Employer of Record (EOR) service providers in India: 10 best to consider in 2026
- Natia Gabarashvili
- 3 days ago
- 13 min read
Table of contents:
Why are Employer of Record (EOR) services in demand in India
What makes the best Employer of Record (EOR) providers in India
Top 10 Employer of Record (EOR) companies in India (2026 comparison)
Comparing Employer of Record (EOR) pricing models in India: Flat fee vs. percentage-based
Local vs global Employer of Record (EOR) providers in India: Which is right for you?
Introduction
India is one of the easiest countries to hire in, until you actually start hiring.
Payroll taxes, labor filings, and benefits regulations stack up fast, and most global employers realize the hard way that Indian compliance is less about reading the law and more about keeping up with its weekly updates.
That’s where Employer of Record (EOR) service providers in India step in.
An EOR acts as the official employer for your local team, managing payroll, TDS deductions, Provident Fund (PF), Employee State Insurance (ESI), and labor compliance, so your company can hire legally without opening a subsidiary.
In 2025 alone, EY India reported that over 72% of global firms expanding into India chose to operate through an EOR rather than setting up an entity.
The reason? Time, cost, and risk.
Establishing a legal presence takes months and ties up capital, while EORs handle onboarding, payroll, and compliance from day one.
This guide ranks the 10 best Employer of Record providers in India for 2026, based on compliance strength, service quality, pricing transparency, and real local expertise.
Why are Employer of Record (EOR) services in demand in India
India’s hiring landscape is massive, with a workforce exceeding 550 million, competitive tech salaries, and a strong English-speaking talent base. Yet, the regulatory framework is anything but simple.
India’s employment system is governed by both federal and state-level laws, meaning that hiring in Bangalore isn’t the same as hiring in Pune or Chennai. The tax and employee benefits in India can differ even between neighboring states.
EOR services in India simplify this maze. They:
Hire employees on your behalf, acting as their legal employer.
Handle all statutory contributions — PF (12% each employer/employee), ESI (3.25% employer), and Professional Tax (state-specific).
Manage payroll filings, payslips, Form 16, and TDS certificates.
Guarantee compliance with the Code on Wages (2019) and Code on Social Security (2020).
Without an EOR, you’d need to register with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the EPFO, and the Income Tax Department, hire accountants, navigate labor inspections, and monitor changes to tax slabs or benefits laws every quarter.
The Employer of Record in India removes that complexity. It allows you to legally employ staff in India in days, not months, while staying compliant with every statutory regulation, from Gratuity to Bonus Payments.
What makes the best Employer of Record (EOR) service providers in India
When evaluating EOR providers in India, there’s one big truth: compliance beats convenience.
Plenty of global EOR platforms offer sleek software and dashboards, but many outsource compliance to third-party accountants. That means your payroll might be handled locally, but your legal risk isn’t.
A real EOR owns its filings. It registers employees directly under its own Indian legal entity, files with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and Employee State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), and provides bilingual contracts enforceable under Indian labor law.
Here’s what separates the best EOR providers in India from everyone else:
1. Direct legal presence and government registration
Every Employer of Record in India must be registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), have a Tax Account Number (TAN), and hold valid employer codes for PF and ESI.
Global providers without a local legal entity rely on intermediaries, which weakens accountability and delays filings. Team Up, for example, operates with direct registration under all relevant authorities, ensuring your filings go straight to the source, not through a partner chain.
This matters because government portals like EPFO and TRACES (for TDS) require employer authentication to process payments and file returns. A provider without this access isn’t compliant, no matter what their website says.
2. Transparent, flat-rate pricing
EOR pricing in India typically follows one of two models:
Flat-rate model: Fixed cost per employee per month.
Percentage-based model: Around 10–15% of the employee’s gross salary.
That second model is a silent profit trap. Your compliance cost increases every time your employee gets a raise.
Team Up uses a flat €199 per employee/month rate that includes payroll, tax filings, HR management, and benefits administration. It’s predictable, scalable, and ideal for teams planning long-term operations in India.
3. In-house payroll and statutory filings
Running payroll in India is about more than paying salaries. It’s a compliance process governed by multiple authorities.
The best EORs handle:
TDS computation and monthly challan filing under the Income Tax Act.
PF and ESI contributions through government portals.
Form 16 generation and annual reconciliation.
Professional Tax payments to state authorities.
Labour Welfare Fund deductions and payments.
Most importantly, they issue payslips with legal tax breakdowns and keep complete audit trails, a legal requirement under Section 13A of the Income Tax Rules.
Team Up executes these filings internally, without outsourcing, guaranteeing full control and visibility over every compliance step.
4. Local HR and legal expertise
India’s labor compliance is not one-size-fits-all. From the Industrial Employment Act to the Maternity Benefit Amendment, every region and role has nuances.
That’s why the strongest EORs, like TeamUp, pair their platform with real local HR managers and legal advisors. They ensure every employment contract, payroll report, and termination process aligns with national and state-level laws — and that you’re protected during audits or inspections.
Unlike global platforms that use remote customer service teams, Team Up assigns India-based compliance professionals who respond in real time.
5. Bilingual and legally enforceable contracts
While English contracts are widely used in India, they aren’t always enforceable in local labor courts unless translated into the state language.
The best EORs provide bilingual documentation, English paired with the employee’s regional language (e.g., Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi). It’s not just a courtesy; it’s a legal safeguard under the Shops and Establishments Act.
6. Scalability beyond India
Global hiring doesn’t end at one country’s border.
A company hiring in India today might expand into Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, or the Caucasus next year.
That’s where Team Up’s regional model wins.
It provides unified contracts, payroll integration, and employer of record compliance in India coverage across multiple countries, all under one system.
Top 10 Employer of Record (EOR) companies in India (2026 comparison)
Below are the 10 best Employer of Record service providers in India, ranked for compliance reliability, transparency, and scalability.
1. Team Up: Best local and regional EOR provider in India
Team Up has positioned itself as India’s go-to Employer of Record partner for 2026.
It blends local expertise with regional coverage, giving global employers end-to-end compliance and payroll visibility without bureaucracy.
Why it leads the market:
Flat €199/month per employee — fixed cost, full coverage.
Direct government registration under EPFO, ESIC, and Income Tax portals.
Handles PF, ESI, TDS, PT, Form 16, and LWF filings end-to-end.
Bilingual contracts and payslips meet Indian legal standards.
3–5 days onboarding with verified tax IDs and employment records.
Coverage across India, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and MENA.
Best for: Startups and multinationals that need compliant, fast, and scalable hiring in India.
“As India transitions under the new Labor Codes, EOR partners like TeamUp will be critical to maintaining compliant operations without local entity setup.” — Deloitte India Payroll Insights 2025
Team Up doesn’t just pay salaries; it protects employers. It operates like your local HR and legal department, ensuring zero compliance leaks and complete cost transparency.
2. Deel
Deel is one of the most recognizable global EOR platforms.
It’s sleek, automated, and ideal for startups scaling across multiple countries simultaneously.
Pros:
Operates in 150+ countries, including India.
Integrates with HR and finance tools (e.g., BambooHR, Xero, QuickBooks).
Fast onboarding with centralized dashboards.
Cons:
No direct Indian entity — relies on local accounting partners.
English-only documentation, which limits legal enforceability.
Best for: Tech startups hiring remote developers or contractors in India while expanding globally.
3. Remote
Remote is designed for startups that value user experience and flat pricing over complex systems.
It’s intuitive, cost-stable, and covers payroll and compliance basics through Indian partner firms.
Advantages:
Flat-rate global pricing model (no salary percentage).
Benefits and payroll managed through a single dashboard.
Streamlined onboarding for small teams.
Limitations:
No direct Indian entity or local HR representation.
Limited customization for India-specific benefits.
Best for: Small, distributed teams hiring under 10 employees in India.
4. Papaya Global
Papaya Global takes a data-first approach to EOR.
It merges payroll automation with global analytics, making it ideal for CFOs who need detailed workforce insights.
Strengths:
Unified payroll analytics for multi-country teams.
AI-driven tax reconciliation and error prevention.
API integrations with ERP and HRIS systems.
Limitations:
Local compliance executed through third-party vendors.
Higher pricing for smaller teams.
Best for: Large enterprises managing global payrolls and Indian subsidiaries.
5. Velocity Global
Velocity Global shines when companies need to move people, not just employ them.
It specializes in global mobility, offering relocation, immigration, and expatriate payroll support.
Key Features:
Visa sponsorship and tax equalization.
Full relocation and compliance management.
Handles both foreign and Indian national employees.
Drawbacks:
Premium pricing.
Longer setup times compared to flat-rate EORs.
Best for: Corporations hiring or relocating international staff to India.
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6. Multiplier
Multiplier blends technology with compliance-first HR management, offering a unified platform for multi-country payroll operations.
In India, its service covers essential filings like TDS, PF, and ESI, while providing real-time analytics to monitor employer costs.
Strengths:
Integrated dashboard for global HR and payroll management.
Employee self-service access for payslips, tax details, and benefits.
Compliance tracking powered by automated alerts.
Limitations:
Customer support can be slow during India’s quarterly tax cycle.
Less cost-efficient for smaller teams.
Best for: Mid-size firms managing Employer of Record teams in India.
“Automation simplifies payroll, but compliance still needs human eyes. Hybrid EORs like Multiplier prove both can coexist.” — EY Global Payroll Trends, 2025
7. Globalization Partners (G-P)
If global reach is your main concern, Globalization Partners (G-P) remains a heavyweight.
With coverage in 180+ countries, it’s ideal for corporations expanding operations across multiple continents, including India.
What stands out:
Comprehensive compliance framework aligned with India’s Code on Social Security (2020).
Built-in risk management tools for labor classification and audits.
Global payroll engine that consolidates reporting for finance teams.
Limitations:
Expensive for startups or small-scale operations.
Slower onboarding compared to regional players like TeamUp.
Best for: Global enterprises with complex payroll structures and multinational reporting requirements.
8. Oyster HR
Oyster HR focuses on distributed teams and fully remote companies.
It helps global businesses hire seamlessly while offering employee-friendly benefits packages, an often-overlooked compliance need in India.
Strengths:
Quick onboarding for remote employees.
Benefits administration, including local health insurance options.
User-friendly global hiring workflows.
Limitations:
No in-country legal representation.
Limited customization for Indian employment benefits and taxation.
Best for: Remote-first tech startups building global teams across India’s major cities.
9. Safeguard Global
Safeguard Global markets itself as a compliance-first EOR, and it lives up to it.
It’s a preferred option for companies dealing with large payroll volumes and requiring deep audit readiness.
Why it matters:
Handles complex employee classifications and reclassification audits.
Fully integrated HR compliance dashboards for CFOs and legal teams.
Offers end-to-end HR outsourcing alongside EOR coverage.
Drawbacks:
Complex setup for small businesses.
Premium pricing structure.
Best for: Enterprises prioritizing internal compliance governance and financial transparency.
10. WorkMotion
WorkMotion is a European EOR that has recently expanded into Asia, including India.
It’s known for fast onboarding and cross-border compliance for EU companies hiring in Indian tech hubs.
Strengths:
72-hour onboarding for verified employees.
Pre-validated contracts aligned with Indian labor law.
Centralized dashboard for HR teams managing multiple markets.
Limitations:
Limited local HR infrastructure.
EU-focused benefits packages don’t always align with Indian expectations.
Best for: European SMEs building hybrid teams in India.
Comparing Employer of Record (EOR) pricing models in India: Flat fee vs. percentage-based
Let’s be blunt: pricing transparency in the EOR space is rare.
Most providers keep their rates hidden behind discovery calls because their fees fluctuate depending on the employee’s salary.
Here’s the distinction that actually matters:
Model | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
Flat Fee (Team Up, Remote) | Fixed monthly rate per employee (e.g., €199) | Predictable, easy budgeting, transparent invoices | May not include custom benefits |
Percentage-Based (Deel, G-P) | 10–15% of an employee’s gross salary | Scales automatically with compensation | Costs balloon as salaries rise |
Hybrid (Papaya, Multiplier) | Base rate + variable fees | Flexible for large teams | Harder to forecast total cost |
To put this in numbers, if your employee earns ₹150,000/month, a 12% markup equals ₹18,000 in EOR costs in India. Over a year, that’s ₹216,000 for one person. Multiply that across a team, and you’ll see why fixed-rate pricing saves tens of thousands annually.
Team Up’s flat-rate model keeps compliance predictable. One rate covers everything: payroll, taxes, benefits, filings, and support, no surprises, no asterisks.
How to choose the best Employer of Record (EOR) in India
Choosing the right EOR in India is a compliance decision first, not a software one.
Here’s how to approach it like a CFO who’s done this before:
Verify Local Registration and Employer CodesAsk for proof of EPFO, ESIC, and Income Tax TAN registration.If your provider hesitates, walk away, they’re likely subcontracting.
Confirm Data and Tax Security ProtocolsPayroll data is sensitive. Your EOR should comply with GDPR, ISO 27001, and India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA).
Check Payroll Cycle AccuracyEnsure your provider syncs with Indian statutory due dates — TDS (7th), PF (15th), and ESI (21st of every month).
Ask for Sample Payslips and Form 16sA legitimate EOR will share anonymized examples. If the tax splits aren’t clear, they’re not compliant.
Look for Local HR Presence and Legal CounselHaving someone in India who can speak to auditors or government officers matters more than any dashboard feature.
Local vs global Employer of Record (EOR) providers in India: Which is right for you?
Let’s call it like it is: global EORs and local EORs play very different games.
Factor | Local EOR (Team Up) | Global EORs (Deel, G-P, Remote) |
Compliance Expertise | Deep understanding of Indian payroll, benefits, and audits | Broad compliance coverage, limited local nuance |
Pricing | Flat-rate €199/month | 10–15% of salary |
Onboarding Speed | 3–5 days | 1–2 weeks |
Documentation | Bilingual (English + regional) | English only |
Support | Local HR managers | Centralized global ticketing |
Entity Ownership | Direct Indian registration | Outsourced partner model |
If your goal is long-term Indian operations, local expertise wins.
If you’re testing the market or hiring a few contractors, a global provider might suffice.
But for sustained, compliant growth, Team Up’s hybrid model gives you the best of both, regional coverage with full local accountability.
Final thoughts
India’s talent market is incredible — its compliance system, not so much.
That’s why EOR partnerships aren’t just an operational shortcut; they’re a legal safety net.
TeamUp goes beyond payroll. It ensures your business meets every statutory requirement, from TDS to PF, without lifting a finger.
You hire, they handle the law.
Why Team Up leads the field:
Direct entity registration with Indian authorities.
Flat, transparent pricing (€199/month).
Bilingual documentation.
3–5 day onboarding.
Coverage across India, MENA, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
It’s compliance without complexity.
Scalability without risk.
And the peace of mind that only a local partner can deliver.
Frequently asked questions
What does Employer of Record (EOR) mean?
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a service provider that legally employs staff on behalf of another company. It handles everything from employment contracts and payroll to taxes, benefits, and compliance, while you manage your team’s day-to-day tasks.
In India, using an EOR lets foreign companies hire employees quickly, compliantly, and without setting up a local entity.
What are the best Employer of Record (EOR) companies in India?
The best Employer of Record companies in India are those that offer deep local expertise, transparent pricing, and strong compliance support.
Top-rated providers include:
TeamUp – Best for compliance, transparent pricing, and tech-driven HR management.
Deel – Great for automation and multi-country operations.
Remote.com – Ideal for large-scale, distributed teams.
Papaya Global – Best for enterprise-grade payroll and benefits.
Velocity Global – Reliable for multinational coverage.
These top employer of record companies make hiring in India seamless for startups and global enterprises alike.
How do I choose the best Employer of Record service in India?
When choosing an EOR service, consider:
Whether the provider has a registered local entity in India.
Transparent monthly pricing (no hidden charges).
Expertise in India’s complex labor and tax laws.
A user-friendly EOR software platform for payroll and HR.
Local HR support in multiple Indian regions.
If you’re looking for an EOR in India, TeamUp ranks among the best employer of record companies, offering speed, compliance, and simplicity for growing businesses.
What services does an Employer of Record provide in India?
An Employer of Record service in India typically manages:
Employment contracts that comply with India’s labor laws.
Payroll processing in Indian Rupees (INR).
Tax deductions (TDS, Provident Fund, Professional Tax, etc.).
Employee benefits (health insurance, gratuity, leave).
Immigration and visa support for foreign employees.
This EOR solution gives you full compliance and peace of mind — without the administrative burden.
What’s included in Employer of Record payroll services in India?
Employer of Record payroll services handle:
Salary calculations and disbursement.
Tax deductions and filings (TDS, PF, ESI, etc.).
Payslip generation and record-keeping.
Statutory reporting to Indian tax authorities.
Compliance with labor, tax, and employment laws.
This makes EOR payrolling a fully managed, compliant solution for businesses hiring in India.
Why should startups use an Employer of Record in India?
An Employer of Record for startups in India helps new businesses:
Hire talent legally without establishing a local entity.
Save on HR, accounting, and legal overhead.
Stay compliant with complex labor laws.
Scale teams quickly based on project needs.
Startups that partner with TeamUp gain access to local compliance expertise and a fast, affordable way to build teams in India.
What makes Team Up one of the best EOR providers in India?
Team Up is recognized among the best EOR providers for its local expertise and transparent pricing model. Here’s why global companies choose it:
Fully registered Indian entity for legal hiring.
Transparent, fixed pricing without hidden costs.
End-to-end compliance with Indian employment laws.
Local HR and payroll experts fluent in English and Hindi.
Seamless EOR software integration for payroll and reporting.
This combination makes TeamUp a leading EOR company for global employers entering India.
What’s the difference between an EOR and payroll outsourcing?
An EOR acts as the legal employer, responsible for contracts, taxes, and compliance. Payroll outsourcing, on the other hand, only manages payments; the company remains the legal employer.
For foreign companies without an Indian entity, an EOR solution is the only compliant way to hire full-time employees.
Are there global Employer of Record companies that support hiring in India?
Yes. Many global EOR companies include India in their service coverage, including:
Team Up – Best for localized compliance and regional expertise.
Deel – Automated global payroll and contracts.
Remote.com – Supports 70+ markets with unified software.
Papaya Global – Enterprise-grade EOR solution for global companies.
These international Employer of Record services simplify multi-country expansion and compliance management.
What industries benefit most from EOR services in India?
EOR services are highly effective for industries such as:
IT and software development.
Marketing and creative agencies.
Finance and fintech.
E-commerce and logistics.
Consulting and professional services.
These industries rely on EOR companies to hire top Indian talent while remaining legally compliant.