In the past five years, the Employer of Record (EOR) landscape has transformed dramatically. What used to be a handful of providers has now grown globally to around one thousand companies, an almost unprecedented trend accelerated by the pandemic. Businesses and employees alike quickly realized that the traditional 9-to-5 office model wasn’t always necessary, as teams can work remotely or anywhere in the world.
Step Forward EORs
So, if you don’t already know, what is an EOR? Well, to put it briefly, it is a service that allows companies to hire employees in foreign countries without establishing a local entity. The EOR, with its licence, becomes the legal employer, handling payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance with local labor laws. This lets a company focus on managing its team while mitigating legal and administrative risks abroad.
With many EORs available today, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Some providers focus heavily on tech-based platforms for payroll, compliance, and HR functions, while others, like hybrid solutions, combine technology with human support. But what else should you consider when selecting the best EOR to expand internationally?
Choosing an EOR
When selecting an EOR for your expanding global workforce, it’s important to evaluate some key factors to ensure smooth operations, compliance, and a positive experience for you and your international employees. These include:
- Coverage: Are the countries you want included in the EOR’s offering?
- Tech vs Human Support: Do you want full automation or a hybrid model with on-hand account managers to help handle any queries?
- Compliance Expertise: Can they navigate local labor laws and tax regulations?
- Pricing Transparency: Are fees clear and predictable to help you budget?
- Onboarding Speed: How quickly can employees be set up in a new country?
- Employee Experience: What’s the quality of HR support and benefits for your international hires?
Best EOR for You
When evaluating potential EOR providers, there are factors to consider that will directly impact your team’s experience, compliance, and operational efficiency. Not all EORs are created equal, and the right choice can depend on several considerations, including:
- Size of Your International Team: Small teams may prioritize cost and speed; larger teams may need advanced compliance and reporting.
- Countries of Interest: Ensure your provider operates in your target markets.
- Level of Control: Some EORs allow more internal management; others are more hands-off.
Selecting the correct Employer of Record for you is essential when it comes to international expansion. The right EOR simplifies compliance, accelerates hiring, and ensures your employees are supported, no matter where they work.
Top 10 Employer of Record Companies
With thousands of EOR providers operating worldwide, knowing which will offer genuine expertise, reliable compliance, and an exceptional employee experience can be challenging. To help you navigate the landscape, we’ve curated a list of the Top 10 EOR companies based on factors such as coverage, compliance, customer support, platform usability, onboarding speed, and overall value for global teams.
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1. Agility EOR is one of the UK's fastest-growing global EORs. Agility EOR stands out for its hybrid model that blends technology with contactable human expertise. Unlike purely automated platforms, Agility offers a direct line to personalized support and extensive knowledge across all major markets, which makes it one of the best EOR providers out there.
With transparent pricing, rapid onboarding, and a strong focus on the international employee experience, Agility is a go-to partner for any size organization that’s scaling globally.
The best EOR for: Companies wanting a balance of tech efficiency and real human support
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2. Remote provides a tech-forward platform offering EOR services in an A-Z of countries. Known for its user interface and self-serve tools, its team is remotely based around the world to help other businesses.
Perfect for: Teams comfortable with automation

3. Safeguard Global has been offering global employment solutions for more than 15 years. With deep experience and serving 187 countries, they are well-suited for large, complex multinational organizations, particularly for mergers and acquisitions.
Selected by: Teams requiring compliance and reporting functions

4. Globalization Partners (G-P) is known for its global coverage, investment in tech infrastructure, and for having one of the largest direct EOR footprints in the industry.
Great for: Companies looking for wide geographical coverage with strong compliance oversight

5. Atlas operates in around 160 countries and offers a user-friendly platform built for the likes of global payroll and compliance consistency.
Chosen by: Organizations prioritizing consistent processes across regions

6. Oyster offers a simple interface and straightforward onboarding tools that appeal to smaller teams or companies hiring their first overseas employees.
Suited to: Startups expanding internationally for the first time

7. Deel is one of the most recognizable EOR brands due to its rapid growth and investment in platform automation. While highly efficient, their model often suits teams more comfortable with transactional support and less direct human guidance.
Good for: Companies that prefer a highly automated, tech-first approach

8. Papaya is known for its payroll intelligence platform and analytics capabilities. Their EOR solution integrates with payroll and finance systems, making it attractive for data-driven teams.
Ideal for: Businesses that want payroll reporting and global workforce analytics

9. Velocity Global offers global hiring solutions with a focus on large-scale workforce deployment. Their EOR services cover many regions, though they traditionally operate through partner networks in several markets.
Super for: Mid-sized and larger organizations expanding into multiple regions simultaneously

10. Multiplier is a younger company that has grown due to its intuitive interface and transparent pricing. It’s particularly strong in developing markets.
Nice choice for: Companies hiring across Asia or looking for cost-effective EOR solutions
Choosing Your EOR Partner
The best Employer of Record depends on your team size, target markets, preferred level of support, and operational needs. Some companies prioritize speed and automation, while others value hands-on compliance guidance and employee care.
If you’re looking for a partner that blends technology with high-quality human support to help you scale globally with confidence, Agility EOR has been recognized as one of the top EOR providers in the UK for its excellence. You can read more about their recent endorsement here: Agility EOR Recognized as a Leading Employer of Record Provider in the UK.
We are always at the end of the phone for new and existing clients. Give us a call today, and let’s talk about how we can help you expand quickly and compliantly - www.agilityeor.com/contact




