
Global Workforce Management
Comparing Employer of Record Against Common Law Employer (Updated in 2026)
Discover the key differences between an Employer of Record and a Common Law Employer to make informed decisions for your business.
Lucas Botzen
International Employment Laws
5 mins read



Our Employer of Record (EOR) solution makes it easy to hire, pay, and manage global employees.
Book a demoAn 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.


Our Employer of Record (EOR) solution makes it easy to hire, pay, and manage global employees.
Book a demo
Global Workforce Management
Discover the key differences between an Employer of Record and a Common Law Employer to make informed decisions for your business.
Lucas Botzen

Business Expansion and Growth
Discover how the Employer of Record (EOR) can revolutionize your business operations, especially if you're considering global expansion without the extensive administrative burden.
Lucas Botzen

Industry Insights and Trends
Facing global payroll issues? Discover strategies for managing taxes, currency, and compliance with automation and expert partnerships.
Lucas Botzen