Key takeaways
- Not every EOR is a good fit for UK businesses. What matters more is UK focus, depth of compliance, how the service is delivered, and real strength in the countries you want to hire in. Not global coverage or brand size.
- Human-led EORs offer greater value for UK startups and SMEs, especially when hiring in India, where retention, HR support, and cultural alignment directly impact long-term success.
- When choosing an EOR, a few things really matter - transparent pricing, proven compliance, and clear exit flexibility. Get those right, and you avoid hidden costs, reduce risk, and give employees a far better experience.
UK businesses now have the world’s talent at their fingertips. Skills across India, Europe, and beyond. But the rules don’t travel as easily. Employment law, payroll, tax, and compliance stay stubbornly local.
That gap is where risk creeps in, along with cost! And a lot of confusion for founders and HR teams!
As a result, many UK companies face the same problem. They want to hire internationally, but they do not want to set up foreign entities, manage local payroll, or navigate unfamiliar employment laws.
This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) comes in.
An EOR allows a UK business to hire employees in other countries legally and compliantly. The EOR becomes the legal employer in the worker’s country, while the UK business keeps full control over day-to-day work. Payroll, contracts, tax, benefits, and compliance are taken care of for you.
However, not all EOR providers are equal. Very few are genuinely strong at supporting UK businesses hiring internationally – the reason why we’ve created this guide for you!
This guide ranks the top Employer of Record companies for UK businesses in 2026, based on real credibility and operational strength - not marketing claims.
Each provider is assessed on:
- How well they support international hiring for UK businesses
- Their compliance and risk management capability
- Their service quality and operational maturity
This isn’t a list of big global names for the sake of it. It’s a practical ranking built for UK founders, finance leaders, and HR teams – like yourself - who want to hire overseas with confidence.
1. Black Piano – UK's leading human-first EOR company
Website link
Best for
UK companies, from startups to SMEs, looking to hire, manage, and retain remote talent (especially in India) with personalised support and full HR coverage.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
Primarily India.
Summary
Black Piano is a British-owned Employer of Record and remote workforce partner focused on helping UK businesses hire top talent, particularly in India’s vast labour market - quickly, efficiently and compliantly.
Many competitors are software platforms. “Click here. Upload there. Figure it out yourself.” Black Piano works differently. They’re hands-on. Human. And involved. You get real people and personalised support, not a self-serve portal.
Black Piano combines:
- Human-first personalised service - not automated platforms.
- End-to-end recruitment of remote employees.
- Dedicated HR support and employee management.
- Full EOR services, including payroll, benefits, and compliance
- Transparent pricing with no hidden or upfront fees.
The team works closely with UK businesses to find, hire and manage remote staff - often in 3 to 5 weeks - while ensuring compliance with local employment laws, payroll and benefits.
Black Piano’s personalised approach contributes to a high retention rate (98% since 2020), demonstrating strong focus on employee support and long-term team performance.
Strengths
- Fully human-delivered hiring and management - no bots, no self-service portals.
- Fast hiring - Helps source the right candidates in days.
- HR support includes conflict resolution and performance improvement.
- Comprehensive EOR support for UK businesses - payroll, benefits, contract, compliance, and employee support.
- Dedicated people managers and staff retention focus.
- Cost-effective and transparent – you can expect to save between 50% and 70% against local hiring.
Limitations
- India focused - the best market for talent supply and cost competitiveness.
- Their strong personal service model may not suit businesses that prefer automated tools.
Pricing
Starts at £550 per month.
If Black Piano’s focus on Indian talent pool got you thinking, learn “Why India”.
2. Deel - Market-leading global EOR & workforce platform
Website link
Best for
Deel is best for UK scale-ups and larger SMEs willing to hire across multiple countries, with a preference for platform-led, automated global employment management.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
Deel supports international hiring and employment in 150+ countries through its own legal entities and compliance infrastructure.
Summary
Deel is a globally recognised workforce management and employment platform designed to help companies hire, pay and manage employees and contractors anywhere in the world without setting up local entities.
Through its Employer of Record (EOR) services, Deel officially employs workers on behalf of your company in target countries, handling all legal responsibilities, including payroll, tax, statutory benefits, and compliance with local labour laws.
Strengths
- Global EOR services across 150+ countries, enabling UK companies to hire internationally without local entities.
- Combines payroll, HRIS (Human Resource Information System), compliance, and contractor management on one platform.
- Automated compliance and legal updates built into the service to reduce risk.
- Centralised dashboard for hiring, onboarding, payroll, and workforce data.
Limitations
- It is primarily a platform-led solution - less personalised than high-touch human-led providers.
- The wealth of features and automation may be more than some smaller UK businesses need.
- Pricing can vary significantly depending on the country and service type.
- The UK is not the focus for Deel, which could be a limiting factor for UK businesses seeking tailored and focused support.
Pricing
Starts at $599 per employee per month (Businesses should check about GBP billing).
3. Remote - Compliance-driven global EOR
Website link
Best for
UK businesses with medium to high international hiring needs. Particularly those that prioritise strong compliance and entity-backed EOR services and are happy with a platform-led setup rather than hands-on, human support.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
Remote supports employment and payroll in 90+ locations worldwide. It can also hire employees in India without UK companies needing to set up local entities.
Summary
Remote is a well-known Employer of Record and HR platform. It helps companies hire, pay, and manage employees in countries where they don’t have a legal entity set up. When you use Remote, it becomes the legal employer in the target country and handles payroll, taxes, statutory benefits, contracts and compliance with local employment law.
Strengths
- Comprehensive EOR services that legally hire and manage international employees on your behalf.
- Handles payroll, taxes, benefits, contracts, and compliance in multiple countries.
- Own entity or entity-like presence in many markets, reducing reliance on third parties.
- Strong reputation among companies scaling distributed teams internationally.
Limitations
- Less personalised human support, which may be harder for smaller UK teams with limited HR expertise.
- Complexity can be overwhelming for very small UK businesses or first-time global hirers without internal HR operations.
- Not UK-focused – The global approach coupled with the platform-based services can deter small businesses and SMEs needing more support.
Pricing
Starts at $699 per employee per month. (Their default pricing is in USD. Pricing may vary according to the country. Businesses should check with the company.)
4. Papaya Global - Enterprise-grade global EOR & workforce platform
Website link
Best for
UK businesses with complex global payroll and compliance needs. Especially mid-to-large organisations looking for a tech-led platform that brings payroll, HR, and EOR together in one system.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
Papaya Global supports hiring and payroll in 160+ countries, enabling UK companies to employ international talent without establishing local entities.
Summary
Papaya Global offers a comprehensive global Employer of Record solution that helps companies hire, onboard, pay, and manage employees across dozens of jurisdictions - all from one system.
Papaya’s strong differentiator is its technology-first platform that combines payroll, global HR, compliance, and cross-border payments with automation and analytics.
Strengths
- EOR services covering 160+ countries – that’s one of the broadest networks available for a business looking for options to expand in foreign countries.
- Strong automation, analytics, and integrations with HR/finance systems.
- Built-in compliance and risk management backed by local partners.
- Suited for complex multi-jurisdiction employment environments.
Limitations
- Designed primarily as a global enterprise platform, which can be more complex than needed for smaller UK businesses.
- The product is built for global workflows, not specifically for UK employer structures or UK-local compliance advisory.
- Platform-led experience means less personalised human support compared to boutique EOR partners.
Pricing
No pricing mentioned on their website. They encourage you to request a quote.
5. Pebl - Global EOR & workforce platform (Formerly Velocity Global)
Website link
Best for
Medium to large UK businesses that want a single, platform-led global EOR solution that’s strong on compliance, wide country coverage, and workforce tools. Best suited if you’re comfortable with automation and less personalised, hands-on support.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
Pebl’s Employer of Record services cover 185+ countries around the world without businesses having to set up local legal entities.
Summary
Pebl’s Employer of Record solution helps companies hire, onboard, manage and pay employees anywhere globally, without the need to create local entities. It enables UK businesses to expand quickly by handling contracts, payroll, statutory benefits, tax compliance, and regulatory risk in local markets.
With its Global Work Platform™ and expert services teams, Pebl emphasises compliance, fast onboarding, and integrated workforce management across regions, from Europe and the Americas to Asia, Africa and beyond.
Strengths
- Extensive global coverage (185+ countries) for UK companies hiring overseas.
- Handles full EOR responsibilities: contracts, payroll, taxes, benefits, statutory compliance, and risk management.
- Single integrated platform combining workforce management, onboarding, and global HR tools.
- Helps accelerate international hiring timelines and save on entity-related costs.
Limitations
- Primarily a platform-led experience rather than a human-first, highly personalised service. This may be less suitable for UK businesses that prefer bespoke hands-on support.
- UK employers might not receive deeply tailored UK-centric advisory, as the company is not completely focused on the UK market.
- Pricing and service complexity may be less ideal for very small businesses or first-time international hirers.
Pricing
Discounted pricing on the website shows $399 as of January 2026. Pricing may vary according to the country. So, instead of directly converting it into GBP, it’s advisable to reach out to the company for a quote.
6. Oyster - Global EOR for compliant distributed teams
Website link
Best for
UK businesses looking to hire internationally with compliance front and centre, broad country coverage, and one integrated digital platform. A strong fit for teams already comfortable with platform-led solutions - especially medium to larger businesses building distributed workforces.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
Oyster supports employment in 120+ countries.
Summary
Oyster is a global employment platform that provides Employer of Record services designed to make international hiring compliant, efficient and fast. With Oyster’s EOR, UK businesses can hire employees anywhere without the cost, time and legal complexity of setting up local entities.
Oyster’s EOR solution also emphasises speed and consistency in hiring, with streamlined onboarding and automated workflows that can reduce time-to-hire.
Strengths
- Acts as the legal employer of record on behalf of UK businesses, taking on employment compliance and administrative responsibility.
- Handles payroll, taxes, benefits, and full HR compliance in foreign markets.
- Built-in local compliance support and specialist guidance reduces legal risk for cross-border hiring.
Limitations
- Oyster is primarily a platform-centred system, so UK businesses seeking highly personalised, human-led support may find it less bespoke than boutique EOR partners.
- Its focus is on broad global coverage, not specifically on UK-only hiring nuances.
Pricing
EOR pricing starts at $699. Similar to some of the other platforms on the list, this platform offers default pricing in USD. For GBP-specific pricing, it is advisable to request a quote.
7. Multiplier - Scalable global Employer of Record (EOR) solution
Website link
https://www.usemultiplier.com/
Best for
UK businesses, particularly startups and small to mid-sized teams, that want a cost-effective, platform-led EOR. It’s best suited to teams that value simplicity, clear reporting, and solid HR tools, rather than deep, bespoke support.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
Multiplier’s EOR empowers companies to hire and onboard employees in 150+ countries around the world.
Summary
Multiplier’s Employer of Record (EOR) service lets UK companies hire, onboard, pay and manage international employees compliantly. It handles core employment responsibilities such as employment contracts, payroll, tax withholdings, statutory benefits, and HR compliance so your business can focus on operations while avoiding legal and administrative risk.
Like Black Piano, Multiplier also promotes human-first support, including access to dedicated managers and local knowledge to help with compliance questions or country-specific requirements.
Strengths
- Emphasises compliance with local labour law support and entity coverage.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees and clear cost structure.
- Human-first support with dedicated managers and local experts.
Limitations
- Even though they offer human support, eventually the company is platform-centric, so UK businesses that want deeply personalised service may prefer human-first providers like Black Piano.
- Its broad global focus means it is not specialised specifically for UK-only compliance nuances.
Pricing
$400 per month. For UK-specific pricing, please get in touch with the company, as pricing often varies according to the country.
8. RemoFirst — Affordable Employer of Record with broad coverage
Website link
Best for
UK startups, small and mid-sized teams seeking a cost-effective EOR service that lets them hire and manage international employees quickly and compliantly without setting up a local entity.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
RemoFirst allows UK companies to employ and support workers in 185+ countries around the world.
Summary
RemoFirst’s EOR solution is designed to make global hiring simple, transparent and affordable. It combines automated workflows with local expertise to ensure hires in foreign markets remain fully compliant with local regulations. Onboarding, payroll, tax filings, and employee management tasks are handled by RemoFirst’s platform and compliance teams.
Strengths
- Designed with flat, transparent pricing, meaning fewer surprises in cost.
- Offers local expertise and dedicated support, including onboarding, compliance advice, and help with payroll processes.
- Can manage visa and immigration support, health benefits, equipment delivery, background checks and more on demand.
Limitations
- While dedicated support is offered, the model is centred on its platform rather than a deeply personalised EOR service.
- RemoFirst is built for global hiring broadly rather than tailored exclusively to UK employment nuances.
- The lower pricing can mean fewer advanced features or enterprise-level add-ons compared to larger, higher-priced global providers.
Pricing
Full-time EOR starts at $199 per employee/month. UK-specific pricing is not mentioned on the website.
9. Agility EOR - Human-centred global Employer of Record
Website link
Best for
UK businesses and founders that want a personalised, consultative EOR experience paired with technology support.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
Agility EOR enables UK companies to hire employees globally, across multiple regions including Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Oceania. They hire in India as well.
Summary
Agility EOR provides Employer of Record services that allow UK firms to hire and manage international employees easily and compliantly. As the legal employer on behalf of the client, it handles employment contracts, payroll, tax compliance, benefits and local labour law requirements, so the client can focus on directing work and growing their business.
What sets Agility EOR apart is its personal support combined with practical technology. Unlike purely platform-only solutions, Agility assigns dedicated experts who work closely with you to tailor the EOR services.
Strengths
- Combines personalised service with technology support to make global hiring smooth.
- Provides a single point of contact for clear communication and faster issue resolution.
- Supports hiring teams and founders with tailored guidance, including compliance insights and regulatory navigation.
Limitations
- Its international focus means less UK-specific advisory and localisation compared with UK-based EOR providers.
- The consultative, tailored service may come at a higher operational cost than some leaner platform-only competitors.
- No mention of pricing on the website, which can be looked at as lack of transparency.
Pricing
Not mentioned on the website.
10. EOR UK - Specialist UK Employer of Record provider
Website link
Best for
International companies (including UK firms expanding inward) that want to hire employees specifically in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands without setting up a local legal entity. The focus is on UK labour law, HR expertise, and getting people employed properly from day one.
Countries they help UK businesses hire in
EOR UK supports employment only in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands.
Summary
EOR UK is a dedicated Employer of Record provider focused exclusively on the UK and the Channel Islands. They help businesses expand into these markets rapidly and compliantly by acting as the legal employer of record handling contracts, payroll, HR compliance, statutory benefits, and all local employment obligations on behalf of the client.
EOR UK emphasises human relationships and dedicated support through a single point of contact who understands both the client’s business and UK employment law nuances, so employers can manage their teams confidently.
Strengths
- UK-specific employment expertise - Deep knowledge of UK labour laws, payroll, statutory benefits and compliance.
- Ability to onboard new employees in as little as 24 hours.
- Dedicated UK expert as a single point of contact.
Limitations
- Not global - Services are limited to hiring in the UK and Channel Islands only.
- Businesses that want to hire in India or multiple markets beyond the UK will need a different or additional EOR partner.
- Platform and technology details are not heavily emphasised on the page, which may be less appealing for buyers preferring software-centric solutions.
Pricing
$399 monthly. They haven’t mentioned GBP pricing on the website.
Comparison table: Top EOR companies for UK businesses (2026)
Scoring logic (each out of 5):
- UK focus & relevance - How well the service fits UK businesses
- Global hiring coverage - Breadth of international hiring support
- Compliance & risk management - Depth of legal, payroll, and compliance handling
- Service depth & support - Human support vs platform-only
- Company maturity & delivery model - Proven delivery, stability, operating model
- India remote hiring strength - Ability to hire and manage talent in India
- Pricing transparency & affordability - Clear pricing on site (NA = 0)
Black Piano ranks highest because it combines:
- Strong UK relevance
- Deep India hiring capability
- Human-first delivery
- Transparent GBP pricing
- Affordability
- Proven retention and execution
Global platforms (Deel, Remote, Papaya, Pebl) score highly on coverage and maturity but lose points on:
- UK-specific focus
- Human support
- Pricing transparency
UK-only specialists (EOR UK) score well on UK compliance but fall behind for international hiring.
How to choose the right EOR as a UK business
Choose the wrong Employer of Record, and you’ll feel it. In time. In money. And in lost talent.
These steps help you get the decision right.
1. Start with where you want to hire
Not all EORs are equal in every country. If India is your main hiring market, choose an EOR with proven experience there, not just global coverage claims.
Tip: Ask which countries they actively support, not just list on a map.
2. Check UK relevance, not just global scale
Many EORs are built for US and enterprise clients. On the other hand, UK businesses need support that understands UK expectations, budgets, and working styles.
Tip: Ask how many UK businesses they actively support today.
3. Decide: human support or platform-only
Most EORs these days are software platforms. Few are human-led services.
- Platforms suit businesses with in-house HR.
- Human-led EORs suit SMEs and first-time international hirers.
Tip: Ask who you speak to when something goes wrong.
4. Review compliance and risk handling
Your EOR becomes the legal employer. Compliance errors do sit with them, but it is important to note that risks still affect you.
Tip: Ask how they handle:
- Local employment law changes
- Payroll errors
- Employee disputes
5. Look beyond payroll
A strong EOR should cover more than contracts and payslips.
You need to check for:
- Recruitment support
- HR and performance management
- Employee engagement and retention
Tip: High retention usually signals strong ongoing support.
6. Understand pricing clearly
EOR pricing can be all over the place. Some providers show starting prices. Some keep things vague. Others quote in dollars, which means UK businesses still need to pick up the phone to get a clear GBP figure.
It’s one of the first things to sanity-check before making a decision.
Tip: Watch for:
- Hidden setup fees
- Add-ons for basic services
- USD-only pricing for UK businesses
Transparent pricing = fewer surprises.
7. Match the EOR to your business size
- Startups: Need guidance and flexibility (Human-led companies are best)
- SMEs: Need value, support, and speed (Human-led personalised support needed)
- Scale-ups: Need systems and scalability (A combined approach: Personalised support with cutting-edge technology)
Tip: Ask which stage most of their clients are in.
8. Ask about exit and flexibility
Your needs will change. You may want to:
- Switch EORs
- Move employees in-house later
Tip: Check notice periods, exit terms, and employee transfer policies.
Mistakes to avoid when selecting a EOR company for your UK business
1. Choosing based on country count alone
Some providers list 180+ markets but have limited real entity strength or local compliance support in many of them.
What to do instead: Ask where they own entities or have local partners, and how long they’ve been operating there.
2. Ignoring UK-specific needs
Not all global EORs are built with UK businesses in mind. UK teams often need:
- Clear GBP pricing
- UK payroll nuances
- Familiar service expectations
Do not choose a provider that treats the UK like any other market.
3. Overvaluing automation without support
Platforms can automate tasks (which is great!) but people problems still happen.
Do not hire an EOR because of dashboards and bells. If they lack human support for issues like disputes, performance, or local HR guidance, that EOR is not a practical choice for you.
4. Not checking compliance depth
EORs must handle payroll, contracts, tax compliance, benefits, and local labour laws.
Some providers only claim this but don’t deliver consistent results.
What to check:
- Legal entity status
- Local tax filings
- Contract templates compliant with local law
5. Overlooking pricing transparency
Some providers list a headline price but hide extra costs for:
- Benefits
- Onboarding
- Termination fees
- Local statutory requirements
As a result, a seemingly cheap service ends up being more expensive. Be aware of this.
Check out this expert guide from Black Piano for deep insights on how to hire remote employees.
Why do UK businesses choose Black Piano as their preferred EOR?
UK businesses choose Black Piano because it goes beyond the standard EOR playbook.
We’re British-owned. Human-led. And genuinely involved at every stage of hiring and employment. Not a platform you’re left to figure out on your own, but a partner that stays close and gets stuck in.
Black Piano is built for UK companies hiring in India. We bring recruitment, HR, and full EOR support into one relationship - from finding the right people, to compliant employment, payroll, benefits, and ongoing HR support.
And we don’t stop at hiring! A strong focus on retention keeps teams settled, motivated, and delivering long term. Black Piano’s personalised approach has delivered a 98% retention rate since 2020, helping UK businesses retain talent year after year.
With transparent pricing, fast hiring timelines, and savings of 50–70% versus UK hiring, Black Piano stands out as a trusted EOR partner for UK businesses building long-term remote teams.
Want to see how we have helped multiple UK businesses scale their growth through our specialist EOR services? Check out our case studies.
Begin your EOR journey today!
Choosing the right Employer of Record is a big decision for UK businesses hiring internationally.
It’s not about picking the biggest platform out there. It’s about finding the one that fits your hiring goals, support needs, and the countries you want to hire in.
For UK companies looking to build reliable, long-term remote teams, especially in India, Black Piano stands out for a simple reason: we stay close and get it right.
Our service is human-led, built on strong compliance, and backed by proven results. Speak to our experts to explore how we can support your remote hiring plans.
Frequently asked questions [FAQs]
1. Is using an EOR legal for UK businesses?
Yes. UK businesses can legally use an EOR to hire international employees without setting up local entities, provided employment, tax, and labour laws are followed correctly.
2. Why do UK companies hire remote talent in India?
India offers a large English-speaking talent pool, strong technical skills, and cost savings of 30-60% compared to UK hiring, without compromising quality or productivity.
3. How much does an EOR cost for UK businesses?
EOR costs vary by provider and country, typically ranging from £550 to £700 per employee per month, excluding salary and mandatory local employment costs. A lot of companies list USD pricing on their websites, so it is advisable to directly contact them for the GBP pricing for their services rather than converting the amount and assuming it is accurate. Pricing may vary widely according to the country.
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