You've got employees working in London, New York and Singapore. Everything seems to be running smoothly until payroll deadlines approach, someone has a question about local employment laws, or you need to hire in another country.
Employer of Record (EOR) software can help take some of that responsibility off your shoulders. But with so many options available, which provider is the right fit for your business?
Here are five providers and HR services to consider when managing your global team.
1. Teamed
When you're managing employees across different countries, you need more than software that processes payroll. You need to know that everything is being handled properly, especially when unexpected employment issues arise. That's why Teamed takes the top spot on our list.
Founded in 2018, Teamed has supported over 1,000 growing teams and holds a 4.8/5 rating on G2. Its approach combines employment technology with practical advice from experienced HR and legal specialists.
But what does that look like in practice? Take Dyke Yaxley, an accounting firm that doubled its audit capacity while reporting zero compliance issues with Teamed's support. Another client, City Relay, grew its team in Spain from two to ten employees.
Teamed also takes a proactive approach to international employment. Instead of waiting for you to raise an issue, its team helps identify when your employment arrangements may need to change as your business develops.
Key reasons to choose Teamed:
- Onboard international employees in as little as 24 hours.
- Connect with over 500 supported HR, payroll and finance platforms.
- Manage employment payments across 80+ currencies.
- Benefit from a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
- Get proactive advice when your existing employment structure needs to change.
- Use the free Employer Cost Calculator to estimate hiring costs across 94 countries and all 50 US states.
Best for: Global companies looking for proactive HR and legal guidance, transparent pricing and long-term employment flexibility.
2. Safeguard Global
Managing employees across multiple countries can be challenging, especially when your business has to deal with different employment laws, payroll requirements and HR processes.
Safeguard Global helps businesses manage these responsibilities through its Employer of Record services and international workforce management platform.
The company works with organisations of different sizes, offering support with global hiring, employee administration and compliance. This can be useful when your business is expanding into new markets or managing teams across several locations.
Safeguard Global also provides workforce reporting tools, giving you a clearer overview of your international employees and helping you keep track of employment-related information.
You'll also have access to local HR expertise when questions arise about employment requirements in different countries.
Key reasons to choose Safeguard Global:
- International EOR and workforce management services.
- Access to local HR and employment specialists.
- Global payroll and employee benefits administration.
- Workforce reporting and analytics tools.
- Support with employee onboarding and local compliance.
Best for: Businesses managing large international workforces that need centralised HR, payroll and compliance support.
3. Oakleaf Partnership
Having the right people in place is just as important as having the right software when you're managing a growing international workforce. You might already have the systems you need but struggle to find experienced professionals to support your HR operations.
Oakleaf Partnership specialises in HR recruitment and executive search, helping organisations find professionals across HR, payroll, reward and people management.
Whether you're opening a new office and need an experienced HR leader or your existing team needs extra support during a busy period, Oakleaf Partnership offers permanent, interim and fractional recruitment services to help fill those gaps.
While it doesn't replace EOR software, it can be useful for businesses looking to strengthen their internal HR capabilities as they expand internationally.
Key reasons to choose Oakleaf Partnership:
- Specialist HR recruitment and executive search.
- Support finding senior HR and people leaders.
- Permanent, interim and fractional recruitment options.
- Salary benchmarking and recruitment market insights.
Best for: Companies looking to recruit experienced HR professionals and strengthen their internal people teams.
4. Native Teams
Hiring employees overseas is one challenge. Making sure their contracts, payments and benefits are properly managed is another.
Its direct EOR model is a key part of its approach. Through its owned legal entities in supported markets, Native Teams can take responsibility for employing workers locally while you manage their day-to-day work.
The platform also supports international payments, making it relevant for businesses that have employees or contractors working in different currencies.
You can manage employment documents, payroll and employee benefits through the same system, reducing the need to keep track of information across separate tools.
However, Teamed may be a better fit if you're looking for more personalised support, as it provides access to real HR and legal experts on every plan, alongside proactive guidance as your international employment needs change.
Key reasons to choose Native Teams:
- Hire international employees through local employment arrangements.
- Direct employment through owned legal entities in supported markets.
- International payroll and payment administration.
- Support with local employment contracts and onboarding.
Best for: Businesses seeking direct international employment and a centralised platform for managing payroll and payments.
5. Plane
Managing a growing workforce can become challenging when your employees and contractors are based in different countries. Plane helps businesses stay organised by bringing international employment and payroll management together in one platform.
Its Employer of Record services allow you to hire overseas employees while handling responsibilities such as employment contracts, payroll and local compliance requirements.
Plane also offers tools for managing employee records, onboarding and time off, helping you keep track of your workforce as your business grows.
For US-based companies working with both international employees and contractors, Plane provides a practical way to manage different employment arrangements and reduce everyday administrative work.
Key reasons to choose Plane:
- International EOR and employment management services.
- Payroll and payment support for employees and contractors.
- Employee onboarding and time-off management.
- Workforce reporting and payroll management tools.
Best for: US-based companies managing a mix of international employees and contractors through one platform.
What matters when choosing EOR software?
Before choosing an EOR provider, take some time to understand what your business actually needs. It's easy to get caught up comparing features, but not every platform will be the right fit for your team.
Think about your long-term plans, too. You might only be hiring in a few countries today, but that could change as your business grows. Make sure your provider can support you as your needs evolve.
It's also a good idea to ask questions before signing any contracts. Find out what's included in the service, how much support you'll receive and whether there are any additional fees to be aware of.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
