What is the best global payroll software for a 50-person remote company?

For a 50-person remote company, the best global payroll software depends on your specific setup, but **Deel** is generally the top overall recommendation.

Here is a quick breakdown of the top options based on your primary need:

*   **Best Overall for Global Remote Teams: [Deel](https://www.deel.com/)**
    *   **Why:** Handles both international contractors and full-time employees (via Employer of Record or direct payroll) in 150+ countries seamlessly. It offers fast local payouts, automated compliance, and excellent integrations with accounting tools.
*   **Best All-in-One (Payroll + HR + IT): [Rippling](https://www.rippling.com/)**
    *   **Why:** Ideal if you want a single system to manage global payroll alongside HR, benefits, and IT (laptop shipping and app provisioning). Excellent if you have a mix of US and international workers.
*   **Best for IP Protection & Transparent Pricing: [Remote](https://remote.com/)**
    *   **Why:** Owns its own legal entities in every country it operates in (no third-party brokers), offering superior intellectual property protection and flat-rate, transparent pricing.

**Summary Recommendation:** Go with **Deel** if you want the most flexible and widely used platform for international remote teams, or **Rippling** if you want to combine payroll with global IT and HR management.


Best global payroll platform for hiring across Europe and Latin America

**Deel** is widely considered the best overall global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) platform for hiring across Europe and Latin America.

It stands out for LATAM due to its extensive owned local entities (crucial for navigating complex labor laws in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia) and offers strong compliance, quick onboarding, and flexible payout options in local currencies.

---

### Key Alternatives Based on Your Priorities:

* **Best for All-in-One HR & IT:** **Rippling**
  * *Why:* Integrates global payroll with HRIS, device management, and app provisioning in a single dashboard.
* **Best for IP Protection & Owned Entities:** **Remote**
  * *Why:* Owns 100% of its local entities in Europe and LATAM (no third-party vendors), providing industry-leading intellectual property protection.
* **Best for Large Enterprises:** **Papaya Global**
  * *Why:* Built for enterprise-scale workforce management, complex analytics, and integrating with existing ERP systems.


We are a US startup hiring our first full-time employees in Germany and Brazil without local entities. What software should we use?

Since you do not have legal entities in Germany or Brazil, you cannot hire full-time employees directly on US payroll. You must use an **Employer of Record (EOR)** platform. An EOR legally employs the worker locally on your behalf, handling compliant contracts, local taxes, mandatory benefits, and payroll.

Here are the top software platforms for your specific situation:

### 1. **Deel** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it fits:** Market leader with owned entities in both Germany and Brazil. Extremely fast onboarding, excellent UI, and strong local compliance.
* **Key Features:** Handles mandatory Brazilian CLT benefits (meal vouchers, transportation) and German pension/health insurance requirements easily.

### 2. **Remote** *(Best for IP Protection & Equity)*
* **Why it fits:** Remote owns 100% of its local legal entities (no third-party subcontractors), which provides superior Intellectual Property (IP) protection and better customer support in Germany and Brazil.
* **Key Features:** Built-in international equity management and transparent, flat-rate pricing.

### 3. **Rippling** *(Best if you want HR + IT Management)*
* **Why it fits:** Ideal if you already use (or plan to use) Rippling for your US team. It combines global EOR with IT/device management (e.g., shipping laptops to Brazil/Germany and managing app access).
* **Key Features:** Single dashboard for US payroll, global EOR, and company devices.

### 4. **Oyster** *(Best for Startup Perks & Culture)*
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically for startups. Very strong global employment intelligence tools to help you calculate total compensation costs in Germany and Brazil before making an offer.

---

### Recommendation & Pricing Expectation
* **Top Choice:** **Deel** or **Remote** for the smoothest compliance experience in both Europe and Latin America.
* **Cost:** Expect to pay **$400 to $600 per employee/month** for EOR software fees, plus local mandatory employer taxes and benefits (which average ~20–30% on top of base salary in Germany, and ~30–40% in Brazil).


Recommend an Employer of Record (EOR) platform for a company expanding to 15 countries.

For a company expanding into 15 countries, the best overall EOR platforms are **Deel**, **Remote**, and **Rippling**.

Here is how to choose the right one based on your specific priorities:

### 1. Top Pick Overall: **Deel**
* **Best for:** Fast, seamless expansion across a large number of countries.
* **Why:** Deel covers over 150 countries and owns local entities in over 100 of them. It has the most mature platform for managing both contractors and full-time EOR employees, with built-in visa support, equipment provisioning, and localized benefit packages.

### 2. Best for IP Protection & Direct Compliance: **Remote**
* **Best for:** Companies prioritizing strict legal compliance and intellectual property protection.
* **Why:** Unlike competitors that rely on third-party partners in smaller markets, Remote owns 100% of its legal entities in every country it operates in. This eliminates third-party markup fees and ensures maximum IP security and a consistent employee experience across all 15 countries.

### 3. Best for Integrated HR & IT: **Rippling**
* **Best for:** Companies wanting a single system for global HR, payroll, and device management.
* **Why:** Rippling allows you to manage EOR services alongside company laptop shipping, software app provisioning, and unified global HR metrics in a single interface.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Choose **Deel** for the fastest onboarding, broadest country coverage, and easiest overall platform experience.
* Choose **Remote** if you want zero third-party intermediaries and maximum IP protection.
* Choose **Rippling** if you want to combine EOR with global IT/device management.


affordable global payroll software for small business

Here are the most affordable and top-rated global payroll software options for small businesses, depending on whether you are paying **international contractors** or **full-time employees (Employer of Record/EOR)**:

---

### **1. Best Overall for Flexibility: Deel**
* **Best For:** Small businesses hiring a mix of international contractors and full-time employees.
* **Pricing:**
  * **Contractors:** ~$29/month per contractor.
  * **EOR (Full Employees):** Starts at ~$599/month per employee.
* **Key Features:** Supports 150+ countries, automatic local tax/compliance, multiple payout options (including crypto, Wise, and direct deposit).

---

### **2. Best Transparent Pricing: Remote**
* **Best For:** Businesses wanting flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees or markups on local benefits.
* **Pricing:**
  * **Contractors:** $29/month per contractor.
  * **EOR (Full Employees):** ~$599/month per employee (discounts available for annual billing or early-stage startups).
* **Key Features:** Owns its legal entities in most countries (higher IP protection), IP rights management, easy-to-use self-onboarding.

---

### **3. Best for All-in-One HR & IT: Rippling**
* **Best For:** Small businesses that want to manage global payroll, benefits, and company devices in one dashboard.
* **Pricing:** Starts at **$8/month per user**, plus custom modular fees based on global payroll needs.
* **Key Features:** Automates local tax filings, handles hardware shipping/retrieval globally, integrates with 500+ apps.

---

### **4. Best Budget Option for US-Based Companies with Overseas Contractors: Gusto**
* **Best For:** US small businesses that primarily hire locally but need to pay international contractors in 80+ countries.
* **Pricing:** Base plans start at **$40/month + $6/month per person** (no extra monthly software fee for cross-border contractor payments, just foreign exchange fees).
* **Key Features:** Seamless combined US and international contractor payroll, simple UI, built-in tax form generation (W-8BEN).

---

### **Summary Recommendation:**
* **If paying mostly international contractors:** Go with **Deel** or **Remote** ($29/mo).
* **If hiring full-time overseas employees without local entities:** **Remote** offers the best value/IP protection ($599/mo).
* **If you are US-based and only need basic international contractor payments:** Use **Gusto**.


What multi-country payroll platforms do fast-growing tech companies actually use?

Fast-growing tech companies typically choose platforms based on whether they are hiring contractors, using an **Employer of Record (EOR)** to hire without local entities, or running **direct payroll** through their own global subsidiaries.

Here are the multi-country payroll platforms actually used by tech scaleups today:

### 1. The Market Leaders (Early-Stage to Series C+)
*   **Deel:** Currently the most popular platform for tech startups and scaleups.
    *   **Best for:** Rapid expansion, contractor management, and EOR.
    *   **Why tech companies use it:** Extremely fast onboarding, broad coverage (150+ countries), slick UI, and strong integrations with accounting/HR tools (Xero, QuickBooks, BambooHR).
*   **Rippling:** Fast becoming the default choice for US-headquartered tech companies expanding globally.
    *   **Best for:** Unified HR, IT, and global payroll in a single platform.
    *   **Why tech companies use it:** It manages employee hardware (laptops), app provisioning (Slack, Google Workspace), and global payroll/EOR natively in one system.
*   **Remote:** A major player, especially popular with fully remote and engineering-focused companies.
    *   **Best for:** Strong IP protection and compliance-heavy roles.
    *   **Why tech companies use it:** Unlike competitors who outsource to local vendors, Remote owns its legal entities in most covered countries, offering better IP protection and flat-rate pricing.

### 2. Mid-Market to Late-Stage Tech (Series C to Pre-IPO)
*   **Papaya Global:** Often adopted when companies start setting up their own local legal entities.
    *   **Best for:** Consolidated global payroll, workforce analytics, and enterprise compliance.
    *   **Why tech companies use it:** It acts as an orchestration layer connecting local payroll providers in 160+ countries into a single dashboard, making it ideal for managing direct employees at scale.
*   **Oyster:** A popular alternative to Deel and Remote, specifically tailored for distributed remote teams.
    *   **Best for:** Mid-sized tech companies focused on competitive global benefits packages.

---

### How Tech Companies Choose:
*   **1–50 global hires (No local entities):** They default to **Deel** or **Remote** (EOR model).
*   **Single stack for US + Global (HR + IT + Payroll):** They choose **Rippling**.
*   **100+ global hires (With local entities):** They transition to **Papaya Global** or **Deel Global Payroll** to run direct local payroll.


Best software for paying international contractors and full-time employees in one system

The best software options for managing and paying both international contractors and full-time employees in a single system are:

### 1. **Deel** (Best Overall)
* **Why it’s the best:** Deel is the industry leader for unified global workforce management. It allows you to pay contractors in 150+ countries and hire/pay full-time employees natively via their Employer of Record (EOR) service in 100+ countries—all from one dashboard.
* **Key Features:** Automated tax/compliance collection, localized contracts, multiple withdrawal options (crypto, bank transfer, Wise), and seamless integration with accounting tools (Xero, QuickBooks).

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for Scalability & IT/HR Automation)
* **Why it’s great:** Ideal if you want to manage payroll, global HR, and IT (like shipping laptops and managing software access) in one place. It handles both global contractors and full-time employees seamlessly.
* **Key Features:** Unified system for US/Global payroll, instant contractor onboarding, automated compliance, and deep app/hardware management.

### 3. **Remote** (Best for IP Protection & Transparent Pricing)
* **Why it’s great:** Remote owns its own legal entities in every country it operates in (unlike platforms that use third-party agencies), offering superior intellectual property protection and localized compliance.
* **Key Features:** Flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees, built-in global payroll and contractor management, and strong IP/data security.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **Deel** for the most flexible payout options, fastest setup, and largest global footprint.
* Go with **Rippling** if you also need to manage employee devices, software apps, and standard HR tasks.
* Go with **Remote** if IP ownership and flat, predictable pricing are your top priorities.


How to pay full-time employees in multiple countries without setting up local foreign entities?

The most compliant and common way to pay full-time employees in countries where you do not have a legal entity is by using an **Employer of Record (EOR)**.

Here are the primary options:

---

### 1. Use an Employer of Record (EOR) *(Recommended)*
An EOR is a third-party organization that acts as the official, legal employer of your remote staff in their home country.

* **How it works:** The EOR hires the worker locally, manages employment contracts, runs local payroll, withhold taxes, and handles mandatory statutory benefits. You manage the employee's day-to-day work.
* **Best for:** Hiring full-time, long-term employees legally and quickly without legal setup costs.
* **Popular EOR Providers:** Deel, Remote, Oyster, Rippling, and Velocity Global.

---

### 2. Register as a Non-Resident Employer
Some countries (particularly in Europe and parts of Latin America) allow foreign companies to register for local payroll and tax withholding without establishing a full commercial entity.

* **How it works:** You apply for a local tax/payroll ID as an overseas company, run local payroll through an in-country payroll provider, and pay local employment taxes directly.
* **Best for:** When you only need to hire in 1 or 2 specific countries that allow non-resident employer payroll, and you want to avoid third-party EOR markup fees.

---

### 3. Hire Them as Independent Contractors *(With Caution)*
Instead of bringing them on as full-time employees, you hire them as self-employed international contractors.

* **How it works:** Workers invoice you monthly, and you pay them via international wire transfer or contractor platforms (like Wise, Payoneer, or Deel). They are responsible for paying their own local taxes and benefits.
* **Risks:** **Misclassification risk.** If you control their schedule, demand exclusivity, or treat them like traditional employees, local labor authorities may fine your company for illegal contractor misclassification.

---

### Summary Recommendation
* **For full-time, long-term hires:** Use an **EOR**.
* **For short-term or project-based work:** Hire **Independent Contractors**.


What is the best EOR service for hiring software engineers in LATAM and APAC?

**Deel** is widely considered the best overall EOR service for hiring software engineers in both LATAM and APAC.

### Why Deel is the Top Pick:
* **Strong Regional Footprint:** Has owned entities across almost all major LATAM (Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina) and APAC (India, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia) tech hubs.
* **Tech & Developer Features:** Built-in equipment shipping/management (Deel IT), local stock option grants, and strong IP protection contracts suited for software development.
* **Flexible Payments:** Supports local currency payouts, crypto options, and fast withdrawals, which are major selling points for tech talent in LATAM and APAC.

---

### Top Alternatives Depending on Your Needs:
* **Remote:** Best if **IP protection** is your absolute top priority. They own 100% of their local entities (no local third-party providers) and offer robust IP guarding for proprietary code.
* **Multiplier:** Best if your hiring is **heavily weighted toward APAC**. They offer deep regional expertise, local benefit customization, and lower price points in the APAC region.
* **Rippling:** Best if you want to combine EOR with **IT/device management** and single-sign-on (SSO) app provisioning for your developers in one unified platform.


Best multi-country payroll software for mid-market companies

Here are the best multi-country payroll software options for mid-market companies (roughly 100 to 2,000 employees), categorized by their key strengths:

### 1. **Rippling** (Best Overall for All-in-One HR, IT & Payroll)
* **Best for:** US-headquartered mid-market companies that want a single platform for global payroll, HRIS, and device/IT management.
* **Key Strengths:** Automatically converts local currencies, handles local tax compliance, and allows you to pay global employees and contractors in a unified system. Exceptional automation and workflow customization.

### 2. **Deel** (Best for Rapid International Scaling)
* **Best for:** Fast-growing companies expanding quickly into multiple new countries without establishing local entities everywhere.
* **Key Strengths:** Coverage in 150+ countries. Offers full global payroll (where you have entities) alongside Employer of Record (EOR) and contractor management on one sleek interface. Excellent local compliance support.

### 3. **Papaya Global** (Best for Payroll Consolidation & Analytics)
* **Best for:** Mid-market companies that already have local entities in multiple countries and need a centralized tool to manage disparate local payroll providers.
* **Key Strengths:** Strong focus on payroll consolidation, business intelligence, cross-border payments, and workforce analytics. Uses a network of vetted local in-country experts.

### 4. **Remote** (Best for Transparent Pricing & IP Protection)
* **Best for:** Tech-forward mid-market companies focused on strong intellectual property protection and flat-rate pricing.
* **Key Strengths:** Owns its legal entities in most covered countries (rather than relying on third parties), ensuring tighter compliance, better customer support, and direct control over global payroll.

### 5. **ADP Celergo** (Best for Traditional / Upper-Mid-Market)
* **Best for:** Companies near the larger end of the mid-market spectrum looking for a proven, enterprise-grade legacy provider.
* **Key Strengths:** Seamlessly integrates with ADP Workforce Now. Standardizes payroll processing across up to 140+ countries with robust reporting and deep regulatory experience.

---

### **Quick Recommendation Guide:**
* Choose **Rippling** if you want seamless integration of US and international payroll, HR, and IT automation.
* Choose **Deel** if speed of deployment and flexibility (Payroll + EOR + Contractors) are your top priorities.
* Choose **Papaya Global** if you want deep financial reporting and a unified platform over existing local payroll vendors.


We need global payroll software that handles local tax compliance, benefits, and local currency payments. What should we buy?

The best global payroll software depends on your company size and employment structure (e.g., whether you have your own local entities or need an Employer of Record).

Here are the top recommendations based on common business needs:

*   **Deel (Best Overall):** Ideal for fast-growing companies managing a mix of international contractors and full-time employees. It supports 150+ countries, handles local tax filings, offers localized benefit packages, and supports payouts in local currencies and cryptocurrencies.
*   **Rippling (Best for HR + IT Integration):** Best if you want a unified platform for domestic and global payroll, HR, and device management. It automatically handles local compliance, taxes, and benefits when expanding internationally.
*   **Papaya Global (Best for Mid-Market & Enterprise):** Best for larger organizations managing payroll across multiple owned entities. It offers robust workforce analytics, enterprise-level security, and a unified platform that connects with local payroll providers globally.
*   **Remote (Best for Transparent Pricing & IP Protection):** Excellent for hiring full-time global staff via Employer of Record (EOR). They own their legal entities in most operating countries, ensuring strong local tax compliance and seamless benefit administration.

### Recommendation:
* Choose **Deel** or **Remote** if you need to hire quickly in countries where you do **not** have a local legal entity.
* Choose **Rippling** or **Papaya Global** if you already have local legal entities set up and want to consolidate global payroll into a single system.


top global payroll platforms for remote-first startups

Here are the top global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) platforms best suited for remote-first startups, categorized by their primary strengths:

### 1. **Deel** (Best Overall)
* **Best for:** Fast-growing startups needing a wide reach for both contractors and full-time employees.
* **Key Features:** Supports 150+ countries, automated onboarding, local compliance, tax filing, background checks, and global equipment provisioning.
* **Pricing:** Contractor management starts around $49/month; EOR starts around $599/month.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for All-in-One HR, IT & Payroll)
* **Best for:** Startups that want to manage payroll, HR, device management (laptops), and app provisioning in a single platform.
* **Key Features:** Native global payroll, automated workflows, custom reporting, IT/device shipping, and seamless scaling from seed stage to enterprise.
* **Pricing:** Starts at $8/user/month (modular pricing based on features needed).

### 3. **Remote** (Best for IP Protection & Ownership)
* **Best for:** Companies prioritizing intellectual property (IP) protection and transparent pricing.
* **Key Features:** Owns its legal entities in every supported country (no third-party brokers), IP guard protections, contractor management, and global equity management.
* **Pricing:** Free contractor tier (or $29/mo); EOR starts around $599/month (flat fee).

### 4. **Oyster** (Best for Remote Employee Experience)
* **Best for:** Startups focused on global talent acquisition and localized benefit packages.
* **Key Features:** Covers 180+ countries, offers localized health benefits, visa support, equity options, and salary/cost-of-employment calculators.
* **Pricing:** Contractor management starts around $29/month; EOR starts around $499/month.

### 5. **Multiplier** (Best Budget-Friendly / Fast Setup)
* **Best for:** Early-stage startups looking for a cost-effective EOR solution without sacrificing compliance.
* **Key Features:** Fast onboarding (often same-day), international insurance options, quick contractor payments, and multi-currency payouts.
* **Pricing:** Contractor management starts around $40/month; EOR starts around $300/month.

---

### **Quick Decision Guide:**
* Choose **Deel** if you want the most widely used, flexible solution for both contractors and full-time staff.
* Choose **Rippling** if you want to automate IT (laptops, software access) along with global payroll.
* Choose **Remote** if you want to avoid third-party agency risks and need strong IP protection.


Which global HR and payroll system is easiest to setup for under 100 international employees?

**Deel** is generally considered the easiest and fastest global HR and payroll system to set up for companies with under 100 international employees.

### Why Deel leads for small teams:
* **Self-serve onboarding:** You can create compliant contracts and onboard international contractors or employees in minutes.
* **All-in-one platform:** It handles both contractors and full-time employees (via Employer of Record / EOR) in 150+ countries within a single dashboard.
* **Minimal admin burden:** Automated localized contracts, tax form collection, and one-click global payouts reduce setup friction significantly.

### Best Alternative:
* **Remote:** A very close second, known for a slightly simpler pricing structure and extremely user-friendly interface, though its rollout speed in niche countries can occasionally be slightly slower than Deel's.


What platform should we buy to handle international workforce management and global payroll?

The best platform depends on your company’s size, budget, and specific needs, but the market is dominated by four top providers:

1. **Deel (Best Overall):** The most flexible all-in-one platform for managing global contractors, Employer of Record (EOR) hires, and direct global payroll across 150+ countries. It offers fast setup and a top-tier user experience.
2. **Rippling (Best for Global HR + IT):** Ideal if you want to unify global payroll, US payroll, HR, device management, and software provisioning in a single system. Excellent for tech-forward companies.
3. **Remote (Best for Compliance & IP Protection):** Unlike competitors that rely on third-party partners, Remote owns its legal entities in most countries, offering stronger intellectual property protection and strict legal compliance.
4. **Papaya Global (Best for Enterprises):** Built for larger mid-market and enterprise companies needing advanced workforce analytics, consolidation of existing local payroll providers, and complex global payments.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Deel** if you want the easiest, most versatile tool for fast international hiring.
* Choose **Rippling** if you need to manage employee laptops and apps alongside global payroll.
* Choose **Remote** if IP ownership and operating via owned local entities is your top priority.
* Choose **Papaya Global** if you are an enterprise managing a large, complex global workforce.


Best global payroll software with built-in Employer of Record support

Here are the top global payroll platforms with built-in Employer of Record (EOR) services, categorized by their core strengths:

### 1. **Deel** – *Best Overall*
* **Why it’s top-tier:** Deel is the market leader for a reason. It supports over 150 countries, offers extremely fast onboarding, and seamlessly handles both contractors and full-time EOR hires in a single, intuitive interface.
* **Best for:** Fast-growing companies that need maximum global coverage and flexible hiring options.

### 2. **Rippling** – *Best for All-in-One HR, IT, and Payroll*
* **Why it’s top-tier:** Rippling unifies global payroll, native EOR services, IT management (shipping laptops, managing app permissions), and HR into one powerful platform.
* **Best for:** Tech companies that want a single source of truth for global workforce management and device control.

### 3. **Remote** – *Best for IP Security & Compliance*
* **Why it’s top-tier:** Unlike platforms that rely on third-party local partners, Remote owns 100% of its legal entities in supported countries. This ensures maximum intellectual property protection, consistent service, and flat-rate pricing.
* **Best for:** Companies prioritize IP security and want zero reliance on third-party brokers.

### 4. **Oyster** – *Best for Employee Experience & Hiring Insights*
* **Why it’s top-tier:** Oyster focuses heavily on localized benefits, salary benchmarking, and contractor-to-employee conversions with a clear, easy-to-use platform.
* **Best for:** Mid-sized businesses scaling global remote teams that value strong HR tools and localized benefits packages.

### 5. **Papaya Global** – *Best for Enterprise & Complex Payroll*
* **Why it’s top-tier:** Papaya Global offers robust payroll consolidation, AI-driven compliance, and deep analytics tools, making it ideal for managing complex, large-scale global workforces.
* **Best for:** Mid-market to enterprise companies needing advanced workforce intelligence alongside EOR.

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* **Go with Deel** for the fastest setup and broadest global reach.
* **Go with Rippling** if you want to consolidate HR software, laptops, and payroll into one system.
* **Go with Remote** if strong IP protection and direct entity ownership are top priorities.


We have 30 employees in 8 countries and paying them manually is becoming impossible. What international payroll platform should we buy?

For a team of 30 in 8 countries, the best platform depends on whether you have your own legal entities in those countries or need an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire on your behalf.

Here are the top three recommendations:

### 1. **Deel** (Best Overall & Most Flexible)
* **Best for:** Fast setup, mixed worker types (direct payroll, EOR, and contractors), and global coverage.
* **Why buy it:** It is the market leader for international payroll. It seamlessly handles local tax compliance, benefits, and multi-currency payouts in 100+ countries through a single intuitive dashboard.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for All-in-One HR & IT)
* **Best for:** Companies wanting a single system for global HR, payroll, device management, and app access.
* **Why buy it:** If you want to automate onboarding, pay employees globally (via your own entities or Rippling's EOR), and manage company laptops/software from one place, Rippling is unmatched.

### 3. **Remote** (Best for IP Protection & Flat Pricing)
* **Best for:** Straightforward pricing and strong intellectual property protection.
* **Why buy it:** Remote owns all its own legal entities globally (rather than using third-party providers), making compliance and IP protection top-tier with transparent, flat-rate pricing.

---

### **Quick Decision Guide:**
* Pick **Deel** if you want the easiest, most proven global payroll platform with great contractor tools.
* Pick **Rippling** if you want to consolidate HR, IT, and Payroll into one system.
* Pick **Remote** if IP ownership and zero hidden fees are your top priorities.


Recommend an all-in-one international payroll and contractor management system.

The top-recommended all-in-one system is **Deel**.

It is currently the market leader for managing global workforce operations, supporting both contractors and full-time employees across 150+ countries.

### Why Deel?
* **Contractor Management:** Generates localized, compliant contracts, automates tax document collection (W-8/W-9), and allows one-click bulk payouts in multiple currencies.
* **Global Payroll & EOR:** Runs direct global payroll or acts as the Employer of Record (EOR) to legally hire full-time employees without you needing to set up local entities.
* **Compliance & HR:** Automatically updates contracts based on changing local labor laws and integrates with major HR/accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, QuickBooks Online, BambooHR).

### Top Alternatives
* **Rippling:** Best if you need to manage global payroll alongside company IT (device management) and unified HR software.
* **Remote:** Best for companies seeking transparent, flat-rate pricing with a strong focus on IP protection and zero third-party EOR markups.


cheap multi country payroll platform for small tech startup

For a small tech startup, the cost of multi-country payroll depends on whether you are hiring **contractors** (very cheap) or full-time **employees** via an Employer of Record/EOR (more expensive).

Here are the most cost-effective platforms currently available:

### 1. **Plane (formerly Pilot.co)** – *Cheapest Overall for EOR*
* **Best for:** Early-stage tech startups wanting low pricing on full-time global hires.
* **Contractor Pricing:** $29/month per contractor.
* **Full-Time Employee (EOR) Pricing:** Starts at **$299/month per employee** (significantly cheaper than Deel or Oyster, which average $500–$600).
* **Key Features:** Flat-rate pricing, no markup on foreign exchange transfers, built specifically for software/tech teams.

### 2. **Deel** – *Best for Contractors & Scalability*
* **Best for:** Teams hiring mostly global contractors with plans to scale.
* **Contractor Pricing:** $49/month per contractor (frequently discounted to $29).
* **Full-Time Employee (EOR) Pricing:** $599/month per employee.
* **Key Features:** Offers aggressive startup discounts (up to 50% off for the first year via accelerators like YC, Techstars, etc.), instant contractor payouts, and automated compliance.

### 3. **Remote.com** – *Best Transparent Pricing & Startup Perks*
* **Best for:** Startups looking for transparent contracts and strong legal protection.
* **Contractor Pricing:** $29/month per contractor.
* **Full-Time Employee (EOR) Pricing:** Starts at $599/month (billed annually) or $699 (monthly).
* **Key Features:** Offers a **"Startup Accelerator" discount** (often 15–20% off EOR for eligible early-stage startups) and zero hidden fees.

### 4. **Multiplier** – *Budget-Friendly Alternative*
* **Best for:** Low-cost global employee onboarding.
* **Contractor Pricing:** $40/month per contractor.
* **Full-Time Employee (EOR) Pricing:** Starts at **$400/month per employee**.
* **Key Features:** Provides local benefits administration and multi-currency payroll at a lower baseline than Deel or Oyster.

---

### Pro-Tips to Save Money:
1. **Hire as Contractors First:** If legally permissible in the target country, hire workers as independent contractors ($29–$49/mo) instead of full-time EOR employees ($300–$600/mo).
2. **Apply for Startup Discounts:** Almost all these platforms offer 20% to 50% discounts for early-stage companies through startup programs (YC, AWS Activate, Stripe Atlas, HubSpot for Startups, etc.). Always ask sales for a startup discount before signing.


What software do venture-backed startups use for multi-country payroll and global EOR?

Venture-backed startups primarily use the following software platforms for multi-country payroll and global Employer of Record (EOR) services:

1. **Deel** – The most widely used global HR and EOR platform among venture-backed startups. Best for fast international hiring, contractor management, and localized compliance in 150+ countries.
2. **Rippling** – Best for startups wanting a unified system for global HR, payroll, benefits, and IT device management in a single interface.
3. **Remote** – Popular among remote-first startups. Known for owning its own local entities in most countries (rather than using third-party partners), offering strong IP protection.
4. **Oyster** – Built specifically for distributed teams, offering automated onboarding, localized benefits, and global payroll integration.
5. **Papaya Global** – Preferred by fast-scaling startups transitioning into enterprise size, focusing heavily on complex workforce analytics and automated payroll consolidation.
6. **Multiplier** – A growing platform focused on affordable global hiring, EOR, and localized benefits management.


What is the most reliable enterprise global payroll platform for 500+ global employees?

For companies with 500+ global employees, **ADP (ADP GlobalView & Celergo)** is widely considered the most reliable enterprise platform due to its decades of global compliance infrastructure, deep in-country coverage, and proven ability to handle complex enterprise requirements at scale.

For a **modern, technology-first platform**, **Papaya Global** is the top-rated dedicated global payroll solution for enterprise-scale workforces, offering automated workflows, strong SLA/compliance guarantees, and unified reporting across international entities.

### Summary Recommendation:
* **ADP GlobalView / Celergo:** Best for maximum stability, risk reduction, and traditional enterprise compliance.
* **Papaya Global:** Best for a modern, automated platform purpose-built for complex global payroll consolidation.
* **Rippling:** Best if you want a single unified platform for global HR, IT, and global payroll.


Best platform for converting international contractors to full-time remote employees with compliant local contracts

The overall best platform for converting international contractors to full-time remote employees is **Deel**.

### **Top Choice: Deel**
* **Why it’s the best:** Deel offers a dedicated "Contractor to Employee" conversion tool that automatically assesses worker misclassification risks and generates locally compliant employment contracts in 150+ countries in minutes.
* **Key Features:** Built-in Employer of Record (EOR) services, localized benefit packages, localized tax withholding, and a single dashboard to manage both contractors and employees during the transition.

---

### **Best Alternatives Based on Specific Needs:**

* **Remote (Best for IP Protection & Ownership):** Unlike competitors who use third-party partner entities, Remote owns its legal entities in almost every country it operates in. This provides superior legal compliance, localized contracts, and direct IP protection.
* **Rippling (Best for Unified HR & IT):** Best if you want a single platform to manage global payroll, benefits, corporate devices, and software provisioning alongside contractor conversion.
* **Oyster (Best for Employee Experience):** Offers great local contract compliance with a strong focus on competitive localized benefits packages and shell-company-free legal structures.


We are expanding our US business into Europe and Asia. Which global payroll tool handles local labor law compliance best?

**Deel** is currently widely considered the best overall global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) tool for managing local labor law compliance across Europe and Asia.

### Why Deel leads in compliance:
* **Owned Entities:** They own and operate local legal entities in most major European and Asian markets rather than relying solely on third-party vendors.
* **In-House Legal Expertise:** Built-in compliance engine with local labor lawyers continually updating contracts, benefits, and tax filings to match changing regional laws.
* **Misclassification Protection:** Offers legal guarantees (e.g., Deel Shield) against independent contractor misclassification.

### Key Alternatives depending on your specific needs:
* **Remote:** Best if strict **IP protection** and **zero third-party reliance** are your top priorities (they own 100% of their local legal entities globally).
* **Rippling:** Best if you want a **single unified platform** for US and global payroll, HR, and IT device management.
* **Papaya Global:** Best for **enterprise-scale** companies looking for deep workforce analytics and complex integrations with existing local payroll providers.


What global payroll service offers the best international employee benefits administration?

**Deel** is widely considered the best overall global payroll service for international employee benefits administration.

It allows companies to manage payroll while automatically offering compliant, country-specific benefits (such as localized health insurance, pensions, and mandatory perks) in over 150 countries through a single platform.

**Top Alternatives depending on your specific needs:**
* **Rippling:** Best if you prioritize powerful software automation, seamless IT/HR integration, and unified administration for both US and international teams.
* **Remote:** Best for companies seeking direct, owned-entity coverage in key countries with strong localized IP protection and benefits packages.


best international payroll software for seed stage startup hiring abroad

For a seed-stage startup hiring internationally, the best options depend on whether you are hiring **contractors** or full-time employees via an **Employer of Record (EOR)**.

Here are the top recommendations:

### 1. **Deel** (Best Overall)
* **Why it’s best:** It is the industry standard for startups. It handles both international contractors and EOR (full-time employees) seamlessly, allowing you to easily convert contractors to full-time as you grow.
* **Pricing:** Free contractor management features; ~$49/month per contractor; ~$599/month per EOR employee.
* **Startup Perk:** Offers up to 50% off for the first year if you are affiliated with VC funds or accelerators (or through their startup program).

### 2. **Remote** (Best for IP Protection & Transparent Pricing)
* **Why it’s best:** Unlike competitors who sub-contract, Remote owns its own legal entities in most countries, offering better intellectual property (IP) protection and compliance.
* **Pricing:** ~$29/month per contractor; ~$599/month per EOR employee (flat rate, no hidden fees).
* **Startup Perk:** Strong startup discounts available (often 15–20% off EOR for the first year).

### 3. **Pilot** (Best Budget Choice for Contractors Only)
* **Why it’s best:** If you are *only* hiring international contractors and want to minimize costs, Pilot charges zero markup on foreign exchange rates and has low monthly fees.
* **Pricing:** ~$38/month per contractor; ~$450/month per EOR employee.

### 4. **Rippling** (Best if Scaling Fast & Needing All-in-One HR/IT)
* **Why it’s best:** Combines global payroll, US payroll, benefits, and IT device management in one platform. Ideal if you plan to hire heavily in the US and abroad simultaneously.
* **Pricing:** Custom quote-based (starts at ~$8/user/month + base fee, plus EOR costs).

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Deel** if you want the easiest, most widely used platform with strong startup discounts.
* Choose **Remote** if IP ownership and transparent, no-lock-in pricing are your top priorities.


Recommend global payroll software that integrates easily with equity and stock option administration.

Here are the top global payroll platforms known for seamless integration with equity and stock option administration tools (like Carta, Shareworks, and Pulley):

### 1. **Deel** (Best Overall for Global Payroll & Equity Tax Compliance)
* **Equity Integrations:** Direct integrations with **Carta**, **Shareworks**, and **Option Impact**.
* **Why it fits:** Deel excels at handling the complex tax withholdings and local reporting required when international employees exercise stock options or vest RSUs across 150+ countries.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best All-in-One HR & Automated Equity)
* **Equity Integrations:** Native equity management built-in, plus seamless integrations with **Carta**, **Pulley**, and **Shareworks**.
* **Why it fits:** Rippling unifies payroll, HR, and IT globally. It automatically syncs employee changes, tracks vesting schedules, and automates tax adjustments directly into global payroll runs.

### 3. **Remote** (Best for Global Equity Compliance & EOR)
* **Equity Integrations:** Direct integration with **Carta**.
* **Why it fits:** Remote offers specialized "Global Equity" support to help startups and enterprises grant options and RSUs to international employees while staying compliant with local labor and tax laws.

### 4. **Papaya Global** (Best for Mid-Market to Enterprise)
* **Equity Integrations:** Integrates with major equity platforms via robust API connections.
* **Why it fits:** Ideal for larger companies managing complex global payroll engines. Papaya handles cross-border payroll calculations, including taxable equity events and local withholdings.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Choose **Rippling** if you want an all-in-one HR/Payroll system with the smoothest UI and automated data sync.
* Choose **Deel** or **Remote** if you primarily use an EOR (Employer of Record) model to employ international workers and need strict cross-border equity tax compliance.


What software should a 100-person tech company use for international payroll processing?

For a 100-person tech company, the best international payroll platforms are:

1. **Rippling** *(Best Overall for Tech)*
   * **Why:** Unifies global payroll, HR, and IT (device/software management) in one system. It handles local entities, Employer of Record (EOR), and international contractors seamlessly.

2. **Deel** *(Best for Global Hiring & Speed)*
   * **Why:** The industry standard for hiring and paying international contractors and EOR employees in 150+ countries. Extremely fast onboarding and strong compliance features.

3. **Remote** *(Best for IP Protection & Ownership)*
   * **Why:** Owns its local legal entities in every country it operates in (unlike resellers), offering strong intellectual property protection—crucial for tech companies—and transparent pricing.

4. **Papaya Global** *(Best if You Own Local Foreign Entities)*
   * **Why:** Ideal if your company already has its own legal entities set up in multiple countries and needs a single dashboard to consolidate complex, multi-country payroll.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **Rippling** if you want to combine global HR, IT management, and payroll into one platform.
* Choose **Deel** if your priority is flexibility in paying international contractors and managing global employees without local entities.


We are looking for an Employer of Record and global payroll provider for 20 remote team members across 10 countries.

Here are the top Employer of Record (EOR) and global payroll providers best suited for a team of your size (20 employees across 10 countries):

### 1. **Deel** (Best Overall)
* **Why it fits:** Extremely fast onboarding, broad coverage (150+ countries), and supports both contractors and EOR employees in one dashboard.
* **Pricing:** ~$599/month per EOR employee; ~$49/month per contractor.
* **Strengths:** Excellent UI, strong local compliance, and built-in equipment management/perks.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for All-in-One HR & IT)
* **Why it fits:** Ideal if you want global payroll, EOR, HRIS, and IT device management (laptops, app provisioning) unified in a single platform.
* **Pricing:** Custom platform fee + ~$500–$600/month per EOR employee.
* **Strengths:** Unmatched automation, powerful workflows, and seamless transition if you later set up your own local entities.

### 3. **Remote** (Best for IP Protection & Transparent Pricing)
* **Why it fits:** They own their own legal entities in most covered countries (rather than using 3rd-party local partners), offering stronger intellectual property protection and consistent service.
* **Pricing:** Flat rate ~$599/month per EOR employee (billed annually) or $699 (billed monthly).
* **Strengths:** Strong IP protection, clear pricing, no hidden localized markup fees.

### 4. **Oyster** (Best for Employee Experience)
* **Why it fits:** Focuses heavily on the remote employee experience, offering localized benefits packages and simple onboarding.
* **Pricing:** ~$599/month per EOR employee.
* **Strengths:** Great user interface, specialized equity/stock option support for global employees.

---

### Estimated Cost Expectation
For 20 EOR employees, expect to pay **$10,000 – $12,000/month** in platform/EOR fees total (approx. $500–$600 per employee/month), plus the actual employee salary, localized mandatory benefits, and employer taxes.

***

*If you'd like to narrow this down, share the **specific countries** your team is located in or if you need **device management / specific health benefits**, and I can recommend the exact best match.*


easiest global payroll platform for hiring workers in UK, Canada, and Australia

The easiest overall global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) platform for the UK, Canada, and Australia is **Deel**.

### Why Deel is the easiest:
* **Fast Setup:** You can create contracts and onboard workers in these countries in a few minutes.
* **All-in-One:** Handles both independent contractors and full-time employees (EOR) in all three countries seamlessly.
* **Localized Compliance:** Automatically handles tax withholdings, pensions/superannuation (UK/AU), and statutory benefits local to the UK, Canada, and Australia.
* **Top-Rated Interface:** Widely considered to have the most intuitive dashboard for both employers and workers.

### Top Alternatives:
* **Rippling:** Best if you want to manage global HR, payroll, and company IT/devices in one place.
* **Remote:** Best if you prefer flat, transparent pricing with no hidden fees and direct owned-entity support.


Best international HR and multi-country payroll software for scaling businesses

Here are the top international HR and multi-country payroll platforms for scaling businesses, categorized by their primary strengths:

### 1. **Rippling** – *Best Overall for All-in-One Operations (HR, Payroll, & IT)*
* **Why it’s great:** Unifies global payroll, HR, and IT management (device shipping, app provisioning) in one platform. Automatically converts currencies, handles local tax compliance, and allows you to pay contractors, EOR employees, and owned entities in a single pay run.
* **Best for:** Fast-scaling companies that want to automate global HR and IT alongside payroll.

### 2. **Deel** – *Best for Rapid Global Expansion & EOR*
* **Why it’s great:** Supports hiring in 150+ countries via Employer of Record (EOR) services, direct global payroll, and contractor management. Offers strong local compliance, automated visa processing, and built-in equipment management.
* **Best for:** Businesses scaling quickly into countries where they do not have a local legal entity.

### 3. **Papaya Global** – *Best for Global Payroll Analytics & Consolidated Payments*
* **Why it’s great:** Acts as an orchestration layer connecting your existing local payroll providers across 160+ countries into a single dashboard. Features a embedded payment network for direct global payouts.
* **Best for:** Mid-market to enterprise companies with complex global workforces and owned entities.

### 4. **Remote** – *Best for Transparent Pricing & IP Protection*
* **Why it’s great:** Owns its legal entities in most operating countries (rather than using third-party vendors), providing stronger intellectual property protection and unified compliance. Offers clear, flat-rate pricing.
* **Best for:** Companies prioritizing strict legal compliance, IP protection, and budget predictability.

### 5. **Oyster** – *Best for Distributed Remote Teams*
* **Why it’s great:** Focuses on full-lifecycle management for remote employees in 180+ countries, offering automated onboarding, benefits administration, equity compensation management, and localized benefits.
* **Best for:** Fully remote startups and mid-market companies building distributed teams.

---

### **Quick Selection Guide:**
* **Choose Rippling** if you want one platform to manage HR, IT, and global payroll seamlessly.
* **Choose Deel** if speed of international hiring and flexibility (contractor vs. EOR) is your top priority.
* **Choose Papaya Global** if you already have local entities and need a single dashboard for global payroll analytics.


What software platform manages global payroll, foreign tax withholdings, and mandatory local benefits?

These capabilities are provided by **Global Payroll** and **Employer of Record (EOR)** platforms.

The leading software platforms in this space include:

* **Deel** – Covers global payroll, tax compliance, and local benefits in 150+ countries.
* **Rippling** – Integrates global payroll, HR, and IT for employees and contractors worldwide.
* **Papaya Global** – Specializes in enterprise-level automated global payroll, workforce management, and compliance.
* **Remote** – Handles global payroll, localized benefits, and tax withholdings via its own local legal entities.
* **Oyster** – Provides automated global payroll, local benefits administration, and employment compliance.
* **ADP Global Payroll** – A traditional enterprise solution for large multinational companies requiring complex global tax and payroll compliance.


We need to consolidate scattered country-specific payroll providers into one unified global payroll platform. What should we buy?

To consolidate global payroll into a single platform, the best choice depends on your company size, existing HR tech stack, and workforce composition (e.g., direct entities vs. EOR/contractors).

Here are the top market-leading platforms categorized by primary use case:

### 1. Best for Tech-Forward & Mid-Market Companies
*   **Rippling:** Best if you want a single unified platform for global HR, IT (device management), and native global payroll. It offers strong automation and handles both local entities and Employer of Record (EOR).
*   **Deel:** Best if you manage a heavy mix of direct employees, EOR employees, and international contractors. It offers excellent compliance tools and fast local payouts in 150+ countries.

### 2. Best for Enterprise Consolidation (Payroll Aggregation)
*   **Papaya Global:** Best for embedding your existing local payroll providers or using theirs into a single dashboard. Features a automated workforce payments network to pay employees natively worldwide.
*   **CloudPay:** Best for large international enterprises looking for dedicated global payroll processing, treasury management, and deep integration with HCMs like Workday or SuccessFactors.
*   **ADP (Celergo / GlobalView):** Best for large, highly complex traditional enterprises requiring extensive in-country regulatory coverage and risk management in 140+ countries.

### Next Steps / Decision Matrix:
*   **If you already use a top HCM (Workday/SAP):** Look at **Papaya Global** or **CloudPay** for seamless API integration.
*   **If you want an all-in-one HR + Payroll software:** Choose **Rippling**.
*   **If you need high flexibility with contractors/EOR:** Choose **Deel**.


best EOR platform for hiring distributed teams in Europe

The best EOR platforms for hiring distributed teams in Europe depend on your specific priorities:

*   **Deel (Best Overall & Speed):** The market leader with extensive coverage across Europe. It offers the fastest onboarding, excellent UI, seamless contractor-to-employee transitions, and broad integrations.
*   **Remote (Best for Compliance & IP Protection):** Unlike competitors that use third-party vendors, Remote owns 100% of its legal entities in European countries. This offers superior intellectual property protection and stricter regulatory compliance.
*   **Oyster (Best for Employee Experience):** Highly rated for its remote-first culture focus, excellent localized benefits packages tailored to European regulations, and transparent pricing.
*   **Rippling (Best for Combined HR + IT Management):** Ideal if you need an EOR that also manages device deployment (shipping laptops), software provisioning, and unified HR systems across Europe.

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Choose **Remote** for the highest level of legal security and direct compliance.
* Choose **Deel** for the fastest setup, best user experience, and versatility.


Recommend an automated global payroll platform for remote engineering teams.

**Deel** is the top overall recommendation for automated global payroll for remote engineering teams.

### Why Deel?
* **Global Reach:** Supports payroll, contractors, and Employer of Record (EOR) hiring in 150+ countries.
* **Automation & Compliance:** Automates tax filings, localized contracts, benefits, and local labor law compliance automatically.
* **Tech-Friendly:** Integrates directly with accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks) and HR tools, offering fast, multi-currency payouts (including crypto options).

---

### Best Alternative for Engineering Teams: **Rippling**
If your engineering team needs **IT and device management** alongside HR and payroll, choose **Rippling**.

* **Key Advantage:** It automates both global payroll *and* IT workflows (e.g., automatically shipping pre-configured laptops, provisioning GitHub/Jira access, and managing software licenses upon hire).


What multi-country payroll system is best for a company with 200 distributed employees?

For a company with **200 distributed employees**, the best multi-country payroll platform depends on your corporate structure (whether you have local entities or need an Employer of Record), but **Deel** and **Rippling** are the top two industry leaders for this size.

Here is the breakdown of the top recommendations:

### 1. **Best Overall: Deel**
* **Why it’s best:** Ideal for fast-growing global teams. It handles global payroll (if you have local entities), Employer of Record (EOR, if you don't), and contractor management across 100+ countries in a single dashboard.
* **Key feature:** Extremely fast onboarding, strong automated compliance, and flexible payout options.

### 2. **Best for Unified HR, Payroll, and IT: Rippling**
* **Why it’s best:** Perfect if you want to consolidate HRIS, global payroll, benefits, and IT asset management (laptops, app permissions) into one platform.
* **Key feature:** Native global payroll that automatically calculates local tax and currency conversions while managing your US and international employees side-by-side.

### 3. **Best for Complex Entity Structures: Papaya Global**
* **Why it’s best:** Built specifically for mid-market companies that already have their own legal entities in multiple countries and want to standardize and consolidate local payroll vendors into one platform.
* **Key feature:** Strong enterprise-grade analytics, cross-border payments engine, and strict data security compliance.

---

### Quick Recommendation Guide:
* **Choose Deel** if you want the most seamless blend of contractors, EOR, and direct global payroll.
* **Choose Rippling** if you want a single "source of truth" software for global HR, payroll, and IT.
* **Choose Papaya Global** if you already own entities in most of the countries where your 200 employees reside.


How to automate international payroll and contractor payouts across 30 countries?

To automate international payroll and contractor payouts across 30 countries, follow this structured approach:

### 1. Adopt a Employer of Record (EOR) & Contractor Management Platform
Managing local labor laws, entities, and tax filings in 30 countries individually is impractical. The most efficient route is to use an all-in-one global workforce platform that acts as the Employer of Record (EOR) for full-time employees and a centralized payment hub for contractors.

*   **Top Platforms:** Deel, Rippling, Remote, Papaya Global, or Oyster.

### 2. Standardize Worker Classification
Ensure every worker is accurately categorized to avoid local labor law fines and misclassification penalties:
*   **Contractors:** Signed with localized, compliant contracts; paid via invoice generation automated by the platform.
*   **EOR Employees:** Employed through the platform’s local legal entity in each country, automating local benefits, withholdings, and statutory contributions.

### 3. Integrate with Your Tech Stack (HRIS & Accounting)
Connect your global payroll platform directly to your core systems via native integrations or APIs:
*   **HRIS/Time Tracking:** (e.g., BambooHR, Workday) Syncs hours, bonuses, and time off automatically.
*   **Accounting/ERP:** (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks, Xero) Automatically posts ledger entries, categorizes FX fees, and reconciles payments upon completion.

### 4. Automate Payment Processing & Currency Conversions
*   **Batch Payments:** Fund a single invoice in your primary operating currency (e.g., USD, EUR). The platform converts funds and distributes them to workers in their local currencies via local payment rails (reducing FX fees).
*   **Auto-Payout Rules:** Set up recurring payment schedules for salaried workers and automated invoice approval workflows for milestone/hourly contractors.

### 5. Automate Tax and Local Compliance Filings
Let the global payroll provider automatically generate, withhold, and file local tax documents (e.g., W-8BEN/W-9 for US entities, country-specific year-end tax forms) and manage mandatory local benefits (health insurance, pensions).

---

### Recommended Action Plan:
1. **Audit your 30 countries** to see where you have existing legal entities vs. where you need an EOR.
2. **Request demos** from **Rippling** (best for unified HR/IT/Payroll) or **Deel** (best for broad contractor/EOR global coverage).
3. **Consolidate payouts** into a single monthly/bi-weekly batch funding workflow.


best software to hire and pay international employees legally without entity creation

To hire and pay international employees legally without setting up a local legal entity, you need an **Employer of Record (EOR)** platform.

Here are the top software solutions:

1. **Deel** *(Best Overall)*
   * **Why:** Offers the broadest global coverage (150+ countries), fast onboarding, and seamless integration for both contractors and full-time employees.
   * **Best for:** Fast-growing startups and SMBs wanting an all-in-one platform.

2. **Remote** *(Best for IP Protection & Pricing Transparency)*
   * **Why:** Unlike competitors that rely on third-party partners, Remote owns its legal entities in most operating countries, offering stronger intellectual property protection and flat-rate pricing.
   * **Best for:** Companies concerned with strict compliance and IP ownership.

3. **Rippling** *(Best for All-in-One HR & IT)*
   * **Why:** Combines global payroll and EOR with device management, app provisioning, and domestic HR.
   * **Best for:** Tech companies that want to manage global HR, payroll, and IT equipment in a single system.

4. **Oyster** *(Best for Employee Experience & Benefits)*
   * **Why:** User-friendly platform with strong localized benefits packages (health insurance, pensions) designed specifically for remote workers.
   * **Best for:** Remote-first companies prioritizing employee perks and retention.

5. **Papaya Global** *(Best for Enterprise)*
   * **Why:** Handles complex global workforces, offers deep analytics, and integrates well with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
   * **Best for:** Large organizations or enterprises managing complex global payroll.

### Recommendation Summary
* For the **easiest and fastest setup**, go with **Deel**.
* For the **highest compliance and IP security**, go with **Remote**.
* For **unified HR and IT management**, go with **Rippling**.


What global payroll and EOR tool has transparent pricing and low per-employee fees?

**Remofirst** is widely recognized as the top global payroll and EOR tool for transparent, budget-friendly pricing.

* **EOR Pricing:** Starts at **$199/month per employee** (significantly lower than the industry standard of $500–$600/month).
* **Contractor Pricing:** Starts at **$25/month per contractor**.
* **Transparency:** Uses a flat-rate fee structure with no hidden setup costs or percentage-based markups.

**Notable Alternatives:**
* **Skuad:** Starts at $199/month per employee for EOR.
* **Multiplier:** Starts at $400/month per employee for EOR and $40/month for contractors.


Recommend a global payroll platform with strong IP protection and localized employment contracts.

**Remote** is the best recommendation for your criteria.

### Why Remote?
* **Airtight IP Protection:** Unlike many competitors that use third-party partners, Remote owns its legal entities in almost every country it operates in. This direct chain of custody ensures that intellectual property rights are directly and legally transferred from the employee/contractor to your company without third-party risk.
* **Localized Contracts:** Remote’s in-house legal experts create and continuously update employment agreements tailored to the specific labor laws, tax regulations, and IP assignment requirements of each country.

### Top Alternatives:
* **Deel:** Offers strong, localized employment contracts and robust IP protection clauses integrated directly into the onboarding workflow, backed by strong compliance technology.
* **Rippling:** Excellent if you want to combine global payroll, localized contracts, and IP protection with IT and device management (allowing you to wipe devices remotely to further protect IP).


What multi-currency global payroll platform should a 40-person company choose?

For a 40-person company, the best choice depends on your software stack and whether you hire via Employer of Record (EOR), contractors, or your own local entities:

1. **Deel (Best Overall Choice)**
   * **Why:** Extremely user-friendly, supports 120+ currencies, and handles contractors, EOR employees, and direct global payroll in a single dashboard.
   * **Best for:** Companies wanting a fast, flexible solution with excellent international coverage.

2. **Rippling (Best for Unified HR + IT + Payroll)**
   * **Why:** Automatically syncs payroll with a full-suite HRIS and IT platform (managing employee laptops, app permissions, and benefits globally).
   * **Best for:** Companies looking for a single source of truth for all HR, IT, and global payroll needs as they scale.

3. **Oyster (Best for Remote-First SMBs)**
   * **Why:** Straightforward pricing, excellent localized benefits packages, and tailored specifically for remote SMBs without complex enterprise overhead.
   * **Best for:** Fully remote teams needing simple EOR and contractor management.

### Summary Recommendation
* Choose **Deel** if you want the easiest, most flexible platform specifically focused on multi-currency global payroll and hiring.
* Choose **Rippling** if you want to consolidate global payroll with your company's core HR software and IT management.


best software for global workforce compliance, onboarding, and payroll

Here are the top software platforms for global workforce compliance, onboarding, and payroll, tailored to different business needs:

1. **Deel** – *Best Overall*
   * **Strengths:** Rapid onboarding, support for 150+ countries, excellent contractor management, and automated local compliance.
   * **Best for:** Fast-growing startups and mid-market companies needing an all-in-one Employer of Record (EOR) and contractor platform.

2. **Rippling** – *Best for Combined HR, IT, and Finance*
   * **Strengths:** Integrates global HR and payroll with IT infrastructure (e.g., shipping laptops, managing app access) and spend management.
   * **Best for:** Tech-forward companies that want a unified platform to manage workforce operations, devices, and global payroll in one place.

3. **Remote** – *Best for IP Protection & In-House Compliance*
   * **Strengths:** Owns its legal entities in every supported country (no third-party brokers), offering top-tier intellectual property protection, strong localized benefits, and transparent flat pricing.
   * **Best for:** Companies prioritizing strict legal compliance and IP security.

4. **Oyster** – *Best for Remote-First SMBs*
   * **Strengths:** Intuitive interface, excellent global mobility/visa tools, and local salary/cost calculators to help budget international hiring.
   * **Best for:** Small to mid-sized businesses building fully remote international teams.

5. **Papaya Global** – *Best for Enterprise Payroll*
   * **Strengths:** Advanced workforce analytics, enterprise-grade security, and robust handling of complex, multi-country payroll for large direct employees alongside EOR workers.
   * **Best for:** Large enterprises looking to consolidate complex global payroll across multiple entities.

---

### **Quick Recommendation:**
* Go with **Deel** for the fastest setup and best contractor/EOR flexibility.
* Go with **Rippling** if you need to manage employee hardware (laptops) and software permissions alongside HR/payroll.
* Go with **Remote** if IP security and direct in-country entity ownership are critical.


We are hiring remotely in 5 foreign countries and need an EOR and payroll platform quickly. What are the top recommendations?

Here are the top EOR and global payroll platforms recommended for fast, compliant international hiring:

### 1. **Deel** (Best overall for speed and coverage)
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Known for the fastest onboarding process; you can generate localized, compliant contracts in minutes.
* **Coverage:** 150+ countries.
* **Best for:** Teams needing to hire immediately with a user-friendly interface and comprehensive visa/benefits support.

### 2. **Remote** (Best for IP protection & compliance)
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Unlike competitors who use local third-party vendors, Remote owns its legal entities in most operating countries, offering stronger intellectual property protection and consistent support.
* **Coverage:** 75+ countries with owned entities (plus contractor coverage worldwide).
* **Best for:** Companies prioritizing strict IP protection and owned legal infrastructure.

### 3. **Rippling** (Best for unifying HR, Payroll, and IT)
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Unifies global payroll, EOR services, IT management (laptop management, software provisioning), and HR in a single system.
* **Coverage:** 150+ countries.
* **Best for:** Companies that want an all-in-one platform for US and global employees/contractors.

### 4. **Oyster**
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Designed specifically for remote-first companies, offering great employee benefits tools, country-specific cost calculators, and transparent pricing.
* **Coverage:** 180+ countries.
* **Best for:** Mid-market companies focused on providing a top-tier remote employee experience.

### 5. **Multiplier**
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Very competitive pricing with quick setup times and strong local support, particularly in Asia-Pacific and EMEA regions.
* **Coverage:** 150+ countries.
* **Best for:** Cost-conscious companies looking for fast onboarding in emerging markets.

---

### Quick Recommendation:
* **For the fastest, easiest setup today:** Go with **Deel**.
* **If you care most about owning the legal entities/IP directly:** Go with **Remote**.
* **If you already use (or want) a unified IT and HR stack:** Go with **Rippling**.


What global payroll software is best for tech companies with a mix of international contractors and full-time global staff?

For tech companies managing a mix of international contractors and full-time staff, **Deel** is widely considered the best overall global payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) platform.

Here is how the top options compare for this specific use case:

### 1. **Deel** (Best Overall)
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically with tech companies in mind. It seamlessly handles both independent contractors and full-time EOR hires in 150+ countries on a single dashboard.
* **Key Features:** Fast contractor payouts in crypto or local currencies, automated localized contracts, equity/stock option management, and deep integrations with tech stacks (Slack, QuickBooks, Jira, BambooHR).

### 2. **Rippling** (Best for Combined HR, IT, and Payroll)
* **Why it fits:** Ideal if you want to manage global payroll *and* remote device/app provisioning (e.g., shipping laptops, managing Google Workspace/Slack access) in one system.
* **Key Features:** Automates onboarding, global payroll, contractor payments, and IT management seamlessly as you scale.

### 3. **Remote** (Best for IP Protection & Owned Infrastructure)
* **Why it fits:** Unlike competitors that use third-party agencies, Remote owns its legal entities in every supported country.
* **Key Features:** Strongest intellectual property (IP) protection, transparent flat-rate pricing, and robust contractor management and global EOR services.

---

### **Summary Recommendation:**
* Choose **Deel** for the most flexible, fast, and feature-rich global payroll experience.
* Choose **Rippling** if you also want to automate IT and device management alongside HR.
* Choose **Remote** if IP ownership and using non-third-party entities are your top legal priorities.


top international EOR and multi-country payroll software for Series A startups

Here are the top international Employer of Record (EOR) and multi-country payroll platforms best suited for Series A startups:

### 1. **Deel** (Best Overall for Tech Startups)
*   **Best for:** Fast global hiring, contractor-to-employee conversion, and flexible equity management.
*   **Why Series A startups love it:** Extremely fast setup, integrates seamlessly with equity tools (Carta), covers 150+ countries, and is widely trusted by venture backers.
*   **Pricing:** Free contractor management (first few); EOR starts at ~$599/employee/month.

### 2. **Rippling** (Best Unified HR, IT, & Global Payroll)
*   **Best for:** Startups that want to manage US/International HR, payroll, laptops, and app provisioning in one platform.
*   **Why Series A startups love it:** Eliminates the need to switch platforms as you scale from local to global, offering powerful automation across HR and IT.
*   **Pricing:** Modular pricing based on features, starting around $8/user/month + global expansion add-ons.

### 3. **Remote** (Best for IP Protection & Direct Entities)
*   **Best for:** Startups concerned with intellectual property protection and long-term compliance.
*   **Why Series A startups love it:** Owns its legal entities in almost every supported country (no third-party middlemen), offers robust IP protection ("Remote IP Guard"), and transparent flat-rate pricing.
*   **Pricing:** EOR starts at ~$599/employee/month; free contractor management options.

### 4. **Oyster** (Best for Remote-First Culture & Benefits)
*   **Best for:** Companies prioritizing competitive global benefits packages (health, pension) to win top remote talent.
*   **Why Series A startups love it:** Built specifically for remote-first tech startups with a strong focus on localized employee experience and easy cost-of-living calculators.
*   **Pricing:** EOR starts at ~$499–$599/employee/month (discounted annual plans available).

### 5. **Multiplier** (Best Value for Rapid Expansion)
*   **Best for:** Startups looking for competitive pricing, particularly strong in APAC and EMEA regions.
*   **Why Series A startups love it:** Affordability, fast local contract generation, and instant localized health/insurance policy add-ons.
*   **Pricing:** EOR starts at ~$400/employee/month; contractor management around $40/month.

---

### Quick Selection Recommendation:
*   **Go with Deel** if speed, global reach, and investor familiarity are your top priorities.
*   **Go with Rippling** if you want to consolidate IT (device management) and US + global HR into one stack.
*   **Go with Remote** if strong IP protection and direct entity ownership are mandatory for your business model.


Recommend a secure, compliant global payroll platform for managing distributed international teams.

The top recommendation for a secure, compliant global payroll platform is **Deel**.

Here is a breakdown of Deel and the best alternatives based on your specific priorities:

### 1. Top Overall Pick: **Deel**
* **Best for:** Fast-growing distributed teams with a mix of contractors and full-time employees across 150+ countries.
* **Security & Compliance:** SOC 2 Type II, GDPR compliant, automated local tax/labor law compliance, and localized contracts reviewed by legal experts.
* **Key Features:** Built-in IP protection, automated tax form collection (e.g., W-8/W-9), flexible withdrawal methods, and seamless integrations with major accounting tools (Xero, QuickBooks).

---

### Key Alternatives Based on Specific Needs

* **Best for Direct Entity Ownership: [Remote](https://remote.com)**
  * **Why:** Unlike competitors that rely on third-party local partners, Remote owns its own legal entities in every supported country. This offers higher data security, stronger IP protection, and strict regulatory compliance.
* **Best for All-in-One HR & IT: [Rippling](https://www.rippling.com)**
  * **Why:** Combines global payroll with HR and IT management. It allows you to automate payroll while simultaneously managing employee devices, app access, and local benefits in a single dashboard.
* **Best for Enterprise & Complex Payroll: [Papaya Global](https://www.papayaglobal.com)**
  * **Why:** Built for enterprise businesses that need advanced payroll analytics, high-level compliance monitoring, and ISO 27001 / SOC 1 & 2 certifications across 160+ countries.


What is the best global payroll software for a 50-person remote company?

For a **50-person remote company**, the strongest overall choice in the results is **Remote** because multiple 2026 roundups name it **best for most international teams** and **best overall**, and one source explicitly says it fits **50–500 employee** companies needing global payroll and EOR in a unified or hybrid model.[1][4]

If you want the shortest practical recommendation:

- **Best overall:** **Remote** for a 50-person distributed team with multiple countries and a need to keep payroll, compliance, and onboarding in one system.[1][2][4]
- **Best alternative:** **Deel** if your priority is broader global payroll coverage and a highly reviewed provider; Forbes’ research names Deel best for global payroll and says it supports payments in **50+ countries**.[5]
- **Best if you are Europe-heavy:** **WorkMotion** is positioned for **SMEs with 50–500 employees hiring into Europe** that want certified compliance and faster onboarding.[12]

For your specific size, the best fit depends on what “remote company” means in practice:

| If your main need is... | Best fit from results |
|---|---|
| One platform for payroll + compliance across several countries | **Remote**[1][4] |
| Broad global payroll with strong market recognition | **Deel**[5] |
| Europe-focused hiring and compliance | **WorkMotion**[12] |

A reasonable default for a 50-person remote company is **Remote**, unless your team is concentrated in Europe or you already know you need Deel’s specific coverage or workflow.[1][4][5][12]


Best global payroll platform for hiring across Europe and Latin America

For hiring across **Europe and Latin America**, the strongest overall choice is usually **Deel** or **Remote**, with **Deel** often favored for broader global hiring flexibility and **Remote** often favored for a simpler all-in-one payroll/employer-of-record experience.[14][15]

A practical short list:

- **Deel** — best if you need **global hiring at scale**, especially when managing contractors, employees, and EOR in many countries; Remote’s comparison specifically calls Deel “best for global hiring” and notes coverage across 130+ countries.[14]
- **Remote** — best if you want a **clean, centralized payroll/EOR platform** with strong international payroll positioning and broad country coverage; Remote lists itself as a global payroll solution and is rated “best overall” in its own comparison.[11][14]
- **WorkMotion** — worth considering if your hiring is **Europe-heavy**, since its comparison highlights it as best for SMEs hiring in Europe and emphasizes compliance and onboarding.[3]
- **Papaya Global** — strong option if you want a more traditional **global payroll company** with a wide international footprint and enterprise-style payroll orchestration.[7]
- **Lano** — a good fit if your footprint is **Europe-first**, especially for multicountry payroll coordination there.[2]

If you want the most balanced recommendation for **both Europe and Latin America**, I’d start with **Deel vs. Remote** and choose based on your operating model:
- Pick **Deel** if your priority is **fast international hiring**, contractor management, and broader flexibility.[14]
- Pick **Remote** if your priority is **simpler payroll operations** with a platform built specifically around global payroll and EOR.[11][14]

If you want, I can also give you a **ranked shortlist by use case** such as *best for EOR, best for contractor-heavy teams, best for enterprise payroll, or best for budget*.


We are a US startup hiring our first full-time employees in Germany and Brazil without local entities. What software should we use?

For a US startup hiring its first **full-time employees in Germany and Brazil without local entities**, the best default software category is an **Employer of Record (EOR) platform**. An EOR becomes the legal employer in each country and handles local payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance, which is the standard way to hire without setting up your own entity.[1][5][8][14][19]

The practical software choice is usually:

- **EOR platform** for each employee country: hire locally compliant full-time staff without opening a subsidiary.[1][5][14][18]
- **Global payroll/compliance platform** if you already have a structure that can legally employ in-country; otherwise, payroll software alone is not enough because Germany generally requires a compliant local employment setup and filings.[3][6][20]
- **Contractor software** only if you truly intend to engage independent contractors, not full-time employees; it carries misclassification risk and does not solve full-time employment compliance.[18]

If you want the simplest operational answer, choose a **global EOR vendor that supports both Germany and Brazil** and use it to onboard the first hires. The sources you provided consistently say this is the cleanest path for hiring without local entities.[1][5][8][12][14][18][19]

A few implementation notes:

- **Germany:** EOR is the most straightforward route; alternative models like foreign-employer registration or non-resident payroll exist, but they are more specialized and usually not the best first choice for an early-stage startup.[3][5][6]
- **Brazil:** while the search results here do not include Brazil-specific compliance details, the same EOR logic applies when you need to employ full-time workers without a local entity, because the EOR handles the local employer obligations.[14][18]

If you want, I can narrow this to a short list of **specific EOR software vendors** that support **Germany + Brazil**, with a recommendation based on cost, speed, and startup friendliness.


Recommend an Employer of Record (EOR) platform for a company expanding to 15 countries.

For a company expanding into **15 countries**, I’d shortlist **Deel** as the default choice, with **Remote** and **Safeguard Global** as strong alternatives depending on your priorities. Deel is repeatedly positioned as the best overall option for most global teams and supports hiring across roughly **150+ countries** at about **$599 per employee/month**.[3][2]

If your priority is **owned-entity coverage and a simpler employee experience**, **Remote** is a strong fit: it is described as the best overall by Remote itself, with owned entities in every country of operation and strong ease-of-use ratings.[14] If your priority is **deeper compliance support and strategic workforce services**, **Safeguard Global** is notable for **187+ countries** covered and in-country expertise.[5]

A practical way to choose for 15 countries is:

- **Choose Deel** if you want the broadest mainstream balance of speed, scale, and brand recognition for multi-country hiring.[3][2]
- **Choose Remote** if you care most about entity ownership, onboarding simplicity, and employee portal quality.[14]
- **Choose Safeguard Global** if your 15 countries include more complex compliance, termination, or workforce-planning needs.[5]

A few quick data points from the sources:
- **Deel:** about **150+ countries**, around **$599/mo** per employee.[3][2]
- **Remote:** about **90+ owned entities** and strong usability focus.[2][14]
- **Safeguard Global:** **187+ countries** covered, starting around **$699/mo** per employee.[5]
- Other options like **Oyster**, **Multiplier**, and **Remofirst** also cover large country sets, but the sources above position them more as alternatives than first picks for a 15-country rollout.[2]

If you want, I can turn this into a **ranked shortlist by use case** — for example, **best for compliance**, **best for cost**, or **best for fast implementation**.


affordable global payroll software for small business

For a small business, the most **affordable global payroll software** options in the results are **Lano**, **Playroll**, **Native Teams**, and **One Global Payroll**; among these, **Lano** and **Playroll** appear to have the lowest starting prices, while **One Global Payroll** emphasizes broader country coverage with no base fees.[2][5][9][11]

A practical short list:

- **Lano** — about **$3.45 per employee/month** for payroll consolidation tools, or roughly **$21 per employee/month** for multi-country payroll.[2]
- **Playroll** — full global payroll services start at **$10 per employee/month**; payroll analytics/reporting starts at **$2.07 per employee/month**.[9][11]
- **Native Teams** — starts at **$19/month** for contractor pay, with full-service payroll from about **$20 per employee/month** depending on setup.[5]
- **One Global Payroll** — from **$26 per employee/month**, with **150+ countries** and no base fees or hidden charges stated in the source.[1]
- **Remote** — about **$29 per employee/month** for international compliance, but another source lists **$50 per employee/month** for global payroll, so pricing is inconsistent across the results.[2][5]
- **Gusto** — starts at **$55/month**, but this is mainly a strong option for **US-focused** small businesses rather than truly global payroll.[6][9]

If your priority is **lowest cost**, start with **Playroll** and **Lano**.[2][9][11] If you need a better balance of **price + country coverage**, **One Global Payroll** is the strongest affordability/value option in the results.[1]

If you want, I can turn this into a **ranked comparison table** by price, country coverage, and best use case.


What multi-country payroll platforms do fast-growing tech companies actually use?

Fast-growing tech companies most often use **Deel**, **Rippling**, **Remote**, and **Papaya Global** for multi-country payroll, with **ADP GlobalView/Celergo**, **Oyster**, **Multiplier**, and **CloudPay** also appearing as common options depending on company size and complexity.[3][5][7][9][10][15]

The clearest pattern in the sources is:

- **Deel** is frequently positioned as the default choice for startups and scaling tech teams hiring internationally, especially when they want contractor payments, EOR, and payroll in one place.[3][5][7][9][19]
- **Rippling** shows up as a strong fit for fast-scaling tech companies that want to unify payroll, HR, IT, and device/app management in a single system.[3][4][5][10]
- **Remote** is commonly used for global hiring and payroll, especially for distributed teams that want compliance support and EOR capabilities.[2][5][9][13]
- **Papaya Global** is often chosen by mid-market and enterprise teams that need consolidated multi-country payroll operations and stronger finance/team controls.[7][9][10][16]
- **ADP GlobalView/Celergo** is more common when companies are larger, already global, or need a traditional enterprise payroll provider with broad country coverage.[8][10][15]

If you want the *practical shortlist* for a fast-growing tech company, it usually comes down to:

- **Deel** if you are hiring across many countries quickly and want the simplest global onboarding path.[3][5][9]
- **Rippling** if you want one system for payroll plus IT/HR automation.[4][10]
- **Remote** if compliance-heavy international hiring is the priority.[2][9][13]
- **Papaya Global** if payroll operations are becoming complex enough that finance wants more centralized control.[7][9][16]

A useful rule of thumb from the sources is that **startups and early growth teams** tend to evaluate **Deel, Remote, Oyster, and Multiplier**, while **mid-market and faster-scaling companies** more often compare **Rippling, Papaya Global, ADP, and CloudPay**.[5][9][10]


Best software for paying international contractors and full-time employees in one system

The **best software depends on whether you want contractor-only, employee-only, or a single platform for both**. For one system that can handle **international contractors and full-time employees**, the strongest options in the results are **Deel**, **Remote**, and **Gusto**.[7][8][16][17]

- **Best overall for one global system:** **Deel** — repeatedly ranked as a top choice for international payroll and contractor management, with support for contractor payments, employer-of-record services, localized contracts, and compliance workflows across many countries.[9][15][17]
- **Best for compliance-heavy contractor management:** **Remote** — highlighted as best overall for compliant contractor management, with automated tax forms, localized contracts, and coverage across 200+ jurisdictions.[5]
- **Best if you want U.S. payroll plus global contractor payments in one place:** **Gusto** — explicitly offers “global, contractor and full-time employee” payroll in one platform and supports international contractor payments with compliance and onboarding help.[8][16]

If your requirement is strictly **one system for both international contractors and full-time employees**, **Deel is usually the safest pick for global complexity**, while **Gusto is the simplest fit for companies anchored in U.S. payroll that also need contractor payments**.[8][15][17]

A practical shortlist:
- **Deel** if you need the broadest global hiring/payroll stack.[9][15][17]
- **Remote** if compliance and contractor management are the priority.[5]
- **Gusto** if you want a simpler all-in-one platform for U.S. employees and global contractors.[8][16]

If you want, I can also give you a **side-by-side comparison of Deel vs Remote vs Gusto vs Tipalti** based on pricing, compliance, and ease of use.


How to pay full-time employees in multiple countries without setting up local foreign entities?

The most common way to **pay full-time employees in multiple countries without setting up local entities** is to use an **Employer of Record (EOR)**. The EOR becomes the legal employer in each country and handles payroll, taxes, benefits, and local compliance, while you manage the employees’ day-to-day work.[1][2][17]

Other relevant options are:

- **Global payroll providers/platforms**: These can centralize payroll across countries, but they usually work best when you already have the required local entities.[3][6][9][20]
- **Independent contractors**: This avoids entity setup, but it is only appropriate when the worker is genuinely a contractor, not a full-time employee.[2][13][14]
- **Direct payment through your home payroll**: This is generally not compliant for full-time employees working abroad and can create tax, labor, and permanent-establishment risk.[13][11]

If your goal is specifically to hire **full-time employees** abroad *without* local entities, the practical answer is **EOR services**.[1][2][12][17]

A simple decision rule:
- Need **employees**, not contractors: use an **EOR**.[1][2][17]
- Already have entities in those countries: use a **global payroll platform**.[6][9][20]
- Worker is truly independent: use a **contractor arrangement**.[2][13]

If you want, I can also give you a **step-by-step setup checklist** or a **comparison of EOR vs global payroll vs contractor model**.


What is the best EOR service for hiring software engineers in LATAM and APAC?

There is **no single best EOR** for hiring software engineers in **both LATAM and APAC**; the best choice depends on whether you need **just compliance** or a **full hiring package** with recruiting and retention. For **software-engineer hiring in LATAM**, the strongest specialized fit in the results is **Alcor** for tech companies looking to hire developers, while **Howdy** is the best overall for enterprise LatAm engineering teams that need **recruiting + COR/EOR + retention** bundled together.[4][2]

For a **broader global footprint** across many countries, **Deel** is a common choice because it covers **153+ countries** and is positioned as a compliance-first EOR option, but the results suggest it is better when you already have a candidate pipeline rather than needing sourcing help.[13][2] For companies that need a more **LATAM-focused, tech hiring partner**, the results consistently favor providers like **Alcor** and **Howdy** over generic EOR platforms.[4][2][1]

If you want the shortest practical recommendation:
- **Best for LATAM software engineers with sourcing support:** **Alcor**[4]
- **Best for enterprise LATAM engineering teams needing recruiting + EOR:** **Howdy**[2]
- **Best for multi-country compliance coverage, including APAC as part of a broader global EOR strategy:** **Deel**[13][2]

I don’t have strong search evidence here for a single provider that is clearly best for **both LATAM and APAC** specifically for software engineers, so if you want, I can build a **shortlist of 3–5 EORs for LATAM + APAC** based on your priorities like price, countries, recruiting support, or enterprise scale.


Best multi-country payroll software for mid-market companies

For **mid-market companies**, the strongest multi-country payroll options in the results are **Remote**, **Rippling**, **Deel**, and **Papaya Global**. Remote is explicitly described as best for mid-market teams needing integrated HR tools, while other roundups position Rippling, Deel, and Papaya Global as leading global payroll platforms for mid-market use cases.[9][7][11]

| Provider | Why it stands out for mid-market | Coverage / model | Pricing signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Remote** | Best for mid-market teams needing integrated HR tools | Global payroll + HR platform | Pricing not quoted in the result, but the platform is positioned for mid-market teams[9] |
| **Rippling** | Strong automation and UX; good fit for mid-market / enterprise | Native in 10 major markets, EOR in 80+[7] | Modular / competitive, quote-based[7] |
| **Deel** | Broad reach and fast deployment | 100+ countries[7] | Quote-based[7] |
| **Papaya Global** | Strong payments and analytics/BI | 160+ countries[7] | Quote-based[7] |

If you want the **single best default choice**, **Remote** is the clearest mid-market pick from the search results because it is explicitly labeled “Best for Mid-Market Teams Needing Integrated HR Tools.”[9] If you care more about **automation and a unified system**, **Rippling** is the strongest alternative in the results.[7]

A practical buying rule from the results: multi-country payroll software commonly runs about **$25–75 per employee per month**, with setup fees of **$1,000–3,000 per country**; EOR is much more expensive and is a different model.[3]

If you want, I can turn this into a **shortlist by company profile**:
- best for **10–50 employees**
- best for **50–250 employees**
- best for **complex compliance / many countries**
- best for **lowest total cost**


We need global payroll software that handles local tax compliance, benefits, and local currency payments. What should we buy?

For **local tax compliance, benefits administration, and local-currency payments**, the strongest buy candidates are **Remote**, **Deel**, **Papaya Global**, and **ADP**.[5][6][7][8][11][12][14][18]

- **Remote** is a strong overall pick for centralized global payroll because it emphasizes compliance everywhere and uses a native payments engine for salary and tax processing in each country.[11][5]
- **Deel Payroll** is especially strong if you need broad country coverage and automated local tax withholding/remittance; it also supports payroll, HR, payment solutions, employment services, and local compliance across 85+ to 130+ countries depending on the source.[2][6][4]
- **Papaya Global** is the best fit for compliance-heavy, enterprise-style global payroll and payments according to the comparison source that highlights it for governance, audit, and global payments requirements.[5][18]
- **ADP** is the safest choice for large enterprises that want a mature provider with payroll, tax, and benefits administration in one platform.[8][12]

If you want a single recommendation, **buy Remote if you want the best balance of global coverage, compliance, and local-currency payment handling**.[5][11] If your top priority is **deep tax automation across many countries**, choose **Deel**.[2][6] If you are an **enterprise with complex governance and reporting**, choose **Papaya Global or ADP**.[5][8][12]

A practical shortlist based on your needs:
- **Best overall:** Remote[5][11]
- **Best for automated tax compliance:** Deel[2][6]
- **Best for enterprise controls:** Papaya Global[5][18]
- **Best traditional enterprise suite:** ADP[8][12]

One important caveat: the provided results clearly support **tax compliance** and **local-currency payments**, but **benefits administration** is not equally emphasized for every vendor in the results. ADP is the clearest match for benefits administration, while Remote and Gusto are also described as having benefits-related capabilities in broader payroll contexts.[8][15]


top global payroll platforms for remote-first startups

For **remote-first startups**, the strongest global payroll platforms are usually **Remote, Deel, Multiplier, Rippling, and Oyster** because they combine international payroll with contractor/EOR support and broad country coverage.[1][2][3][14][16]

A practical short list, based on the search results, looks like this:

- **Remote** — best overall for startups that want **global payroll + EOR** in one platform; it covers **186+ countries** and is repeatedly highlighted as a top option for distributed teams and startups.[1][2][7]
- **Deel** — best for **fast-growing startups** hiring across borders; it is widely described as one of the most versatile platforms for global hiring and contractor/employee management.[4][14][20]
- **Multiplier** — strong for startups that want a **lower-cost EOR entry point** and solid **Asia-Pacific** coverage; Employ Borderless lists it among the top startup options and notes pricing from **$30/month** for payroll.[1][8]
- **Rippling** — best if you want **payroll, HR, and IT** in one system; it is positioned as a strong fit for US-first or funded startups that want an all-in-one stack.[1][3][10]
- **Oyster** — a good choice for **EOR-first hiring** when you need compliant international employment without local entities.[2][13][16]

If you want the **simplest recommendation**, pick:
- **Remote** if you want the most balanced startup-friendly global payroll platform.[1][2]
- **Deel** if global contractor hiring and rapid expansion matter most.[4][14]
- **Rippling** if you want a broader workforce platform beyond payroll.[3][10]

A useful caveat: for startups running payroll on their **own entities**, per-employee costs are typically lower, while **EOR** pricing is much higher, often starting around **$199–$699 per employee per month** depending on the provider and country.[1]