Global hiring lets you bring on talent anywhere in the world, but building remote teams in a new country usually means clearing a legal hurdle first: setting up a local entity. This is where an employer of record comes in.
An employer of record, or EOR, is a company that legally employs your staff abroad on your behalf. It handles contracts, payroll, taxes, and mandatory benefits, so you can hire without having to register a company in every country where you operate.
In this guide, we will compare the top 10 employer-of-record companies for remote teams in 2026 and help you find the right provider for your business.
Here is the full list:
- Deel
- Recruitgo
- Remote
- Multiplier
- Oyster HR
- Rippling
- Globalization Partners
- Remofirst
- Skuad
- Papaya Global
The 8 Parameters for Assessing an Employer of Record
Before you start comparing brand names, it’s important to have clear evaluation criteria. Here are eight key factors to consider when assessing any EOR for remote teams. Each factor includes a question you should ask every provider on your shortlist.
For more details, you can refer to our methodology for evaluating EOR service providers.
| # | Parameter | The question you should ask |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entity ownership | Do you own a legal entity in my hiring country, or do you use a partner? |
| 2 | Compliance depth | Who on your team handles my country's statutory filings, and where are they based? |
| 3 | Pricing transparency | What is the full monthly cost, itemized, including deposits and currency charges? |
| 4 | Payroll accuracy | How do you pay in local currency, and how do you correct errors? |
| 5 | Benefits quality | What do you offer beyond the legal minimum, and at what cost? |
| 6 | Onboarding and offboarding | How quickly can you hire my candidate, and how do you handle terminations? |
| 7 | Support and employee experience | Will my employee deal with a person or a ticket queue? Who owns the IP? |
| 8 | Exit path | When I outgrow EOR, who sets up my entity and transfers my team? |
The Top 10 Employer of Record Companies for Remote Teams in 2026
1. Deel
Deel is a global platform for hiring and payroll, based in San Francisco, USA. It supports over 35,000 businesses worldwide and has a strong reputation, with more than 8,000 reviews on G2. Deel operates in more than 100 countries and is present in all major Southeast Asian markets.
| Parameter | How Deel performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Owned entities across 100 plus countries |
| Compliance depth | Strong global processes, good but generalized in Southeast Asia |
| Pricing | From 599 dollars per employee per month; free contractor management |
| Payroll and benefits | Reliable multi-currency payroll, localized benefits, equity support |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Fast onboarding; additional offboarding fees are reported |
| Support and experience | Well-built platform, 100 plus integrations, support can slow at busy times |
| Exit path | Entity setup offered as a paid add-on |
Deel review in one line: Its main advantage is its global reach; however, its pricing is designed for Western salaries rather than those in Southeast Asia.
2. Recruitgo
Recruitgo is an Employer of Record (EOR) and payroll provider based in Dubai, with in-house teams spread across Southeast Asia. They boast a 4.9/5ating on G2. Recruitgo offers highly competitive EOR services at just 10% of total payroll costs, making it the most cost-effective option in this comparison. If your hiring focus is on Southeast Asia, Recruitgo excels across all eight parameters.
Unlike many providers that claim broad coverage, Recruitgo focuses on core Southeast Asian markets, ensuring compliance is managed by local staff and giving you confidence in their regional expertise.
| Parameter | How Recruitgo performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Owns registered entities and in-house HR teams in eight core markets, 40-plus countries overall |
| Compliance depth | Part of the Emerhub Group, operating in Southeast Asia since 2011. SSS, BPJS, THR, and CPF filings are handled as a daily routine by local staff |
| Pricing | 10% of payroll, from 49.99 dollars, capped at 250 dollars in core markets. Itemized invoices, no deposits |
| Payroll and benefits | Local currency payroll through its own entities, one USD invoice to you, localized benefits per market |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Onboarding in days, for example 3 to 5 days in Singapore. Terminations handled by local staff who apply severance rules correctly |
| Support and experience | Direct support from regional teams rather than a global ticket queue. IP assigned to you as standard |
| Exit path | Parent company Emerhub incorporates your entity and transfers your team when you are ready |
Recruitgo charges just 10% of total payroll, so your fee scales with the salary you actually pay. If you hire a developer in Vietnam at 1,500 dollars per month, Recruitgo charges you 150 dollars. The flat-fee platforms charge $599 for the same administrative work. Across a five-person team, the difference is roughly 27,000 dollars per year.
Recruitgo review in one line: the best value employer of record for startups and small teams in Southeast Asia.
3. Remote
Remote is a global employment platform based in San Francisco, United States. It supports thousands of companies worldwide and has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on G2, where it also leads in compliance among EOR providers. Its standout feature is entity ownership: it never outsources employment and operates through fully owned entities in every country it serves.
| Parameter | How Remote performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Fully owned everywhere, no partners |
| Compliance depth | Direct compliance control, strong IP protection |
| Pricing | From 599 dollars per employee per month, no deposit |
| Payroll and benefits | Predictable payroll, good localized benefits, some added costs at termination |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Generally smooth, occasional onboarding delays reported |
| Support and experience | Clear platform, solid documentation |
| Exit path | Transfer support only, no incorporation service |
Remote.com review in one line: unmatched entity ownership and compliance with a flat fee that fits well within higher-salary markets.
4. Multiplier
Multiplier is a global employment platform founded and headquartered in Singapore. It supports thousands of companies and boasts a 4.7/5 rating on G2. It’s recognized as the most implementable EOR product and is praised for its speed, often getting a new employee on board within 24 hours in its own markets.
| Parameter | How Multiplier performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | 100-plus owned entities across 150-plus countries, strongest in APAC |
| Compliance depth | Strong in Asia, thinner in Europe and Latin America |
| Pricing | From about 400 dollars per employee per month |
| Payroll and benefits | 120-plus currencies, generally accurate, isolated failures documented |
| Onboarding and offboarding | The fastest onboarding in this comparison |
| Support and experience | Chat and email on a 24/5 basis, no phone line, no named manager at standard tiers |
| Exit path | Transfer support only |
Multiplier review in one line: the fastest onboarding and the best mid-tier price among the global platforms.
5. Oyster HR
Oyster HR is a global platform that helps companies hire employees from anywhere in the world, all while working remotely. It’s based in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the United States. Thousands of companies use Oyster HR, and it has a strong 4.4 out of 5 rating on G2, based on about 1,470 reviews. It’s specifically designed for companies hiring internationally for the first time, and each account has a dedicated success manager to assist them.
| Parameter | How Oyster performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Owned plus partner entities across 180 plus countries |
| Compliance depth | Solid, strongest in remote-first employment arrangements |
| Pricing | Around 699 dollars per employee per month, volume discounts available |
| Payroll and benefits | Reliable, with a useful salary benchmarking tool |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Guided step-by-step flows that are difficult to get wrong |
| Support and experience | The best-rated user experience in this comparison |
| Exit path | Transfer support only |
Oyster HR review in one line: offers the most comprehensive guidance in its category, but it comes with the highest upfront cost.
6. Rippling
Rippling is a workforce management platform based in San Francisco, United States. It supports thousands of businesses and holds a 4.8 out of 5 rating on G2, though this score encompasses the entire platform rather than just the EOR service. The platform integrates HR, payroll, IT, and finance into a single system, with EOR being one of its modules.
| Parameter | How Rippling performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Roughly 50 countries, the narrowest coverage in this comparison |
| Compliance depth | Reliable where covered, strongest in US matters |
| Pricing | Custom quotes, generally near 599 dollars per employee per month |
| Payroll and benefits | Works best when you already use Rippling for domestic payroll |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Smooth in covered countries, includes laptop and device provisioning |
| Support and experience | One dashboard for HR, payroll, IT, and finance |
| Exit path | None |
Rippling EOR review in one line: excellent if you are already a Rippling customer, but if you’re not, adopting the whole platform just for EOR probably isn’t worth it.
7. Globalization Partners
Globalization Partners, commonly referred to as G P, is the longest-established enterprise Employer of Record (EOR), based in Boston, United States. It supports thousands of businesses and has a G2 rating of approximately 4.5 out of 5. Companies operating in regulated sectors often opt for it due to its extensive legal expertise.
| Parameter | How Globalization Partners performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Owned entities across most of 180 plus countries |
| Compliance depth | The deepest legal infrastructure in the industry |
| Pricing | From about 699 dollars per employee per month, 12-month minimum, added fees reported |
| Payroll and benefits | Enterprise-grade and dependable |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Thorough rather than fast |
| Support and experience | Dedicated managers, 24/7 support, platform less refined than newer rivals |
| Exit path | Enterprise transition services, priced accordingly |
Globalization Partners review in one line: the deepest compliance in the industry, at enterprise prices and terms.
8. Remofirst
Remofirst is an Employer of Record (EOR) platform based in San Francisco, United States. Focused on budget-conscious solutions, it caters to startups and small enterprises across more than 185 countries and holds an approximate rating of 4.8 out of 5 on G2. It is the most cost-effective option in this comparison, with fees starting at 199 dollars per employee per month.
| Parameter | How Remofirst performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Partner network across 185 plus countries, with a few owned entities |
| Compliance depth | Adequate for simple markets, slower when situations become complicated |
| Pricing | From 199 dollars, contractors about 25 dollars, transparent |
| Payroll and benefits | Covers the essentials, private medical options in many countries |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Fast onboarding; offboarding depends on the local partner |
| Support and experience | Smaller platform and support team, consistent with the price |
| Exit path | None |
Remofirst review in one line: the lowest price in the market, with the tradeoffs of a partner model.
Advisor Insight: Terminations can become costly with low-cost EOR setups. A client in Indonesia experienced several months of unexpected severance payments due to the provider’s local partner overlooking a procedural step. Before you sign with anyone, always ask potential providers to clearly explain their offboarding process.
9. Skuad
Skuad is a global employment platform headquartered in Singapore and has been owned by anyone since 2024. It serves businesses seeking expansion in over 160 countries and has garnered positive reviews on G2, though fewer than those of industry leaders. Skuad offers competitive pricing alongside its Asian base of operations.
| Parameter | How Skuad performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Mixed model across 160-plus countries, solid Asian presence |
| Compliance depth | Handles statutory basics competently |
| Pricing | From about 199 dollars per employee per month |
| Payroll and benefits | Strong payment infrastructure via Payoneer, basic benefits options |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Quick and simple for standard hires |
| Support and experience | Functional platform, limited reporting depth |
| Exit path | None |
Skuad review in one line: a simple, affordable option supported by Payoneer's payment infrastructure.
10. Papaya Global
Papaya Global is a global payroll and payments platform based in Herzliya, Israel, with another office in New York. It serves large companies in over 160 countries and has a G2 rating of about 4.3 out of 5. Its main benefit is its all-in-one payroll and payments solutions, designed specifically for enterprise finance teams.
| Parameter | How Papaya performs |
|---|---|
| Entity ownership | Partner-leaning across 160-plus countries |
| Compliance depth | Strong on payments and reporting, partner-dependent on employment |
| Pricing | Roughly 650 to 770 dollars per employee per month, plus a deposit of nearly two months of salary |
| Payroll and benefits | Leading payments infrastructure, tier one banking license, consolidated reporting |
| Onboarding and offboarding | Competent but process-heavy |
| Support and experience | Built for enterprise finance teams |
| Exit path | None |
Papaya Global review in one line: enterprise payroll infrastructure, oversized for small remote teams.
All 10 Providers Compared on One Table
The table below compares the leading global employment companies. It uses a realistic regional salary of 1,500 dollars per month.
| Provider | Entity model in SEA | Your monthly fee | Onboarding | Exit to own entity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recruitgo | Owned, in-house local teams | 150 dollars (just 10% of payroll) | 3 to 5 days | Yes, via Emerhub |
| Remofirst | Partner network | 199 dollars | Fast | No |
| Skuad | Mixed | About 199 dollars | Fast | No |
| Multiplier | Owned, APAC strength | 400 dollars | Often 24 hours | No |
| Deel | Owned | 599 dollars | Days | Paid add-on |
| Remote | Fully owned | 599 dollars | Days | No |
| Rippling | Limited reach | About 599 dollars | Days where covered | No |
| Oyster HR | Owned plus partners | 699 dollars | Days, guided | No |
| Globalization Partners | Mostly owned | 699 dollars plus | Slower, thorough | Enterprise service |
| Papaya Global | Partner leaning | 650 dollars plus deposit | Process heavy | No |
Note: The fee is an additional cost in addition to your total employment expenses. In Southeast Asia, statutory contributions generally add 10 to 25 percent to the gross salary. For example, a developer earning 1,500 dollars in Vietnam incurs approximately 1,875 dollars in employer obligations before any EOR fee is deducted.
Which Provider Fits Your Situation
Match the table below to your current position.
| Your situation | Your best fit |
|---|---|
| Hiring your first 1 to 5 people in the Philippines, Indonesia, or Vietnam | Recruitgo |
| Testing a market before committing to an entity, with a plan to incorporate later | Recruitgo, then Emerhub for the entity |
| Hiring across Asia, Europe, and the Americas at the same time | Deel or Remote |
| Needing the lowest fee for one simple hire | Remofirst or Skuad |
| Making your first international hire and wanting guided support | Oyster HR |
| Already running Rippling for domestic payroll | Rippling |
| Operating in a regulated industry or at enterprise scale | Globalization Partners or Papaya Global |
Before requesting quotes, consider the following two points. Firstly, plan your exit strategy from the beginning. EOR services typically become less financially viable when you have between 15 and 25 employees in a single country. Recruitgo is the only provider whose parent group, Emerhub, can establish companies across the region and transfer your team into them.
Secondly, ensure you have written confirmation of entity ownership. Request that each shortlisted provider specify the legal employer in each country. This information will clarify who is responsible for your compliance.
Get Expert Help With Employer of Record Hiring in Southeast Asia
Selecting the right Employer of Record can transform lengthy registration into hiring within a week. It simplifies the management of international remote teams by efficiently handling payroll, compliance, and benefits.
Choosing the wrong EOR can result in ongoing payroll and compliance issues, causing significant problems. Proper preparation involves understanding target countries, realistic salaries, and growth plans to avoid pitfalls.
If you are expanding into Southeast Asia, consult experts to assess the true costs of your first hires accurately. A single conversation now can prevent months of avoidable mistakes, saving time and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get quick answers to common questions about employer of record companies for remote teams: top 10 picks for southeast asia in 2026
QWhat is an employer of record?
An employer of record is a company that legally employs workers on your behalf in another country. It handles contracts, payroll, tax withholding, and mandatory benefits. You direct the employee's daily work. This removes your need to register a local company.
QHow much does an employer of record cost in 2026?
Expect between $150 and $700 per employee per month. Regional specialists like Recruitgo charge just 10 percent of the total payroll, capped at 25$ 0 do core Southeast Asian markets. Global platforms typically charge flat fees of $599 to $699.
QWhat should I look for when choosing an EOR company?
Assess every provider on the same eight parameters. Entity ownership, compliance depth, pricing transparency, payroll accuracy, benefits quality, onboarding and offboarding, support quality, and exit path. Weight them by where and how many people you plan to hire.
QCan I hire in the Philippines without a local entity?
Yes. An EOR with a registered Philippine entity employs the worker on your behalf. It manages SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and 13th month pay. Your onboarding usually takes days rather than months.
QHow long does it take to hire through an EOR?
Most providers onboard your new employee within three to ten business days. Multiplier often manages 24 hours in its owned markets. Setting up your own entity in the same countries typically takes two to four months.
QDoes entity ownership really matter?
Yes, more than most business owners realize. An EOR with its own local entity resolves your payroll and termination issues directly. A partner-based EOR passes every problem through a third party, which slows fixes and blurs liability.
QWhen should I switch from an EOR to my own entity?
The usual threshold is 15 to 25 employees in a single country. Beyond that point, entity costs often drop below cumulative EOR fees. Groups like Emerhub can incorporate your entity and transfer your existing EOR staff.
QDo EOR fees include the employee's salary?
No. The service fee covers only administrative and compliance costs. Your total invoice includes gross salary, statutory employer contributions, and the fee. In Southeast Asia, contributions typically add 10 to 25 percent above salary.
QWhich employer of record is best for startups hiring in Southeast Asia?
For an employer of record for startups focused on Southeast Asia, Recruitgo offers the strongest combination across all eight parameters, especially pricing and exit path. Remofirst is the cheapest global option. Deel or Remote suit startups hiring across many regions at once.
QWho is responsible if something goes wrong with compliance?
The EOR carries legal responsibility as the registered employer. That is why entity ownership matters to you. A provider with its own local entity and staff resolves issues directly, without waiting on a third party.
Was this helpful?
0 readers found this helpful
Share it with your network
Mahnoor Jehanzeb specializes in global employment law and EOR solutions. With years of experience in the industry, they help businesses navigate the complexities of international hiring.
