Best Employer of Record (EOR) for Startups in 2024

As a startup founder or HR leader, you’re likely eager to tap into global talent pools and expand your team internationally. However, the complexities of hiring employees in foreign countries can be daunting, especially for resource-constrained startups. That’s where Employer of Record (EOR) services come in, offering a streamlined solution for global hiring without the need to establish legal entities abroad.

But with numerous EOR providers in the market, how do you choose the right one for your startup’s unique needs? That’s exactly what we’ll explore in this comprehensive guide.

I’ve spent months researching and evaluating the top EOR services, specifically from a startup perspective. I aim to help you find an EOR partner that simplifies global hiring and aligns with your startup’s growth trajectory, budget constraints, and specific requirements.

This article will summarize the 10 best EOR services for startups in 2024. You’ll find detailed comparisons of each provider’s key features, pricing structures, and ideal use cases. Whether you’re a seed-stage startup hiring your first international employee or a rapidly scaling Series B company expanding into multiple countries, you’ll find options tailored to your stage and needs.

We’ll explore EORs that excel in rapid onboarding, those offering the most competitive pricing for budget-conscious startups, and others that provide advanced features like equity compensation support or specialized compliance expertise for regulated industries.

Pro Tip: When evaluating EOR services, don’t just focus on features and pricing. Pay close attention to the provider’s expertise in the countries you plan to hire. A great EOR for hiring in Europe might not be the best choice if your target talent pool is in Southeast Asia. Always align the EOR’s strengths with your startup’s global hiring strategy.

By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly understand which EOR services are best suited for startups at various stages and with different priorities. Let’s dive in and find the perfect EOR partner to fuel your startup’s global growth in 2024 and beyond.

Best EORs for Startups at a glance

Before we jump into the detailed reviews, here’s a quick summary comparing the key features and information for the top EOR services:

This summary table gives you a quick overview of how these EOR services compare on essential features and pricing. Now let’s dive into more detailed reviews of each provider.

Best Employer of Record for Startups: In-depth Comparison

1. Remote: Best for remote-first startups

Remote has established itself as a leader in the EOR space, particularly for companies embracing a fully distributed work model. It offers a comprehensive platform for hiring, paying, and managing remote employees and contractors in 170+ countries.

This EOR is particularly well-suited for remote-first startups that prioritize providing an excellent experience for distributed team members. Remote’s focus on fostering inclusive global cultures and its robust IP protection features make it a top choice for companies building remote teams.

Remote Pricing Plans

Remote offers straightforward, transparent pricing:

• EOR (full-time employees): $599 per employee per month
• Contractors: $29 per contractor per month

Custom pricing is available for larger organizations.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 100+ currencies
• Localized employment contracts
• Comprehensive benefits administration
• Equity incentive support
• Robust IP protection
• Time off and expense management
• Visa and immigration assistance
• Open API for custom integrations

Remote is an excellent choice for startups committed to building truly distributed teams. Its focus on creating a great experience for remote workers, combined with strong IP protection and compliance features, makes it ideal for remote-first companies.

2. Deel: Best for fast-growing startups

Deel has quickly become one of the most popular EOR services, especially among fast-growing tech startups. It offers a user-friendly platform for hiring and managing both contractors and full-time employees across 150+ countries.

Deel is best for startups that are scaling quickly and need to hire talent globally without getting bogged down in compliance and administrative tasks. Its modern interface and quick onboarding process make it ideal for companies that want to move fast.

Deel Pricing Plans

Deel offers transparent, flat-rate pricing:

• EOR (full-time employees): $599 per employee per month
• Contractors: $49 per contractor per month

There are no hidden fees or long-term contracts required. Deel also offers volume discounts for companies hiring over 20 employees through their platform.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 120+ currencies
• Localized employment contracts
• Benefits administration
• Time off management
• Expense reimbursements
• Built-in time tracking
• Visa and immigration support
• API for seamless integration

Deel is an excellent choice for fast-moving startups that need a simple, intuitive solution for global hiring. Its transparent pricing and quick onboarding make it easy to scale your team internationally without getting stuck in red tape.

3. Remofirst: Best for startups with a tight budget

Remofirst is a newer entrant to the EOR space, but it’s quickly gained traction by offering one of the most affordable solutions on the market. Remofirst still provides solid coverage in 170+ countries despite the lower price point.

This EOR is best suited for early-stage startups or bootstrapped companies that need to hire internationally but work with limited budgets. It offers a no-frills service that covers the essentials of global employment.

Remofirst Pricing Plans

Remofirst offers some of the most competitive pricing in the industry:

• EOR (full-time employees): $199 per employee per month
• Contractors: $29 per contractor per month

No setup fees or minimum commitments are required.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 100+ currencies
• Compliant employment contracts
• Basic benefits administration
• Time off tracking
• Expense management
• Simple reporting tools

Remofirst is an attractive option for budget-conscious startups that need a straightforward solution for hiring internationally. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of pricier competitors, it covers the essentials at a competitive price.

4. Oyster: Best for startups hiring across multiple countries

Oyster has quickly become a major player in the EOR space, offering a comprehensive platform for hiring and managing distributed teams. It stands out for its wide coverage (180+ countries) and focus on providing a great experience for both employers and employees.

This EOR is ideal for startups that plan to hire across many countries and need a scalable solution to grow with them. Oyster’s strong compliance features and detailed country-specific information make navigating the complexities of hiring in multiple jurisdictions easier.

Oyster Pricing Plans

Oyster offers tiered pricing based on the number of employees:

• Lite: $499 per employee per month (1-10 employees)
• Business: Custom pricing (11-100 employees)
• Enterprise: Custom pricing (100+ employees)

Contractor payments are available for $29 per contractor per month.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 120+ currencies
• Localized employment contracts
• Comprehensive benefits administration
• Time off and expense management
• Visa and work permit support
• Detailed country-specific hiring guides
• Advanced reporting and analytics

Oyster Pros

Oyster is a strong choice for startups that need a scalable, compliance-focused solution for building truly global teams. Its wide coverage and detailed country-specific resources make navigating the complexities of hiring across multiple jurisdictions easier.

5. Rippling: Best for tech startups needing automation

Rippling stands out in the EOR space by offering a comprehensive, highly automated platform that goes beyond just global employment. It combines EOR services with broader HR, IT, and finance management tools, making it a one-stop shop for many startup operations.

This solution is ideal for tech-savvy startups that want to automate as much of their HR and operations processes as possible. Rippling’s extensive integration capabilities and customization options appeal to companies with complex workflows.

Rippling: Pricing Plans

Rippling’s pricing is modular and customizable based on the specific services you need. Their base HRIS starts at $8 per user per month, with additional costs for global payroll and EOR services. You’ll need to contact their sales team for a custom quote.

Key Features

• Global payroll and EOR services in 185+ countries
• Automated onboarding and offboarding workflows
• Device management and app provisioning
• Time and attendance tracking
• Extensive third-party integrations (500+)
• Custom report builder
• Role-based access controls
• Advanced analytics and insights

Rippling is an excellent choice for tech-focused startups that want to automate and streamline their HR, IT, and finance operations alongside global hiring. Its powerful automation capabilities and extensive integrations make it stand out, though it may be more than some startups need for basic EOR services.

6. Atlas: Best for startups needing customized setups

Atlas (formerly Elements Global Services) offers a highly customizable EOR solution catering to each client’s needs. They provide comprehensive global employment services across 160+ countries, with a strong focus on compliance and risk management.

This EOR is best suited for startups that require tailored solutions for complex hiring scenarios or have specific compliance needs in certain countries. Atlas’s consultative approach and deep expertise in global employment make it a good fit for companies looking for more than just a self-service platform.

Atlas Pricing Plans

Atlas offers custom pricing based on your specific needs and the number of employees. You’ll need to contact their sales team for a quote. They typically charge a percentage of the total payroll rather than a flat per-employee fee.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 120+ currencies
• Customized employment contracts
• Comprehensive benefits administration
• Immigration and visa support
• Detailed compliance consulting
• Proprietary HR technology platform
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• M&A and entity setup support

Atlas is an excellent choice for startups with complex global hiring needs or those requiring highly customized solutions. Its consultative approach and deep expertise make it well-suited for companies prioritizing compliance and risk management in their global expansion.

7. Multiplier: Best for customer-centric startups

Multiplier has quickly gained traction in the EOR space by offering a user-friendly platform and excellent customer service. They provide global employment services in 150+ countries, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region.

This EOR is ideal for startups prioritizing a high-touch, customer-centric approach to global hiring. Multiplier’s emphasis on providing personalized support and guidance makes it a good fit for companies new to international hiring or those expanding into unfamiliar markets.

Multiplier: Pricing Plans

Multiplier offers transparent, flat-rate pricing:

• EOR (full-time employees): Starting from $400 per employee per month
• Contractors: $40 per contractor per month

Pricing may vary slightly based on the specific country and employee salary.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 120+ currencies
• Localized employment contracts
• Benefits administration
• Expense management
• Time off tracking
• Visa and work permit support
• Basic API for integrations
• Mobile app for employees

Multiplier is a strong choice for startups that value excellent customer service and an easy-to-use platform. Its competitive pricing and quick onboarding make it attractive for companies looking to hire globally without a steep learning curve.

8. Papaya Global: Best for regulatory-heavy startups

Papaya Global offers a comprehensive global workforce management platform beyond basic EOR services. They provide extensive compliance support, payroll services, and workforce analytics across 160+ countries.

This EOR is particularly well-suited for startups operating in highly regulated industries or navigating complex compliance landscapes. Papaya’s robust compliance engine and advanced reporting capabilities make it ideal for companies prioritizing risk management in their global hiring.

Papaya Global Pricing Plans

Papaya Global’s pricing is customized based on your specific needs and the number of employees. Their EOR services typically start around $650 per employee per month. Contractor payments are available starting at $25 per contractor per month.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 100+ currencies
• AI-powered compliance engine
• Extensive benefits administration
• Time and attendance management
• Expense reimbursement
• Immigration and relocation support
• Advanced workforce analytics
• Equity management support

Papaya Global is an excellent choice for startups that need comprehensive compliance support and advanced workforce analytics. Its robust platform is particularly valuable for companies in regulated industries or those prioritizing risk management in their global expansion.

9. Globalization Partners: Best for startups managing complex international operations

Globalization Partners is one of the most established players in the EOR industry. It offers a comprehensive global employment platform and provides services in over 187 countries, making it one of the most extensive EORs in terms of global coverage.

This EOR is ideal for startups planning complex international operations or those needing to hire in more obscure markets. Their expertise and wide-ranging services make them well-suited for companies with ambitious global expansion plans.

Globalization Partners Pricing Plans

Globalization Partners offers custom pricing based on your specific needs, number of employees, and countries of operation. For a detailed quote, contact their sales team.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 180+ currencies
• Comprehensive compliance support
• Extensive benefits administration
• Immigration and visa assistance
• AI-driven hiring recommendations
• Advanced reporting and analytics
• Entity setup support
• 24/7 multilingual support

Globalization Partners is a strong choice for startups with complex international hiring needs or those planning ambitious global expansion. Their extensive coverage and deep expertise make them well-suited for companies hiring in multiple or challenging jurisdictions.

10. Velocity Global: Best for mission-driven startups focused on social impact

Velocity Global offers a comprehensive suite of global employment services, including EOR, global immigration, and entity setup support. They provide coverage in 185+ countries and uniquely focus on supporting mission-driven companies and promoting global mobility.

This EOR is particularly well-suited for startups focusing heavily on social impact or prioritizing employee experience in global hiring. Velocity Global’s emphasis on supporting workplace cultures and initiatives around diversity and inclusion make it an attractive option for companies with similar values.

Velocity Global Pricing Plans

Velocity Global offers custom pricing based on your specific needs and the number of employees. Contact their sales team for a detailed quote.

Key Features

• Global payroll in 150+ currencies
• Comprehensive compliance support
• Customizable benefits packages
• Immigration and visa services
• Global mobility support
• Entity setup and management
• Detailed reporting and analytics
• 24/7 customer support

Velocity Global is an excellent choice for mission-driven startups or those prioritizing employee experience and global mobility in their hiring strategy. Their comprehensive services and focus on social impact make them well-suited for companies looking to align their global hiring with their values.

What is an employer of record or EOR?

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that takes on the legal and administrative responsibilities of employing workers on behalf of another company. This arrangement allows businesses to hire employees in countries where they don’t have a legal entity, effectively enabling global hiring without the need to establish foreign subsidiaries.

Key responsibilities of an EOR typically include:

1. Legal compliance: Ensuring all employment practices adhere to local labor laws and regulations.
2. Payroll processing: Managing salary payments, tax withholdings, and social contributions.
3. Benefits administration: Providing and managing statutory benefits required by local law.
4. Employment contracts: Drafting and maintaining compliant employment agreements.
5. HR support: Handling various HR functions like onboarding, time-off management, and terminations.
6. Tax filings: Managing employer tax obligations in the local jurisdiction.
7. Worker’s compensation: Providing required insurance coverage for employees.

By partnering with an EOR, startups can quickly expand their global workforce without navigating the complexities of international employment law or setting up local entities in each country they hire.

How can an EOR accelerate startup growth?

An Employer of Record (EOR) service can be a powerful growth accelerator for startups looking to scale rapidly and tap into global talent pools. Here’s how partnering with an EOR can help propel your startup forward:

Rapid international expansion

EORs eliminate the need to establish legal entities in every country where you want to hire. This allows startups to quickly enter new markets and seize opportunities without bogged down in bureaucratic processes. You can hire top talent in strategic locations within days rather than months.

Access to global talent

By removing geographical barriers, EORs open up a world of possibilities for talent acquisition. Startups can build diverse, skilled teams by hiring the best candidates regardless of their location. This is particularly valuable for roles requiring specialized skills that may be scarce in your local market.

Cost-effective scaling

Setting up and maintaining legal entities in multiple countries can be prohibitively expensive for startups. EORs offer a more cost-effective alternative, allowing you to allocate resources to core business activities rather than administrative overhead. This can be crucial for cash-conscious startups looking to maximize their runway.

Compliance and risk mitigation

Navigating the complexities of international employment law can be daunting for startups. EORs take on this burden, ensuring compliance with local regulations and mitigating the risks associated with misclassification or non-compliance. This protection is invaluable, especially for startups in regulated industries or those planning future funding rounds.

Focus on core business.

By outsourcing global employment complexities, startups can focus on product development, customer acquisition, and other critical growth activities. This streamlined approach can significantly accelerate time to market and overall business momentum.

Flexibility and agility

Startups must often pivot quickly in response to market feedback or new opportunities. EORs provide the flexibility to scale teams up or down in different locations without long-term commitments, allowing startups to remain agile and responsive to changing business needs.

Attract and retain top talent.

Many EORs offer competitive, locally-compliant benefits packages that startups might struggle to provide independently. This can be a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent globally, helping startups build strong, stable teams to drive growth.

By leveraging these advantages, startups can use EOR services as a strategic tool to accelerate their growth trajectory and compete globally. The right EOR partner can be a game-changer, enabling startups to build world-class teams and expand into new markets with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

When is the best time to use an EOR as a startup?

1. International expansion: If your startup is looking to expand into new countries quickly without the time and expense of setting up local entities, an EOR is an excellent solution. It allows you to hire employees in new markets within days or weeks rather than months.
2. Testing new markets: EORs provide a low-risk way to enter new markets. You can hire a small team in a new country to test demand for your product or service without committing to a permanent presence.
3. Hiring specific talent: When you find an ideal candidate who lives in a country where you don’t have a legal entity, an EOR allows you to hire them compliantly as a full-time employee rather than a contractor.
4. Compliance concerns: If you operate in highly regulated industries or countries with complex labor laws, an EOR can help ensure compliance with local regulations.
5. Limited HR resources: For startups without a dedicated HR team or in-house global employment expertise, an EOR can provide the necessary support and knowledge to manage an international workforce.
6. Rapid scaling: During periods of hypergrowth, an EOR can help you quickly scale your team across multiple countries without getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
7. Remote-first strategy: If your startup embraces a fully remote or distributed team model, an EOR can simplify hiring employees worldwide.
8. Pre-entity setup: An EOR can be a bridge solution when considering setting up a permanent entity in a new country but wanting to start operations sooner.
9. Managing contractor risk: If you’re working with international contractors concerned about misclassification risks, an EOR can help you convert them into compliant full-time employees.
10. Focused growth: When you want to focus on your core business activities and product development rather than dealing with the complexities of international employment, an EOR can take that burden off your plate.

Remember, the ideal time to use an EOR depends on your business needs, growth trajectory, and resources. It’s always wise to consult with legal and financial advisors to determine the best approach for your startup.

How do you transition to an EOR as a startup?

Transitioning to an Employer of Record (EOR) service can be smooth if approached strategically. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help startups make the transition:

1. Assess your needs: Clearly define why you need an EOR and what you hope to achieve. This could include expanding into new markets, hiring specific talent, or simplifying your global employment processes.
2. Research and select an EOR: Evaluate different EOR providers based on your needs, budget, and target countries. Consider pricing, global coverage, technology platform, and customer support.
3. Prepare your team: Communicate the change to your existing team, explaining the benefits and addressing any concerns they might have about the transition.
4. Gather necessary information: Collect all relevant employee data, including contracts, payroll information, and benefits details. Ensure you have up-to-date information on your current employment practices in each country.
5. Legal review: Have your legal team review the agreement with the EOR provider to ensure it meets your needs and protects your interests.
6. Set up the EOR platform: Work with your chosen EOR to set up their platform, including any necessary integrations with your existing HR or payroll systems.
7. Transfer employee data: Securely transfer employee information to the EOR platform, following all data privacy regulations.
8. Update employment contracts: Work with the EOR to create new, compliant employment contracts for each country where you have employees.
9. Communicate with employees: Explain the transition to your employees, including any changes to their contracts, payroll, or benefits. If applicable, provide them with information on how to use the new EOR platform.
10. Run parallel systems: Initially, you may want to run your old system alongside the new EOR system to ensure a smooth transition and catch any discrepancies.
11. Transition payroll and benefits: Work closely with the EOR to transition payroll and benefits administration, ensuring no employee pay or coverage disruptions.
12. Provide training: Train your HR team and managers on how to use the new EOR platform and processes.
13. Monitor and adjust: Closely monitor the transition, gathering feedback from employees and managers. Be prepared to make adjustments as needed.
14. Compliance check: Conduct a final compliance check to ensure that all employees are properly classified and all local labor laws are followed in each country.

Remember, the transition process may vary depending on the complexity of your current setup and the specific EOR provider you choose. Many EORs offer support during onboarding to ensure a smooth transition.

My Final Thoughts on EORs for Startups

As a startup founder, you’re constantly looking for ways to accelerate growth, access top talent, and stay lean. Employer of Record (EOR) services can be a powerful tool in your arsenal, enabling you to build a global team without the overhead of establishing legal entities in multiple countries.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored ten EOR providers, each with unique strengths that cater to different startup needs. Let’s recap the best use cases for each:

1. Remote: Best for remote-first startups
   • With its focus on creating a seamless experience for distributed teams, Remote is perfect for startups embracing a fully remote culture.
2. Deel: Best for fast-growing startups
   • Deel shines with its user-friendly platform and quick onboarding, making it ideal for startups that need to scale rapidly across multiple countries.
3. Remofirst: Best for startups with tight budgets
   • If you’re watching every dollar, Remofirst offers solid EOR services at a significantly lower price than many competitors.
4. Oyster: Best for startups hiring across multiple countries
   • Oyster’s extensive global coverage and strong compliance features make it a great choice if you’re building a truly distributed team across many jurisdictions.
5. Rippling: Best for tech startups needing automation
   • If you want to streamline global hiring and your entire HR and IT stack, Rippling’s comprehensive platform could be a game-changer.
6. Atlas: Best for startups needing customized setups
   • For startups with complex hiring scenarios or specific compliance needs, Atlas offers highly tailored solutions.
7. Multiplier: Best for customer-centric startups
   • If you prioritize hands-on support and guidance, Multiplier’s high-touch approach could be the right fit.
8. Papaya Global: Best for regulatory-heavy startups
   • Startups in highly regulated industries will appreciate Papaya Global’s robust compliance engine and risk mitigation features.
9. Globalization Partners: Best for startups managing complex international operations
   • Globalization Partners’ extensive coverage and deep expertise could be invaluable if you plan an ambitious global expansion into multiple markets.
10. Velocity Global: Best for mission-driven startups focused on social impact
    • Velocity Global’s focus sets it apart for startups prioritizing social responsibility and employee experience.

As you evaluate these options, remember that the best EOR for your startup depends on your specific needs, growth stage, target markets, and long-term vision. Consider factors like pricing, global coverage, technology platform, and additional features that align with your priorities.

While EORs can dramatically simplify global hiring, they’re not a magic bullet. You’ll still need to think carefully about your expansion strategy, building culture across a distributed team, and integrating remote employees effectively.

Also, remember that your needs may evolve as your startup grows. The EOR perfect for your first international hire might not be the best fit when scaling to 100+ employees across a dozen countries. Be prepared to reassess your EOR strategy as your business evolves.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of compliance and intellectual property protection. Ensure your EOR has a strong track record in these areas to protect your startup as you scale globally.

The global talent landscape is more accessible than ever, and with the right EOR partner, your startup can leverage this to build a world-class team regardless of geographical boundaries. By making informed decisions about your global employment strategy, you can position your startup for rapid growth and success on the international stage.

Remember, the goal is to hire internationally and build a cohesive, high-performing global team that drives your startup’s mission forward. Choose an EOR that aligns with this vision, and you’ll be well-positioned to turn your startup’s global ambitions into reality.

Frequently Asked Questions