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The Best Employers of Record for Startups

eor services

Expanding into new markets and creating a global workforce offers immense opportunities, but it also comes with the need to manoeuvre local labour laws, payroll compliance, and employee benefits.

This is why an Employer of Record (EOR) can be a game-changer for startups.

By handling the administrative burden of international hiring, an EOR allows startups to focus on growth and innovation, without the headache of establishing legal entities or managing compliance risks.

Top Employers of Record for Startups

  1. The Legends Agency
  2. Deel
  3. Remofirst
  4. Employer of Record SA
  5. Oyster HR
  6. Papaya Global
  7. Multiplier
  8. Globalization Partners
  9. Velocity Global
  10. Atlas

1. The Legends Agency

local labor laws

If you're looking to expand your startup globally while keeping an eye on opportunities in South Africa, The Legends Agency should be on your radar.

Known for its comprehensive global coverage and expertise in navigating the international hiring process, they specialise in helping businesses tap into South Africa’s growing talent pool.

Key Features

  • Global Reach: The Legends Agency supports startups in expanding to various international markets, streamlining the hiring process in multiple countries.
  • South Africa Expertise: While offering global services, they have a distinct focus on South Africa, making them an ideal partner for businesses looking to hire talent in this emerging market.
  • HR Support: Their robust HR support team is one of their standout features. They handle everything from employment contracts and benefits administration to ensuring compliance with local labour laws, so you can focus on scaling your startup.

By partnering with The Legends Agency, startups can leverage their specialised knowledge in South African employment practices and access the local workforce without the need to set up a legal entity.

Their dedication to HR excellence and global service coverage makes them a great choice for startups aiming for international growth.

2. Deel

employer of record eor

Deel is a well-known Employer of Record platform that empowers startups to hire and pay employees in over 150 countries.

With its user-friendly interface and technology-driven solutions, Deel has become a go-to choice for tech companies and remote-first startups looking for a seamless global hiring experience.

Key Features

  1. Global Presence: Deel offers extensive international coverage, simplifying the hiring process across a multitude of countries. Their platform enables startups to onboard employees quickly while ensuring compliance with local labour laws.
  2. In-Country Partnerships: To navigate the complexities of regional regulations, Deel leverages a network of in-country partners. These partnerships aim to provide localised expertise and ensure that all employment practices meet local standards.
  3. Premium Pricing and Customer Support Considerations:
    • Pricing: Deel's services come at a premium price point, which may be a significant consideration for startups operating on a tight budget. The higher cost reflects their extensive global reach and technological capabilities.
    • Customer Support: Despite having in-country partners, some users have reported that customer service can be limited. Startups that require personalised, hands-on support might find this aspect challenging, especially when dealing with urgent or complex issues.

While Deel excels in providing a broad platform with technological convenience, it's important to consider the cost and support level to ensure it meets your startup's specific needs.

3. Remofirst

recruitment process

Remofirst is another powerful global Employer of Record solution, offering startups the ability to hire employees across multiple countries while ensuring full compliance with local employment laws.

With a focus on providing excellent value and transparency, Remofirst stands out in the EOR market, particularly for budget-conscious startups.

Key Features

  1. Global Platform: Remofirst enables startups to hire internationally, handling everything from payroll to contracts in over 150 countries. Their platform is user-friendly and designed to simplify the global hiring process, allowing businesses to onboard talent quickly and efficiently.
  2. Strong In-Country Partnerships: A significant advantage of using Remofirst is its network of well-established in-country partners. These local experts ensure that all hiring practices comply with specific regional labour laws, minimising risk and streamlining the expansion process for startups.
  3. Good Value and Transparent Pricing:
    • Flat Fee Structure: Remofirst is known for offering competitive, flat-rate pricing, making it a more affordable option compared to some of its higher-priced competitors. This simple pricing model gives startups predictability in their hiring costs.
    • Great Value: Remofirst provides a comprehensive suite of services that deliver excellent value for startups looking to scale without breaking the bank.

Remofirst's transparent, flat-fee pricing structure makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to expand globally without the high costs often associated with international hiring.

4. Employer of Record SA

global teams

Employer of Record SA offers specialised services for businesses looking to expand into the South African market.

Focused on helping startups navigate the unique labour landscape of South Africa, this Employer of Record provides an efficient solution for hiring local talent while ensuring full compliance with local regulations.

Key Features

  1. South Africa-Specific Expertise: Employer of Record SA has a deep understanding of the South African employment landscape. They help startups comply with the country’s complex labour laws and regulations, making them an ideal partner for businesses targeting this specific market.
  2. In-Country HR and Compliance Support: This EOR excels in offering localised HR support and ensures that all employment contracts, benefits, and payroll processes meet your legal responsibilities. Their strong in-country presence ensures startups can confidently expand without the administrative burden of establishing a local entity.
  3. Affordable and Efficient Service: Employer of Record SA provides great value for startups, offering competitive pricing that suits smaller businesses or those with limited resources. Their efficient processes allow companies to quickly hire and onboard South African talent, minimising delays and helping businesses grow smoothly in the region.

Employer of Record SA offers the local expertise and cost-effective solutions needed to hire top talent without the complexity of dealing with South African labour laws directly.

5. Oyster HR

professional employment organization

Oyster HR is an Employer of Record platform designed to help startups hire remote talent across the globe.

With a strong emphasis on remote work compliance and an easy-to-use platform, Oyster is ideal for startups looking to build distributed teams while staying compliant with international labour laws.

Key Features

  1. Global Reach: Oyster enables startups to hire employees from over 180 countries. Their platform simplifies onboarding, global payroll, and benefits, ensuring startups can focus on growing their teams rather than dealing with complex regulatory hurdles.
  2. Focus on Remote Work Compliance: Oyster specialises in helping companies stay compliant with remote work regulations across different countries. They handle everything from tax compliance to employment contracts, ensuring startups can hire talent from any location without worrying about violating local laws.
  3. Good Value for Remote-First Startups: While Oyster offers premium features, it remains an affordable solution for startups building remote teams. The platform is priced competitively, especially for companies prioritising remote hiring and expansion, making it a solid value for businesses that need global compliance without a hefty price tag.

For startups that are embracing remote work and seeking to scale their teams across borders, Oyster HR offers a user-friendly platform, a focus on compliance, and cost-effective services, helping businesses hire globally with confidence.

6. Papaya Global

customer support team

Papaya Global stands out in the Employer of Record space by offering not only comprehensive global hiring solutions but also a strong emphasis on data and analytics.

Papaya’s platform is designed for startups that want more than just compliance—it’s ideal for companies seeking insights and efficiency through cutting-edge technology.

Key Features

  1. Global Data and Payroll Solutions: Papaya Global supports hiring in over 160 countries, offering tailored global payroll and HR solutions that ensure full compliance with local laws. But what sets them apart is their powerful data-driven approach, allowing startups to manage and analyse payroll data across multiple countries from a single dashboard.
  2. Advanced HR Analytics: One of Papaya’s unique strengths is its ability to provide detailed HR analytics, helping startups gain insights into workforce performance, payroll efficiency, and compliance trends. This is a key differentiator for companies that want to make data-informed decisions as they scale globally.
  3. Flexible, Scalable Pricing: Papaya Global offers flexible pricing options that grow with your startup. Their scalable platform ensures that even as your team expands across multiple regions, costs remain manageable. This makes Papaya an ideal choice for startups planning rapid growth while needing robust financial oversight.

Their focus on HR analytics and tailored global payroll solutions helps businesses stay ahead of the curve in global workforce management.

7. Multiplier

global employment platform

Multiplier is an Employer of Record that excels in simplifying the complexities of global hiring, particularly for startups aiming to expand quickly while staying compliant.

Multiplier’s unique value lies in its commitment to cost control and compliance, making it an ideal choice for startups looking to balance rapid growth with legal and financial prudence.

Key Features

  1. Compliance-First Approach: Multiplier prioritises legal compliance at every step of the hiring process. From drafting employment contracts to ensuring adherence to local tax regulations, their platform is designed to help startups stay fully compliant without needing to navigate the complex legal landscapes of different countries on their own.
  2. Streamlined Employee Benefits Management: A standout feature of Multiplier is its streamlined benefits management. They handle everything from healthcare to pension schemes, ensuring that employees across different countries receive the appropriate benefits packages, all while helping startups control costs by offering cost-effective plans that align with local standards.
  3. Transparent and Flexible Pricing Model: Multiplier’s transparent and flexible pricing model is tailored to meet the needs of growing startups. Their platform allows businesses to scale without the worry of unpredictable costs, providing flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. This makes it easy for startups to budget and manage their international teams as they grow.

Startups seeking to expand globally with minimal legal risk and financial oversight will find Multiplier a strong partner for rapid yet compliant global growth.

8. Globalization Partners

extensive global coverage

Globalization Partners is an Employer of Record that caters to startups and enterprises alike, with a particular focus on rapid expansion.

Known for its ability to get companies operational in new markets quickly, Globalization Partners stands out for its enterprise-grade solutions and extensive in-country expertise, making it an ideal partner for businesses looking to scale at speed.

Key Features

  1. Speed to Market: One of Globalization Partners’ key differentiators is its speed. The platform allows startups to hire employees and establish a compliant presence in new markets within days rather than the months it typically takes to set up a legal entity. This speed to market gives startups an edge, especially in fast-moving industries.
  2. Enterprise-Level Compliance and Security: With a focus on serving both startups and larger enterprises, Globalization Partners offers an enterprise-grade compliance infrastructure. Their robust legal and compliance framework ensures that every hire meets the local laws and regulations, reducing the risk for businesses scaling quickly across multiple jurisdictions.
  3. Comprehensive Global Expertise: Globalization Partners leverages a deep network of in-country experts, ensuring that businesses can navigate the nuances of labour laws and employment practices in over 180 countries. Their global reach and detailed local knowledge make them a reliable partner for startups entering highly regulated or complex markets.

For startups looking to scale fast with trusted, enterprise-level EOR services, Globalization Partners offers a powerful combination of speed, compliance, and global expertise.

Their platform enables businesses to enter new markets efficiently, backed by a wealth of local knowledge and security.

9. Velocity Global

third party organization

Velocity Global is an Employer of Record provider that focuses on offering flexible, customisable solutions for startups looking to expand into international markets.

Known for its agility and tailored approach, Velocity Global stands out for its ability to adapt to the unique needs of each business, making it an attractive option for startups that require more personalised global expansion strategies.

Key Features

  1. Agility and Flexibility: Velocity Global is built to adapt to the specific needs of each startup. Whether a business is expanding into a single country or multiple regions, their platform provides scalable, flexible solutions that grow with the company. This customisation ensures that startups don’t pay for unnecessary services, making their global expansion more cost-efficient.
  2. Tailored Onboarding and Support: Unlike many other EOR platforms, Velocity Global offers a highly personalised onboarding experience. They work closely with startups to ensure a smooth transition for new hires and ongoing support for HR and payroll management. This hands-on approach makes it easy for startups to scale without getting bogged down by administrative challenges.
  3. Focus on Risk Management: Velocity Global emphasises risk management by ensuring full compliance with local labour laws and tax regulations in over 185 countries. They provide startups with peace of mind by taking on the legal and financial risks associated with hiring internationally, allowing businesses to focus on growth without worrying about compliance issues.

For startups looking for a flexible and personalised approach to global hiring, Velocity Global’s adaptability, hands-on support, and risk management capabilities make them a top choice.

Their ability to customise solutions according to a company’s specific needs ensures that businesses can scale with confidence and control.

10. Atlas

international employee

Atlas differentiates itself in the EOR space by providing a full-suite human experience management (HXM) platform, giving startups control over global HR processes while leveraging local expertise.

Atlas is designed for businesses that want a blend of self-service tools and comprehensive global support, allowing them to manage their workforce efficiently as they expand across borders.

Key Features

  1. Self-Service Platform with Full Control: One of Atlas’s standout features is its self-service platform, which gives startups greater control over their global HR processes. This feature allows businesses to manage employee onboarding, payroll, benefits, and compliance in multiple countries from a single, centralised platform, without relying solely on external support.
  2. Global Compliance with Local Expertise: Atlas provides robust global compliance solutions while maintaining a strong focus on local expertise. With in-country specialists in over 160 countries, they ensure that startups meet all regional legal requirements, from contracts to benefits, while minimising compliance risks.
  3. Scalable, Full-Suite HR Management: Atlas is not just an EOR but a complete HR management system, offering payroll, compliance, and employee benefits alongside HR analytics. This integrated approach allows startups to scale their global workforce efficiently while maintaining a clear view of HR performance and costs in different regions.

Atlas is ideal for startups looking for a comprehensive, scalable platform that combines self-service HR tools with local compliance expertise. With its full-suite capabilities, Atlas enables businesses to grow globally while maintaining operational control and reducing compliance risks.

Why Startups Should Consider Using an EOR

comprehensive services

1. Faster Market Entry Without Setting Up a Legal Entity

One of the biggest hurdles for startups looking to expand internationally is the need to establish a legal entity in each country they want to operate in.

This process can take months and involve significant bureaucratic red tape, delaying your ability to get to market and hire the right talent. By partnering with Employer of Record services, startups can bypass this costly and time-consuming process entirely, as the EOR acts as the legal employer.

An EOR already has established entities in multiple countries, allowing startups to hire international employees in new markets within days instead of months.

This means your startup can enter new regions rapidly and begin scaling operations almost immediately, giving you a competitive advantage in fast-moving industries.

2. Cost Savings on Legal and Administrative Overhead

Setting up and maintaining a legal entity in a foreign country involves substantial costs, including legal fees, tax registration, office overhead, and ongoing compliance management.

For startups with limited resources, these costs can quickly become a financial burden, making international expansion seem out of reach.

By using an EOR, you eliminate these setup costs.

The EOR handles all the legal and administrative functions associated with hiring employees in other countries, such as global payroll management, taxes, and employee benefits. This allows startups to allocate their resources more effectively, focusing on growth and product development rather than administrative tasks.

3. Compliance with Local Employment Laws

Managing legal and compliance risks is one of the most challenging aspects of hiring internationally.

Each country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding employee contracts, tax obligations, health benefits, and termination procedures. Failing to comply with these laws can result in hefty fines, legal disputes, or even the closure of your operations in that region.

An EOR mitigates this risk by ensuring full compliance with local employment laws.

They have experts in each country who are familiar with the local labour landscape and can manage everything from employment contracts to benefits administration in accordance with local regulations.

4. Flexibility to Hire Globally Without Long-Term Commitments

Many startups prefer to remain agile, especially in their early stages.

Committing to long-term contracts or investments in new markets can be risky when the future is uncertain. An EOR offers the flexibility that startups need, allowing them to hire employees globally without the need for permanent offices, long-term contracts, or legal commitments.

This flexibility extends to the type of employment contracts as well.

EORs can help startups hire full-time employees, part-time workers, or contractors, depending on their specific needs. This enables businesses to scale their workforce up or down as market conditions change, without being locked into long-term commitments.

5. Simplified Global Payroll and Benefits Administration

Managing payroll across multiple countries can be a logistical nightmare, especially when considering factors like tax regulations, currency conversions, and employee benefits.

EORs streamline this process by consolidating payroll management into a single platform, regardless of how many countries your employees are in. They ensure that employees are paid on time and in compliance with local tax laws.

EORs also take care of employee benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and paid leave, providing a consistent benefits package that meets local standards.

Choosing the Right EOR for Your Startup’s Needs

software platform

Selecting the right Employer of Record is a critical decision that can significantly impact your startup’s international growth.

Not all EOR providers offer the same services, and what works for one company may not work for another.

To ensure you choose the EOR that aligns with your startup’s expansion goals, it’s essential to evaluate several key factors.

1. Geographic Coverage

The first step in choosing the right EOR is to ensure they offer coverage in the countries where you plan to hire.

Questions to Ask

  • Does the EOR have legal entities in the countries where you want to hire?
  • Do they offer local expertise in navigating the labour laws and regulations of these regions?
  • How quickly can they onboard employees in your target markets?

If your startup plans to expand into specific regions, such as South Africa or Latin America, you may want to choose an EOR with deep expertise in those areas.

Alternatively, if your startup’s growth plans are more global, look for an EOR with a broad international network.

2. Industry-Specific Expertise

Some EOR providers specialise in certain industries, which can be an advantage if your startup operates in a highly regulated or niche market.

Industry-specific expertise ensures that the EOR understands the unique compliance requirements, labour practices, and benefit structures relevant to your field.

Questions to Ask

  • Does the EOR have experience working with startups in your industry?
  • Can they provide industry-specific solutions, such as specialised benefits or contracts?
  • Do they understand sector-specific regulations that may impact hiring, such as healthcare or technology laws?

For example, if your startup is in fintech, healthcare, or another highly regulated industry, choosing an EOR with specific expertise in that field will ensure smoother operations and compliance.

3. Pricing and Contracts (Monthly Fee vs. Per-Employee Fee)

Understanding the pricing structure of an EOR is crucial, especially for startups with limited budgets.

Different providers offer varying pricing models, typically charging either a flat monthly fee or a per-employee fee.

Some also include additional charges for certain services like payroll management, tax filings, or employee benefits.

Questions to Ask

  • Does the EOR charge a flat fee or a per-employee fee? Which pricing structure is better suited to your business model?
  • Are there any hidden fees or extra charges for services like onboarding, employee benefits, or compliance management?
  • How does the pricing scale as you grow your global workforce?

Choosing a transparent and scalable pricing model is essential for startups to ensure that costs remain predictable as they expand.

4. Technology Integration and Ease of Use

Startups need efficient and streamlined systems to manage HR processes across multiple countries.

A good EOR should offer a user-friendly technology platform that integrates smoothly with your startup’s existing systems, such as payroll or HR software. The more seamless the integration, the easier it will be to manage your international workforce.

Questions to Ask

  • Does the EOR provide an easy-to-use platform for managing payroll, benefits, and employee records?
  • Can the platform integrate with your existing HR or accounting systems?
  • Does the platform offer real-time reporting and analytics, giving you insights into your global workforce?

The ease of using the EOR’s platform and the ability to automate tasks like payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits administration can save your startup significant time and resources.

5. Customer Support and Responsiveness

When hiring globally, issues or questions can arise at any time, so strong customer support is crucial.

A good EOR will provide timely and responsive support, especially when dealing with urgent matters like legal compliance, payroll errors, or employment disputes.

Questions to Ask

  • What level of customer support does the EOR offer? Is there 24/7 availability?
  • Do they have local teams to handle issues in specific regions?
  • How quickly can they resolve compliance issues or questions?

Startups often operate with lean teams, so having an EOR that offers proactive and responsive support can make a significant difference in managing international operations smoothly.

Conclusion

Expanding globally is an exciting but challenging goal for startups, and partnering with the right Employer of Record can make all the difference.

Whether you're looking for a platform with global reach, specialised local expertise, or one that offers exceptional value and customer support, there is an EOR solution that fits your startup's unique needs.

From The Legends Agency’s focus on South Africa to Deel’s premium global platform, and from Papaya Global’s data-driven insights to Multiplier’s cost-effective compliance model, each EOR brings something distinct to the table.

Startups must consider factors like pricing, compliance, customer service, and specific market expertise to choose the provider that aligns with their goals.

By evaluating the unique features and benefits of these top EORs, your startup can scale confidently, knowing that the administrative and legal complexities of hiring internationally are expertly managed.

For assistance setting up a business in South Africa, contact The Legends Agency.

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Case Study ThinkLocum

Case Study: ThinkLocum

ThinkLocum, a UK-based medical recruitment agency, successfully scaled its operations internationally by outsourcing its back-office functions to South Africa, resulting in significant cost savings of 47% and improved operational efficiency with 24/7 support coverage.

Read more

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