EOR services enable organizations to hire and pay employees in another country without setting up a local entity.
Hiring from the global market is daunting for small businesses and startups because of their limited resources. However, this should not stop these businesses from expanding their operations beyond borders and tapping into the diverse talent pool.
EOR services help small organizations navigate the complexities of global hiring, payroll management, and compliance. These services act as the legal employer of record, sparing startups from establishing legal entities in different countries. By handling crucial tasks like global payroll and benefits management, EOR reduces administrative burdens and risks.
Geekflare tested the best EOR providers for small businesses and startups based on affordability, compliance expertise, user-friendly technology, responsive customer support, and flexibility in service offerings that minimize global recruitment risks and costs.
- Deel – Best All-in-one EOR for Growing Startups
- Velocity Global – Best for Scaling Quickly
- Remote – Offers Localized Benefits
- Multiplier – All-in-one Global Human Platform
- Oyster – Hire in 130+ Countries
- Papaya Global – Best for Established Small Businesses
- Horizons – Cheap EOR Service
- WorkMotion – Best for European Companies
- Atlas – Emerging EOR Service
- Safeguard Global – Leading EOR for Small Businesses
- Plane – Best for Startups
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Deel
Best All-in-one EOR for Growing Startups
- Global Reach150+ Countries
- ComplianceBuilt-in Compliance Protection
- Fast & Flexible5-minute Onboarding
About Deel
Deel empowers small businesses by helping them expand globally through hiring and onboarding employees worldwide. It manages payroll, taxes, and compliance to ensure the business complies with local regulations. It automatically collects paperwork and stores it in one place to avoid confusion and delay.
Established in 2014, US-based Deel has over 35,000 clients worldwide. It localizes the entire employee lifecycle with local leave policies, salary benchmarks, and termination practices.
Deel Features
Country-specific documentation for compliant onboarding
15+ payment methods to pay the global team
Monitor and inform of latest changes on wage, pension, and leave regulations
200+ local HR and legal experts to ensure compliance
Integration with 65+ HR and finance applications
Enables employees to submit time-off requests that the HR team can approve
Offboarding process Compliant with local labor law
Global trend analytics on contribution and expenses
Deel Pros/Cons
HR workflow automation with third-party integrations
24/7 support and a dedicated CSM manager
Data security with SOC1, SOC2, SOC3, GDPR, and AES-256 encryption
Background check comes as an add-on
Steep learning curve for new users
Velocity Global
Best for Scaling Quickly
- Global Reach185+ Countries
- ComplianceCompliance with Payroll, Legal & Employment Laws
- Fast & FlexiblePayroll in 185+ Currencies
About Velocity Global
Velocity Global is a global EOR platform that helps small businesses expand internationally. It operates in more than 185 countries, helping businesses hire, manage, and pay. It assists businesses with various employment duties such as compliance management, drafting employment contracts, managing benefits packages, and managing payroll.
They have a generous team that guides the businesses through the culture and laws of employment jurisdiction.
In addition, the platform helps with time tracking and payroll management across different regions. Lastly, its third-party integrations with HRIS and payroll systems enable businesses to use their EOR while sticking to their current system.
Velocity Global Features
Employee cost calculator for country-specific expenses
Immigration support for relocating talents
Access to global benefits package for various countries
Time tracking for simplified global payroll
Real-time reporting and analytics for accurate payroll metrics
Built-in security features such as endpoint protection software, AES-256 encryption
Transparent global equity programs for compliance
Velocity Global Pros/Cons
Integration with ATS, HCM & HRIS platforms
Human customer assistance
Transparent foreign exchange structure
Robust user interface
Pricing information is not available
May not be the best fit for specific niche-industry regulations
Remote
Offers Localized Benefits
- Global Reach85+ Countries
- ComplianceRemote Watchtower for Smart Complaince
- Fast & Flexible3-day Onboarding
About Remote
Remote provides employer of record services with quick onboarding so the remote teams can become global. Its built-in risk protection allows companies to hire international employees without worrying about compliance with local employment laws and payroll rules.
Based in Portugal, Remote started its journey in 2019. It has more than 1,000 employees and became the fifth billion-dollar company in its country in 2023.
Remote Features
Embedded country and situation-specific guidance for EOR
Monitor legal updates in all individual countries and inform the companies
Integration with tools like Gusto, BambooHR, and Zapier
Provide packages with competitive and updated benefits
Personal customer success implementation manager
Five-step support for each new client
Transparent and accurate payroll with action and approval reminders
Self-service payroll and expense reimbursements with a mobile app for employees
Remote Pros/Cons
Zero onboarding or offboarding fees
Compliant equity incentives
Remote IP guard to secure intellectual property
Limited third-party integration support
EOR services are available in fewer countries compared to most competitors
Multiplier
All-in-one Global Human Platform
- Global Reach150+ Countries
- ComplianceLocal HR and Payroll Experts
- Fast & FlexiblePayroll in 120+ Currencies
About Multiplier
Multiplier is an Employer of Record (EOR) service provider that allows organizations to hire international workers legally and efficiently. In addition to being the legal employer of international employees, it manages their payroll, taxes, benefits, and expenses, ensuring everyone gets homogenous benefits and insurance.
Multiplier was founded in 2020 and has offices in all major continents, including North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Its clients include big names like PWC and Uber.
Multiplier Features
Generate and send legally compliant and customized contracts
Collect onboarding documents according to country-specific regulations
Offer localized benefit plans for the employees
Real-time payroll status visibility and generate reports
Payments with employee payslips and payroll with a single monthly invoice
Supports 120+ currencies for EOR payroll
Employee tax management with allowance and social contributions
Multiplier Pros/Cons
Employee time-off and business expense approval from one place
100% GDPR-compliant data hosting on AWS
Self-service onboarding
Customer support is not available on weekends
Limited integration support
Oyster
Hire in 130+ Countries
- Global Reach130+ Countries
- ComplianceCompliant Infrastructure in 180+ Countries
- Fast & FlexibleOnboarding in 48 Hours
About Oyster
Oyster EOR is a global solution that creates a strategic partnership with companies with the help of deep employment insights and a team of experts. It also performs employee time-off management, contract change, and offboarding tasks.
US-based company Oyster was established in 2020. It has its team members distributed in 60+ countries.
Oyster Features
Takes only 48 hours to complete onboarding after hiring international talents
Hire EOR from 130+ countries and contractors from 180+ countries
Generate 100% compliant agreements reviewed by legal experts
Integrate with HRIS, ATS, ERP, expense management, and security applications
Timely payroll with more than 99% accuracy
Empower the global workforce with competitive salaries, equity, and benefits
Oyster Pros/Cons
IP assignment agreements for risk mitigation
Employment intelligence and support for compliant hiring
Synchronize data with the current ERP system
Currency conversion fee when companies pay in non-contract currency
Refundable security deposit for engagement initiation
Papaya Global
Best for Established Small Businesses
- Global Reach160+ Countries
- ComplianceCertified Team of Local Experts
- Fast & FlexiblePayroll in 100+ Currencies
About Papaya Global
Papaya Global provides a platform to oversee EOR, payroll, legal, and compliance. It prioritizes 100% local compliance with a dedicated team of experts. It offers complete visibility into the workforce so companies can control their costs and optimize their hiring strategy.
Established in 2016, Papaya Global is one of the Forbes Cloud 100 companies. It has 21 offices worldwide and 2000+ clients.
Papaya Global Features
Supports onboarding of up to 1000 employees at a time
Review hiring contracts and sign them from the same platform
Automatic generation of country-specific standard contracts
Robust healthcare insurance in partnership with DavidShield
API and data connectors to import pre-payroll data
AI-powered validation engine for salary update analysis and local compliance
Attract top talents with global equity plans
24/7 customer portal with dedicated CSM and GPE teams
Papaya Global Pros/Cons
Secure employee access with custom roles and permissions
EOR wallets comprising bank-level security
Integration with Payroll and HRIS software
Customer support limited to WhatsApp
Costly EOR for small businesses
Horizons
Cheap EOR Service
- Global Reach180+ Countries
- ComplianceFull Compliance with Local Tax and Labor Laws
- Fast & FlexibleOnboarding in 24 Hours
About Horizons
With Horizons, businesses can avoid the trouble of establishing a subsidiary for international recruitment. Its global team of in-house recruiters offers a personalized approach so companies can optimize international hiring with a curated list of talents.
Launched in 2018, Horizons has its remote team distributed across 35+ countries.
Horizons Features
Generate compliant bilingual labor contracts for employees
Talent acquisition service to select the best candidates from the pool
Payroll system includes a detailed employer cost breakdown
Offer full-service HR for contractor and work visa management
Single monthly bill for the payroll of all employees
Absence and leave management of global employees
Manage EOR payroll with tax withholdings in 100+ currencies
Intuitive platform to overview global payroll status 24/7
Horizons Pros/Cons
Complimentary expense reimbursement
Support from on-site legal, payroll, and HR specialists
Manage employment taxes, social security contributions, and other liabilities
Support is not available on weekends
Health insurance benefits incur additional cost
WorkMotion
Best for European Companies
- Global Reach160+ Countries
- ComplianceGDPR
- Fast & Flexible10-minute Onboaring
About WorkMotion
WorkMotion is a global employment and payroll solution. It lets companies hire and manage employees from anywhere globally from a single platform. Companies can easily hire people from different locations using its standard country-specific contract templates.
Berlin-based company WorkMotion started its journey in 2020. It partners with HiBob, Jobgether, Veremark, Launch Global, and Hi People.
WorkMotion Features
Hire candidates from 160+ countries
Fats-track onboarding with contract review by legal experts
Process support and advice from in-house technology
Automated platform for country-specific lifecycle management
Global payroll management with base fees, EOR fees, and allowance
100% compliant talent expense reporting
Integrates with BambooHR, WorkDay, SafetyWing, HiBob, etc.
Comprehensive guides on 100+ countries and dedicated customer success manager
WorkMotion Pros/Cons
Manage employee lifecycle, including offboarding
Instant contract creation in a few clicks
In-house team for HR assistance
No phone or live chat support
Additional onboarding fee
Atlas
Emerging EOR Service
- Global Reach160+ Countries
- ComplianceLocalized Expertise for Regulatory Needs
- Fast & FlexibleSame-day Onboarding
About Atlas
Atlas is not just an EOR service provider. It is a centralized HXM technology platform that offers global benefits and payroll administration features. It manages the legal, HR, tax and local compliance responsibilities on behalf of its customers to deliver end-to-end EOR solutions.
Atlas was founded in 2015, introducing the world’s first 100% direct EOR model. It has 500+ global employees.
Atlas Features
Comes with a full suite of HCM solutions
Manage payroll taxes, social contributions, and government fees
Compliance with mandatory benefits like pensions and health insurance
Payroll, payslip, and back-office administrative processes
Scalable solution for quick onboarding compliant with employment regulation
One-click preview, review, and approval of the entire payroll process
Expense management by employees with mobile app
In-platform and latest global HR reference guides
Atlas Pros/Cons
Multifactor authentication and ISO 27001 certification
Custom contracts that comply with local laws
End-to-end immigration and global visa support
Does not offer time tracking and attendance features
Email and live chat support are not available
Safeguard Global
Leading EOR for Small Businesses
- Global Reach170+ Countries
- ComplianceLocal Labor Law Compliant Contracts
- Fast & FlexibleOnboarding in 2 Weeks
About Safeguard Global
Safeguard Global is a dependable employer of record service provider that supports quick and compliant hiring without any legal entity. With its established entities, Safeguard Global hires employees on behalf of the organizations while managing the HR and legal requirements.
Safeguard Global was launched in 2010. It has over 1,500 clients worldwide and more than 1,800 employees in 35 countries.
Safeguard Global Features
Local hiring experts for the US, Canada, APAC, EMEA and LATAM
Accurate and on-time payroll services with benefits and tax withholdings
Country-based single invoice with salary, commissions and fees
Receipt upload and expense tracking for employees
Employee time and attendance tracking that automatically connects with payroll
Workforce insights with data filtering based on country, currency, and contract
Certified Workday integration for accurate payroll delivery
Trained and qualified experts on local laws, taxation, and payroll regulations
Safeguard Global Pros/Cons
Real-time visibility of HR and payroll data for strategic decisions
No-cost background checks
In-country HR teams for support in the local language and time zone
Transparent pricing is not available
No live chat support
Plane
Best for Startups
- Global Reach100+ Countries
- ComplianceContracts Reviewed by US and Local Lawyers
- Fast & Flexible70+ Currencies
About Plane
Plane is an EOR platform that caters to the needs of fast-growing companies. It lets companies hire global employees, integrate local and international payroll, and manage employee benefits from the same platform.
Plane started its journey in 2015 as Pilot. In 2023, it changed its name to Plane and operates as a remote-first company.
Plane Features
Country-specific employment contracts compliant with tax laws
Expert guidance on worker classification, immigration, and visa
Single payroll system for serving employees in 240+ countries
Options to choose between automated or manually approved payments
Employee self-management of payment details, payment status, and expense report
Flexible payroll run as per customized pay period
Local experts for guided onboarding of employees
Personalized support on Slack channel with assigned onboarding manager
Plane Pros/Cons
No minimum charges
Multi-layered security practices
Supports health benefits in 175+ countries
Does not offer chat support
Support is not available on weekends
Comparison of Top EOR Services for Freelancers & Independent Contractors
Here’s a quick summary comparison of the top EOR services for freelancers and independent contractors.
EOR Services | Rating Geekflare’s editorial team determines ratings based on factors such as key features, ease of use, pricing, and customer support to help you choose the right business software. | Key Services | Ideal For | Pricing Model | Customer Support | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Deel | EOR, payroll, compliance | Growing startups | Monthly fees | Live chat and webform | ||
Remote | Hiring, onboarding, payroll, time and attendance | Remote-first companies | Monthly fees | Email and live chat | ||
Multiplier | Hiring, onboarding, payroll | Quickly expanding businesses | Per employee per month | Email | ||
Oyster | Companies with a limited budget | Growing startups | Per employee per month | Email | ||
 Papaya Global | EOR, global benefits, equity management | Established Small Businesses | Per employee per month | WhatsApp chat | ||
Horizons | Companies with a limited budget | Companies with limited budget | Per employee per month | Ticket submission | ||
WorkMotion | Hiring, onboarding, time tracking, offboarding | European companies | Per employee per month + one time onboarding fees | Ticket submission | ||
Atlas | EOR, compliance, onboarding, payroll | Startups and SMEs | Custom | Phone | ||
Safeguard Global | EOR, global recruitment, payroll, people analytics | Small businesses | Custom | Phone | ||
Plane | EOR, payroll, health benefits | Fast-growing companies | Per employee per month | Slack, phone, email |
What are the Key Benefits of Using EOR Services for Small Businesses?
EORs free small businesses from the hassle of establishing a legal entity in a foreign country. These also ensure compliance with complex labor laws of the different countries, reducing the risk of costly penalties. EORs can also manage administrative tasks like payroll processing, employee benefits, time tracking, and onboarding. Overall, EOR services enable small businesses to scale their workforce while allowing their small team to focus on core operations.
How Can EOR Services Help Startups With Limited Resources?
EOR services are highly beneficial to startups with limited resources. They allow them to hire employees in various locations and eliminate the need for complex HR and payroll processes in each region. EOR providers manage all aspects of recruitment, including payroll, benefits, and compliance, so startups can expand their operations globally.
What Should Small Businesses Consider When Selecting an EOR Provider?
For any small business, a successful partnership with an EOR depends on the latter’s ability to fulfil the specific needs. Small businesses should consider an EOR provider’s experience in their target markets, their services, pricing models, and customer support. Thus, they can choose a provider that aligns with their business goals and budget.
Are There EOR Services Specifically Designed for Startups?
Yes, there are EOR services, such as Deel, that offer tailored packages to startups. Their flexible pricing helps startups navigate initial growth challenges while ensuring compliance.
How Do EOR Services Streamline Hiring and Compliance for Small Companies?
A small company usually has a limited number of team members. EOR services streamline their hiring process by handling recruitment and onboarding. They also ensure compliance with complex local labor laws with the help of local law experts, reducing legal risks for small companies.
What Factors Impact the Pricing of EOR Services for Small Businesses?
EOR pricing for small businesses is determined by the number of employees, countries of operation, and chosen services. If a company chooses to get additional services, it might have to pay extra charges for them. Hence, small businesses should understand all factors to create a budget for EOR solutions.
Conclusion
EOR enables startups and small businesses to leverage globalization by letting them hire from a wider talent pool worldwide. If companies want to partner with a reliable EOR, they must determine their specific needs and budget and select an EOR that aligns with those. Above all, a scalable and compliant EOR is the right option for SMBs and startups to support growth.