Top 10 Employer of Record Companies in the UK – A Complete Guide

Hiring someone from another country isn’t a simple task. There are lots of rules to follow, like local laws, taxes, and payroll, that can be complex and difficult to understand. For UK companies, this can be a big problem. That’s why more businesses in 2025 are using Employer of Record (EOR) services.

EORs take care of all the tricky legal stuff and handle payments, so that companies that hire people around the world can do that stress-free. It’s an easy and safe way to grow your team internationally.

What is an Employer of Record (EOR)?

So, let’s understand what an Employer of Record (EOR) is? An Employer of Record (EOR) is a company that legally employs workers on behalf of another business, especially when hiring in a different country. Think of an EOR as the official employer for legal and administrative purposes, while you, as the business, still manage the employee’s daily work and responsibilities.

The EOR handles all the complex tasks like payroll, paying taxes, etc., ensuring contracts are compliant with local laws, and offering benefits, so you don’t have to worry about breaking any rules in another country.

For example, if a UK business wants to hire someone in India, the EOR acts as the legal employer in India. The EOR takes care of all the local employment laws, payroll, and taxes, while the UK company simply focuses on the employee’s work and performance.

This setup lets companies hire talent globally without having to set up a local entity or learn a whole new set of regulations. It’s a simple, safe, and cost-effective way to build an international team, letting businesses expand quickly and compliantly into new markets.

Top 10 Employer of Record Companies in the UK

Hiring talent across borders has become a standard part of growth for many UK businesses but doing it compliantly can be tricky. Employer of Record (EOR) services offer a smart solution, allowing companies to legally employ workers in other countries without needing to set up a local entity.

If you're a business looking to grow globally, here's a list of top EOR providers that can help you scale without the legal tensions.

1. Deel

Deel is one of the most popular names for its tech-first approach. With coverage in over 150 countries, Deel allows businesses to hire, onboard, and pay global employees with ease. Their platform is sleek, fast, and ideal for businesses that want minimal friction in the hiring process.

2. Remote

Remote is another strong contender. They stand out by owning legal entities in every country they operate, ensuring tight control over compliance and payroll. Their simple pricing model and strong focus on data privacy make them a top choice for startups and remote-first teams.

3. Black Piano

Black Piano is a UK-based partner helping businesses hire and manage remote talent from India with ease. They offer EOR-style support with a transparent one-time fee model, making them a cost-effective choice for SMEs. Their hands-on approach and understanding of both UK and Indian markets make them ideal for companies seeking simplicity, reliability, and long-term offshore hiring support.

4. Papaya Global

Papaya Global offers a more data-driven platform, combining EOR services with detailed workforce insights. It’s particularly useful for larger companies that need a consolidated view of global payroll and HR. Their automation tools also help speed up processes that would normally take weeks.

5. Oyster

Oyster brings a mission-led twist to the EOR world, focused on fair hiring practices and global employment equity. Their packages are clearly defined, and they put a strong emphasis on supporting both employers and employees during the onboarding process.

6. Globalization Partners

Globalization Partners is one of the oldest and most experienced names in the EOR field. They’ve built up a strong global presence and are trusted by enterprises for their consistent

compliance and onboarding speed. They’re particularly valuable for companies expanding into multiple regions at once.

7. Velocity Global

Velocity Global takes a more personalised approach, offering support for growing companies that need hands-on service. Their flexibility and responsiveness have made them a go-to for businesses that want more than just a software platform.

8. Multiplier

Multiplier is an emerging global EOR platform offering support in over 150 countries. Known for its intuitive interface and quick onboarding process, it’s a great fit for startups and growing businesses that need to scale fast without getting caught in compliance complexities.

9. Skuad

Skuad is a newer but fast-rising player in EOR space. They offer affordable, straightforward services tailored for startups and small teams. Their platform is light, easy to use, and ideal for companies looking to hire quickly without investing in heavy HR tools.

10. Omnipresent

Omnipresent lives up to its name by offering global hiring support with a personal touch. They’re known for making compliance easy to understand and for delivering strong customer support. Their service is smooth, making them a favourite among professional service firms and tech companies alike.

How to Choose the Right EOR Company?

Choosing the right Employer of Record (EOR) company can make your global hiring journey smooth and stress-free. Here are some points that you need to consider while finding the best fit for your business:

Location - Firstly, you need to check whether the EOR operates in the countries you’re targeting. Some EORs have strong local teams and deep knowledge of specific markets, which means they can handle local laws, payroll, and compliance without missing a beat. If you plan to expand into multiple countries, make sure your EOR covers all those regions.

Team size - Some EORs are better for small teams, while others are built for large-scale hiring. Be clear about your current needs and future growth plans. Ask each provider about

their experience managing teams of your size and how quickly they can help you onboard new employees.

Budget - EOR pricing can vary widely. Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees and ask for a clear breakdown of costs. Compare quotes from several providers and make sure you understand what’s included like payroll, benefits, and support.

Support needed - Decide if you prefer a tech-driven platform or more personalised, human support. Some EORs offer 24/7 help desks, while others focus on self-service tools. Choose what matches your team’s style and comfort level.

Data Security - Your employees’ information is sensitive. Make sure the EOR uses secure technology and follows strong data protection standards. Ask about their security protocols and how they handle your data.

Here are a few additional tips for your selection:

• · Check reviews, testimonials, and case studies to see how the EOR has helped other companies like yours.
• · Ask about their onboarding speed and how they handle compliance in tricky situations.
• · Don’t forget cultural fit i.e., good communication and shared values make everything easier.

Asking these questions will help you find an EOR partner that truly supports your business as you grow internationally.

Why Use an EOR in the UK?

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK brings several clear and practical benefits, especially for businesses looking to grow quickly and easily. Here’s why many companies choose EOR services in the UK:

• · No physical setup required: Setting up a local entity can take months and costs a lot of money. With an EOR, you can hire talent right away, without the hassle of registering a new business.
• · Saves legal and admin time: The EOR handles all the paperwork, contracts, payroll, and taxes. This means your team can focus on running the business instead of getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
• · Faster hiring process: Since the EOR already has everything set up, you can onboard new employees in just a few days, not weeks or months.
• · Reduces risk with local compliance: Employment laws in the UK can be tricky. The EOR makes sure everything is done by the book, so you avoid fines and legal trouble.
• · Scale as and when needed: You can hire a small team through an EOR, test the team, and scale up or down as needed without making a big investment.

In short, we can say that EOR makes hiring simple, safe, and flexible for the businesses operating in the UK.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Employer of Record (EOR) partner is essential for any business looking to build a successful global team. The right EOR doesn’t just handle payroll and compliance; they open the door to new markets, help you access top talent, and ensure your business stays on the right side of local laws.

With an EOR, you can hire quickly and efficiently, without the need to set up a foreign entity or navigate complex regulations alone. This means you can focus on growing your business, while your EOR takes care of the details.

A great EOR partner also helps reduce risks, save costs, and streamline HR processes, making global expansion more accessible for companies of any size. Whether you’re hiring one developer or building an entire offshore team, the right EOR can make global hiring smooth and stress-free.

However, every business is unique. It’s important to do your own research, compare different EOR providers, and ask the right questions about their coverage, support, and security. Taking the time to choose wisely will help you find a partner that truly fits your goals and gives you confidence as you grow your international team.