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.


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.