International Employment Laws

5 mins read

Understanding the Concept: Who is an Employer of Record?

Published on:

Apr 18, 2024

Updated on:

Apr 1, 2025

Rivermate | Understanding the Concept: Who is an Employer of Record?

What is an Employer of Record?

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party service provider that provides employers with a means of hiring and managing employees in multiple countries. It’s a highly specialized type of service that allows employers to legally employ individuals in countries where they don’t have a legal entity or physical presence. EORs can help companies expand their business operations into new countries quickly, easily, and with minimal risk.

What Does an Employer of Record Do?

An EOR acts as the employer of record for an employee in a foreign country, taking on the legal and financial responsibility of employing the individual. This includes all aspects of the employment relationship, such as payroll, benefits, taxes, and other legal obligations. By using an EOR, employers can hire, manage, and terminate employees without having to set up a local entity or obtain a work permit.

EORs can also provide employers with additional services such as recruitment, onboarding, and relocation assistance. This can help employers save time and money by streamlining the hiring process and avoiding costly mistakes. Additionally, EORs can provide employers with access to local legal and tax advice, helping them remain compliant with local regulations.

Types of Employer of Record Services

EORs typically provide a variety of services, including payroll and tax filing, employee benefits, and other HR functions. Some EORs provide additional services such as recruitment and onboarding assistance, relocation assistance, and legal and tax advice. It’s important to select an EOR that offers the services that are most important to you and your business.

EORs can also differ in terms of the countries they serve. Some EORs provide services in a limited number of countries, while others have a global reach. It’s important to select an EOR that can provide services in the countries where you plan to expand your business.

Best Practices When Selecting an Employer of Record

When selecting an EOR, it’s important to consider their experience, reputation, and the services they offer. It’s also important to make sure that the EOR is compliant with local laws and regulations. Additionally, be sure to ask for references from previous clients. Finally, be sure to read the contract carefully and make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions.

Benefits of Using an Employer of Record

Using an EOR can provide numerous benefits for employers. It can help employers save time and money by streamlining the hiring process and avoiding costly mistakes. Additionally, an EOR can provide employers with access to local legal and tax advice, helping them remain compliant with local regulations. Furthermore, an EOR can help employers manage the complexities of employing individuals in multiple countries, allowing them to focus on their core business.

Case Studies

To better understand the requirements and best practices when it comes to engaging an EOR in different countries, let’s look at two case studies. In the first case study, a US-based company is looking to hire employees in Europe. In this case, the company should look for an EOR with experience in Europe, who can provide services such as payroll and benefits administration, as well as access to local legal and tax advice. Additionally, the company should make sure that the EOR is compliant with local laws and regulations. Finally, the company should ask for references from previous clients.

In the second case study, a company is looking to hire employees in Latin America. In this case, the company should look for an EOR with experience in Latin America, who can provide services such as payroll and benefits administration, as well as access to local legal and tax advice. Additionally, the company should make sure that the EOR is compliant with local laws and regulations in each country. Finally, the company should ask for references from previous clients.

Tips for Using an Employer of Record

When using an EOR, it’s important to understand the local laws and regulations in each country. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the EOR is compliant with local laws and regulations. It’s also important to ensure that the EOR is providing the services that you need and that you understand all of the terms and conditions of the contract. Finally, it’s important to ask for references from previous clients.

Conclusion

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party service provider that provides employers with a means of hiring and managing employees in multiple countries. It’s a highly specialized type of service that allows employers to legally employ individuals in countries where they don’t have a legal entity or physical presence. EORs can help companies expand their business operations into new countries quickly, easily, and with minimal risk. When selecting an EOR, it’s important to consider their experience, reputation, and the services they offer. Additionally, employers should make sure that the EOR is compliant with local laws and regulations. By using an EOR, employers can save time and money by streamlining the hiring process and avoiding costly mistakes. Furthermore, an EOR can provide employers with access to local legal and tax advice, helping them remain compliant with local regulations.

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Lucas Botzen

Founder & Managing Director

Lucas Botzen is the founder of Rivermate, a global HR platform specializing in international payroll, compliance, and benefits management for remote companies. He previously co-founded and successfully exited Boloo, scaling it to over €2 million in annual revenue. Lucas is passionate about technology, automation, and remote work, advocating for innovative digital solutions that streamline global employment.

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