Looking to expand your team globally while minimizing legal risks? Remote’s premium Employer of Record service costs $599 per employee monthly – a substantial investment that delivers comprehensive protection and compliance management across 180+ countries.
Many businesses face a critical decision when hiring internationally: establish costly legal entities (requiring $15,000-$50,000 and 3-6 months per country) or use an Employer of Record service. Remote positions itself as the premium choice for companies prioritizing risk management and IP protection in their global expansion.
What sets Remote apart is their owned-entity model – they maintain their own legal entities in every country rather than relying on third-party partnerships. This approach gives them direct control over employment processes, compliance management, and intellectual property protection that many competitors can’t match.
While Remote delivers exceptional value for mid-sized and enterprise companies with substantial international hiring plans, the premium pricing may be prohibitive for smaller teams or startups. Companies planning significant expansion with compliance and IP protection as top priorities will find Remote’s comprehensive approach worth the investment, while those with tighter budgets should explore more affordable alternatives.
Editor’s verdict
Pros
- Own-entity model in 180+ countries: Remote maintains its own legal entities rather than using third-party partners, giving them direct control over employment processes and compliance in every location they serve.
- Superior IP protection: Remote’s IP Guard feature provides stronger intellectual property safeguards than most competitors, with clear ownership documentation and protection mechanisms across all jurisdictions.
- Transparent flat-rate pricing: Remote charges $599 per employee monthly with no hidden fees, setup costs, or minimum commitments, making budgeting predictable for finance teams.
- Extensive HR service coverage: The platform handles everything from onboarding to offboarding, including benefits administration, global payroll, and compliance management through a single dashboard.
- Localized benefits packages: Remote offers competitive, country-specific benefits that help companies attract top talent globally while remaining compliant with local requirements.
- Recently launched global payroll solution: Companies with existing international entities can now use Remote’s payroll services separately, simplifying multi-country payroll management.
Cons
- Premium pricing structure: At $599 per employee monthly, Remote costs significantly more than budget-friendly alternatives like Remofirst ($199/month), making it expensive for smaller companies.
- Limited customization options: The platform’s standardized approach works well for most situations but offers less flexibility for companies with unique employment arrangements or non-standard benefits needs.
- Basic reporting capabilities: Remote’s analytics and reporting functions lack the depth found in some enterprise HR platforms, offering limited customization for complex workforce insights.
What is Remote?
Remote is an Employer of Record (EOR) service that enables companies to hire international employees without establishing local entities. Founded in 2019 by Job van der Voort and Marcelo Lebre (former GitLab executives), Remote has raised over $500 million in funding and grown rapidly to support hiring in more than 180 countries.
The platform handles the entire employment lifecycle – from compliant contracts and onboarding to payroll, benefits, taxes, and termination – all through a centralized dashboard. Unlike many competitors, Remote owns its legal entities in each country rather than partnering with third-party providers, giving them direct control over employment processes.
The platform is particularly well-suited for companies prioritizing compliance and risk management in their global expansion strategy. Remote’s owned-entity approach means they don’t outsource employment responsibilities to local partners, potentially reducing compliance risks and providing stronger IP protections.
Company Information
What are the key features of Remote?
Remote platform offers several key features designed to streamline international employment. Here’s a detailed look at what the service provides:
- Global employment solutions: Enables hiring in over 180 countries without establishing local entities, supporting rapid international expansion. The platform handles all employment documentation, contracts, and compliance requirements through their owned legal entities in each country.
- Owned entity model:Operates its own legal entities in each country rather than partnering with local providers. This approach gives them greater control over billing, employee experience, and data protection, resulting in stronger compliance management and IP protection.
- Transparent pricing: Offers flat-rate pricing starting at $599 per employee per month for annual plans, with no hidden fees or minimum commitments across all countries. The consistent pricing structure makes budgeting predictable for finance teams.
- Comprehensive HR services: Manages the full employee lifecycle, including onboarding, payroll, benefits, and compliance with local regulations. Remote handles document collection, background checks, tax registration, and ongoing employment administration.
- Intellectual property protection: Provides Remote IP Guard to ensure strong intellectual property protections for clients across all jurisdictions. The system includes specialized IP clauses in all employment contracts, tailored to each country’s legal framework.
- User-Friendly platform: Features an intuitive interface for managing both employees and contractors globally with minimal training required. The onboarding workflow guides users through country-specific requirements without overwhelming them with complexity.
- Flexible benefits administration: Offers competitive, localized benefits packages with multiple tiers in most markets, including health insurance and pension plans. The system allows for some customization while ensuring compliance with local requirements.
- Global payroll solution: Recently introduced Remote Global Payroll for companies with existing entities, streamlining multi-country payroll management. The system handles tax calculations, deductions, and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
- Compliance and security: Incorporates built-in compliance features like Remote Watchtower and adheres to global data protection regulations. The platform automatically handles tax filings, statutory requirements, and employment law compliance across all countries.
- Equity incentives support: Provides compliant equity incentives support, including withholding and reporting. This feature helps companies offer stock options and other equity compensation to international employees while maintaining compliance with local tax laws.
What are the benefits of using Remote?
The benefits of using Remote are:
- Extensive Global Coverage: Enables hiring in over 180 countries, facilitating rapid international expansion.
- Compliance Assurance: Minimizes legal risks with comprehensive management of local labor laws and regulations.
- IP Protection: Ensures robust safeguarding of company intellectual property across all jurisdictions.
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Streamlines global hiring and management processes, reducing administrative burdens.
- Scalability: Supports business growth with flexible solutions for both small teams and large enterprises.
- Transparent Pricing: Offers clear, upfront pricing without hidden fees or long-term commitments.
- Local Expertise: Provides access to in-country specialists for navigating complex employment issues.
- Simplified Global Operations: Centralizes management of international workforce in a single platform.
Remote pricing
Remote offers a straightforward pricing structure with flat monthly fees based on service type:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $599 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $29 per employee/month |
| Payroll Pricing | $29 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Available |
Annual plans include a discount, though Remote doesn’t publicly disclose the percentage. When comparing costs with competitors, Remote sits at the premium end of the market:
| Provider | Monthly Cost (10 Employees) | Annual Cost | Difference vs. Remote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remote | $5,990 | $71,880 | – |
| RemoFirst | $1,990 | $23,880 | -$48,000 |
| Multiplier | $4,000 | $48,000 | -$23,880 |
| Rippling | $5,000 | $60,000 | -$11,880 |
| Deel | $5,990 | $71,880 | – |
Pricing accurate as of June 2025
While Remote’s EOR service costs the same as Deel’s, it’s significantly more expensive than budget-friendly options like Remofirst. However, Remote justifies this premium pricing through their owned-entity model, which offers potentially stronger compliance management and IP protection.
Remote doesn’t require deposits in most countries, unlike some competitors who charge upfront costs. They also include services in their base fee that others charge extra for, such as equity management, benefits administration, and termination processing.
Remote promo code
Remote offers promotional programs to support global hiring, providing 15% discounts on their services for eligible organizations. These programs aim to make international hiring more accessible and cost-effective for various companies.
The discounts typically apply for 12 months and cover services such as employer of record, contractor management, and global payroll. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific program. Here are the available programs and their associated promo codes:
To take advantage of these offers, visit Remote’s website and apply the appropriate promo code during the signup process, or contact their sales team for more information.
User experience & interface
Remote’s platform features a clean, intuitive interface divided into employer and employee views. The employer dashboard offers quick access to team management, payroll processing, and compliance information, while employees get a streamlined experience for accessing pay information, benefits, and company resources.
The onboarding workflow is particularly well-designed, guiding users through country-specific requirements without overwhelming them with complexity. The document collection process uses clear instructions and status indicators, making it easy to track progress for each new hire.
The platform’s navigation logically organizes functions by workflow rather than feature set, aligning with how HR teams actually work. This approach reduces the learning curve for new users and improves efficiency for regular tasks like running payroll or approving time off.
Mobile functionality falls short of the desktop experience, with fewer administrative capabilities available on smaller screens. Still, core employee self-service features work well on mobile devices, allowing team members to access critical information from anywhere.
Recent updates have improved the reporting interface, though it still lacks some of the advanced customization options found in dedicated HRIS platforms. The basic reports cover essential metrics like headcount, costs, and time-off usage, but custom reporting requires exporting data for external analysis.
User reviews and platform ratings
Understanding how users rate and review Remote can provide valuable insights into real-world experiences with the platform. Review platforms offer a window into customer satisfaction levels, platform reliability, and potential areas for improvement. While ratings and review counts can fluctuate over time, they offer a helpful snapshot of user sentiment. Here’s a current overview of Remote’s ratings across major review platforms:
| Review Platform | Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.6 | 2068 |
| Trustpilot | 4.7 | 1639 |
| Capterra | 4.5 | 46 |
Reviews last updated June 2025
Positive reviews consistently mention Remote’s user-friendly interface, comprehensive compliance handling, and responsive customer support. Many customers specifically praise the platform’s ability to simplify complex international employment processes and reduce administrative burdens.
Critical feedback typically focuses on the premium pricing, occasional support delays, and limited customization options for unique situations. Some users also note that the implementation process can take longer than expected for companies with complex requirements or existing international employees.
Reddit discussions about Remote generally portray it positively, with users appreciating the platform’s transparency and ease of use compared to traditional international employment methods. Some threads compare Remote favorably to competitors for compliance handling but note that cheaper alternatives might be sufficient for companies with simpler needs.
Customer & technical Support
Remote offers support through email and live chat, with priority response times for enterprise customers. While they don’t provide phone support, their chat system allows for scheduling video calls when needed for complex issues.
Support availability is advertised as 24/7, though response times are notably faster during US business hours. Standard accounts typically receive responses within 4-24 hours, while enterprise plans include dedicated account managers and faster response commitments.
The knowledge base contains comprehensive documentation covering most common scenarios, with country-specific guides for employment requirements. These self-service resources are well-organized and frequently updated to reflect regulatory changes.
Technical support is primarily handled through the same channels, with additional escalation paths for critical issues affecting payroll or compliance. The platform’s API documentation is thorough, supporting various integration possibilities for companies with technical resources.
Several customers mention that support quality has improved significantly over the past year, likely reflecting Remote’s investment in expanding their support team as they’ve grown. However, some smaller customers still report occasional delays during peak periods or for complex country-specific questions.
| Support Channel | Available? |
|---|---|
| ✓ | |
| Phone | ✗ |
| Live Chat | ✓ |
| Overall Availability | 24/7 |
Security & compliance
Remote maintains robust security measures to protect sensitive employee and company data, with SOC 2 Type II certification and GDPR compliance across their operations. Their security framework includes end-to-end encryption, regular penetration testing, and comprehensive access controls.
The platform’s compliance engine (“Remote Watchtower”) continuously monitors regulatory changes across all supported countries, with dedicated legal teams updating employment practices as needed. This proactive approach helps companies stay ahead of compliance requirements without monitoring multiple jurisdictions themselves.
Data residency and processing follow regional requirements, with appropriate safeguards for cross-border transfers where necessary. Remote’s owned-entity model gives them greater control over data handling compared to providers using third-party partners.
IP protection goes beyond standard employment agreements, with specialized clauses tailored to each country’s legal framework. This approach provides stronger assurances for companies concerned about intellectual property security in international operations.
The platform includes audit trails for sensitive actions, supporting internal governance requirements and external compliance verification. These logs capture key events like permission changes, payment approvals, and document access.
Integrations and extensibility
The platform supports various integrations to improve its functionality. This flexibility allows users to connect with many other tools seamlessly.
Service integrations include major vendors, providing users easy access to necessary resources. Security is a priority, ensuring all third-party connections meet stringent standards. I appreciate how Remote makes extending its core capabilities straightforward, supporting services that many businesses rely on.
Remote competitor comparison
Comparing different remote workforce platforms helps in making the right choice. Each Employer of Record (EOR) provider has strengths and weaknesses that suit different business needs. Here’s a breakdown of the top competitors in the market against Remote.
| Feature | Remote | Deel | RemoFirst | Multiplier | Rippling | Oyster HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Companies Prioritizing Risk-Free International Hiring | Fast-Growing Companies Needing Global Hiring at Scale | Cost-Conscious and Tight Budgets | Companies Looking for Same-Day Global Hiring & Payments | Tech-forward companies with 50-1000 employees needing integrated HR and IT management | Scaling Companies Focused on Remote Team Success |
| EOR Pricing | $599 per employee/month | $599 per employee/month | $199 per employee/month | $400 per employee/month | $500 per employee/month | $599 per employee/month |
| Contractor Pricing | $29 per employee/month | $49 per employee/month | $25 per employee/month | $40 per employee/month | $25 per employee/month | $29 per employee/month |
| Country Coverage | 180+ Countries | 150+ Countries | 185+ | 150+ Countries | 185+ | 180+ |
| Support Channels | Email, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Email, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat | Email, Phone, Live Chat | |
| Support Availability | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | Business Hours | Business Hours | Business Hours |
| G2 Rating | 4.6/5 (2068 reviews) | 4.8/5 (7241 reviews) | 4.5/5 (147 reviews) | 4.7/5 (1286 reviews) | 4.8/5 (7951 reviews) | 4.4/5 (714 reviews) |
| Capterra Rating | 4.5/5 (46 reviews) | 4.8/5 (2819 reviews) | 5/5 (2 reviews) | 4.6/5 (42 reviews) | 4.9/5 (3864 reviews) | 4.5/5 (68 reviews) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.7/5 (1639 reviews) | 4.8/5 (6767 reviews) | 4/5 (10 reviews) | 4.9/5 (1674 reviews) | 4.6/5 (1236 reviews) | 4.6/5 (199 reviews) |
| Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Recommendations
Who should use Remote?
Remote works best for:
- Mid-sized and enterprise companies with substantial international hiring plans and the budget to support premium EOR services. The platform’s comprehensive features provide more value as team size increases.
- Technology and IP-focused businesses concerned about protecting their intellectual property across multiple jurisdictions. Remote’s IP Guard feature offers stronger protections than many competitors.
- Companies prioritizing compliance and risk reduction in their global expansion strategy. Remote’s owned-entity model potentially provides better compliance management than providers using third-party partners.
- Businesses planning long-term international presence who value stable employment relationships and high-quality employee experiences. Remote’s focus on employee engagement and satisfaction supports stronger retention.
- Organizations with complex benefits needs across multiple countries who need support navigating local requirements while remaining competitive for talent.
When to consider alternatives:
Consider other providers when:
- Budget constraints are primary: Companies with tight budgets should explore Remofirst ($199/month) or similar budget-friendly alternatives that offer essential services at lower price points.
- Contractor management is the main focus: Businesses primarily hiring contractors might find more specialized features and potentially lower costs with contractor-focused platforms.
- Regional expertise is needed: Companies concentrating on specific regions might benefit from providers with particular strength in those areas, like Multiplier for Asia-Pacific.
- Integration with broader HR systems is essential: Organizations heavily invested in comprehensive HR platforms might prefer solutions like Rippling that integrate global employment with wider HR functionality.
- Customization requirements are extensive: Businesses with highly unusual employment arrangements or benefits structures might need more flexible solutions than Remote’s standardized approach.
Remote alternatives
Best for: Tech-forward companies with 50-1000 employees needing integrated HR and IT management
EOR pricing: $500 per employee/month
Country coverage: 185+
Best for: Companies Looking for Same-Day Global Hiring & Payments
EOR pricing: $400 per employee/month
Country coverage: 150+ Countries
Best for: Cost-Conscious and Tight Budgets
EOR pricing: $199 per employee/month
Country coverage: 185+
Below, we’ve compared Remote to other providers to show how it meets the competition.
Frequently asked questions
How long does onboarding with Remote take?
Onboarding a new international employee through Remote usually takes 1-2 weeks, depending on the country and documentation requirements. Some locations like the UK, Canada, and Australia can be faster (3-5 business days), while countries with more complex labor laws like Brazil or France may take longer. The process includes contract generation, document collection, background checks where required, and payroll setup.
Is Remote suitable for small businesses and startups?
Remote works for smaller companies, but the $599 monthly fee per employee may be prohibitive for very small teams or early-stage startups. Companies with just a few international employees might find better value with more affordable providers like Remofirst. However, Remote does offer startup discounts (15% off for qualified companies), which can help reduce costs for eligible businesses.
How does Remote handle intellectual property protection?
Remote’s IP Guard feature includes specialized IP clauses in all employment contracts, tailored to each country’s legal framework. The system ensures proper documentation of ownership rights, provides regular IP audits, and implements country-specific protections that strengthen employers’ IP security. This comprehensive approach makes Remote particularly valuable for companies with significant intellectual property concerns.
What countries does Remote not support?
While Remote covers 180+ countries, they don’t currently support some sanctioned countries and regions with extreme regulatory challenges. Specific unsupported locations include North Korea, Iran, Syria, and certain regions under international sanctions. The company regularly adds new countries, so their coverage continues to expand over time.
Can Remote help with converting contractors to employees?
Yes, Remote provides services for converting international contractors to full-time employees. The process involves evaluating current arrangements, creating compliant employment contracts, and ensuring proper classification. This conversion helps reduce misclassification risks that can lead to penalties and legal issues in many countries. Remote handles all paperwork, benefits setup, and payroll adjustments required for the transition.
Does Remote offer a free trial?
Remote offers a 30-day free trial for their contractor management platform, allowing companies to test the system before committing to paid services. However, they don’t provide free trials for their full EOR service due to the legal setup required. Interested companies can request demos to see the platform in action before making a decision.
