them navigate the administrative and regulatory challenges of operating internationally.
What makes Vistra different is its focus on corporate services. So, if you're managing several legal entities or dealing with complex reporting requirements, you can get support across different areas of your business.
However, Teamed may be a better choice if you value personalised employment support, with real HR and legal experts available on every plan.
Services offered by Vistra
- Employer of Record - Manage overseas employment contracts, onboarding and compliance.
- Global Payroll - Handle international payroll processing and reporting.
- Entity Management - Support corporate governance and regulatory filings.
- Tax and Accounting - Assist with financial reporting and tax obligations.
4.Safeguard Global - Best for international workforce management
Safeguard Global is an international workforce management provider that helps businesses hire and manage employees across different countries.
The company has an established global presence and works with organisations of different sizes, offering access to experienced employment specialists who understand local labour laws and requirements.
Safeguard Global combines employment services with workforce technology, giving you a way to coordinate different HR responsibilities across multiple locations.
Its international network also allows employees to access local HR support, which can be useful when your team is spread across different countries and time zones.
Services offered by Safeguard Global
- Employer of Record - Hire and employ international workers while managing local employment obligations.
- Contractor Management - Coordinate contractor onboarding, administration and international payments.
- Global Pay - Manage multi-country payroll through a unified platform.
- Outsourced HR and Benefits - Access support for employee benefits, onboarding and HR administration.
5.Remote People - Best for international recruitment and EOR
Remote People brings recruitment and international employment together, helping businesses build teams in new markets.
Originally established as Horizons in 2018, the company has grown into an international employment provider, working with businesses looking to access talent across borders.
A major part of Remote People's offering is its recruitment expertise. Finding suitable candidates in another country can be challenging, particularly when you're unfamiliar with the local job market. Remote People helps you navigate this process, from identifying potential employees to managing their employment once they're hired.
The company also supports businesses looking to establish a more permanent presence overseas, giving you options as your international hiring plans develop.
Services offered by Remote People
- Employer of Record - Manage employment contracts, payroll, benefits and local compliance.
- International Recruitment - Find and assess candidates in overseas markets.
- Contractor Management - Handle contractor agreements, onboarding and payments.
- Company Incorporation - Assist with establishing legal entities in new markets.
How to choose the right EOR services for your business
Start by checking that your EOR provider can legally employ workers in the countries you're targeting. Ask whether they operate through their own legal entities or local partners.
Make sure you understand the full cost of their services, including any additional fees, so there are no surprises later on.
You'll also want to know who to contact if something goes wrong with payroll or you need advice on local employment laws.
Finally, consider your future hiring plans. Choose a provider that can support your business as your international team grows.
