How to hire an international employee in 2025 – Subsidiaries, local entities, EOR and other options explained

Expanding your workforce across borders can significantly impact your business’s growth and diversity. However, hiring international employees involves navigating complex legal, tax, and logistical challenges. This guide explains various options available for businesses looking to hire abroad, including setting up subsidiaries, partnering with local entities, using an Employer of Record (EOR), and other viable alternatives.

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Option 1: Setting up a subsidiary

Overview

Creating a subsidiary involves establishing your business as a separate legal entity in the foreign country. This method is well-suited for businesses planning significant long-term operations in the new market.

Pros

  • Full control over operations and hiring.
  • Potential for significant market presence and brand visibility.
  • Ability to customise employment practices and benefits to fit local culture and legal requirements.

Cons

  • High initial costs and investments.
  • Requires comprehensive understanding of local laws and business practices.
  • Long setup processes with considerable administrative burden.

Option 2: Partnering with local entities

Overview

Collaborating with a local business can facilitate easier market entry for hiring purposes. This partnership can be informal or a formal joint venture.

Pros

  • Access to local market knowledge and existing infrastructures.
  • Reduced legal and financial risks compared to setting up a subsidiary.
  • Faster entry into the market.

Cons

  • Less control over hiring and operations.
  • Dependence on another entity’s stability and market reputation.
  • Potential for cultural and operational clashes.

Option 3: Using an Employer of Record (EOR)

Overview

An EOR is a third-party organisation that legally employs people on your behalf. It handles all legal compliance, payroll, and HR responsibilities.

Pros

  • Quick and efficient way to hire internationally without a physical presence in the country.
  • Minimises legal and compliance risks.
  • Reduces the administrative burden on your home office.

Cons

  • Less direct control over employees and workplace culture.
  • Ongoing costs can be significant depending on the service level and the number of employees.
  • Potential for service limitations in certain countries or regions.

Other options

Remote freelancers and contractors

Hiring freelancers or contractors allows for flexible, commitment-free engagements. This can be ideal for project-based work or roles that don’t require a full-time presence.

Pros

  • Flexibility in hiring and payments.
  • Reduced legal and operational overhead.
  • Access to a global talent pool.

Cons

  • Less control over work hours and commitment.
  • Challenges in building team cohesion.
  • Possible legal complexities around classification of workers.

Professional Employer Organization (PEO)

A PEO is similar to an EOR but typically provides more comprehensive HR services, including employee benefits management, which might be suitable for businesses looking to manage a larger workforce abroad.

Pros

  • Comprehensive HR management including benefits, payroll, compliance.
  • Reduced risk and administrative responsibilities.
  • Potential for cost savings on benefits through co-employment arrangements.

Cons

  • Higher costs compared to direct hiring.
  • Requires trust and reliance on another company’s HR capabilities.
  • Not suitable for every type of business or location due to varying regulations.

Conclusion

Choosing the right method for hiring international employees depends heavily on your business size, the scope of your international operations, the specific needs of your workforce, and your long-term strategic goals.

Whether you opt for establishing a subsidiary, partnering locally, utilising an EOR, hiring freelancers, or engaging with a PEO, it’s crucial to carefully assess all legal implications and costs.

Consulting with legal and financial experts in international employment can provide valuable insights and help you make the best choice for your business needs.

FAQ – Hiring international employees

What are the key legal considerations when hiring internationally?

When hiring internationally, it’s crucial to understand and comply with the employment laws in the employee’s country. These laws may cover minimum wage, working hours, termination rights, benefits, and health and safety regulations. Additionally, tax implications, both for the employer and the employee, and compliance with immigration laws for work visas or permits are critical considerations.

How does international hiring impact company culture?

Integrating employees from different cultural backgrounds can enrich a company’s culture, bringing diverse perspectives and boosting innovation. However, it may also present challenges in aligning work practices and communication. Ensuring all employees feel included and valued requires thoughtful integration strategies, regular training, and potentially adapting company policies to accommodate various cultural norms.

What is the difference between a PEO and an EOR?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) co-employs your staff, meaning employees are officially hired by both the PEO and your company. This allows the PEO to manage HR tasks and offer employee benefits. An Employer of Record (EOR), on the other hand, is the sole legal employer of the staff and manages all HR functions, including compliance and payroll, without shared responsibilities.

Can I convert a freelancer or contractor to a full-time employee internationally?

Yes, freelancers or contractors can be converted to full-time employees. This process involves adhering to the legal employment standards of the host country, potentially including changing the employment contract, adjusting the compensation package to include benefits as required by law, and ensuring compliance with local tax and employment regulations.

How do time zones affect managing international employees?

Managing teams across different time zones requires flexible working hours, efficient communication tools, and potentially adjusting deadlines to accommodate various working hours. Regularly scheduled meetings should consider all time zones to ensure no employee is consistently disadvantaged by having to attend outside of usual working hours.

What are the data protection considerations with international employees?

Data protection laws such as GDPR in Europe or CCPA in California have global implications, especially with international hiring. Employers must ensure that employee data is collected, stored, and used in compliance with the local data protection laws of the country where the employee resides.

How can I ensure fair pay for international employees?

Fair pay can be ensured by adhering to the local wage standards and understanding the cost of living in the employee’s location. Regular benchmarking against industry standards and roles in the region will help maintain competitive and equitable compensation packages.

What happens if the international employment doesn’t work out?

Terminating an international employment agreement requires careful consideration of local labor laws, which often protect the employee. Ensure any termination process is legally compliant, documented correctly, and handled sensitively to minimise legal risks and protect your company’s reputation.

Can I provide stock options to international employees?

Yes, stock options can be provided to international employees, but it’s important to understand the tax implications and regulations regarding stock options in the employee’s country. Legal consultation is recommended to navigate these complexities effectively.

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