Why Startups and SMEs Rely on Employer of Record for Growth[1]

September 22, 2025
3 mins read
Startups

Growing a business is exciting, but it also comes with challenges, especially when it comes to hiring people in different regions. Startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) often dream big, but limited resources and complex legal requirements can slow them down. This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) steps in, offering a smart solution for companies that want to expand quickly without the burden of setting up entities in new markets.

In this blog, we’ll look at why more startups and SMEs are relying on EORs, the advantages they bring, and how they support long-term business growth.

What Is an Employer of Records?

An Employer of Record is a third-party organisation that officially employs workers on behalf of another company. While the client company manages the day-to-day work and responsibilities, the EOR handles the legal side of employment, such as payroll, benefits, taxes, compliance with local labour laws, and contracts.

For startups and SMEs, this means they can hire employees in another city or country without opening a legal entity there. The EOR becomes the legal employer, taking on all the administrative responsibilities while the business focuses on operations and growth.

Why EORs Matter for Startups and SMEs

The employee of records services matters for startups and SMEs due to the following reasons:

1. Easy International Expansion

Setting up a legal entity in a new country is expensive and time-consuming. According to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, establishing a company in some markets can take several months and involve multiple regulatory hurdles.

An Employer of Record bypasses this complexity. Businesses can hire local talent almost immediately through the EOR, test the market, and scale up without heavy upfront investment. For small businesses with limited budgets, this makes global hiring more realistic.

2. Compliance Without the Stress

Labour laws vary across countries, and non-compliance can lead to serious fines. For example, penalties for violating employment laws in countries like Germany or Brazil can run into thousands of dollars.

Startups don’t always have in-house legal teams to manage this. By partnering with an EOR, companies reduce the risk of making costly mistakes. The EOR ensures employment contracts, tax filings, and benefits all meet local standards. This allows founders and small business owners to focus on growth instead of paperwork.

3. Faster Hiring and Access to Global Talent

The competition for skilled workers is a global phenomenon. LinkedIn’s Future of Work Report 2023 revealed that 64% of professionals are open to working remotely for companies outside their home country.

For startups, this is a huge opportunity. Instead of being limited to local candidates, they can hire the best person for the job, no matter where they live. An Employer of Records makes this possible by managing cross-border employment logistics, so companies can quickly onboard top talent.

4. Cost Efficiency

Opening an entity abroad is not just expensive to start; it’s costly to maintain. Registration fees, local accountants, HR managers, and ongoing legal obligations can stretch a small company’s finances.

By using an EOR, startups only pay for the service of employing people, without the overhead of running an entity. According to Globalization Partners, businesses can save up to 60% in international hiring costs when working with an EOR compared to setting up their own subsidiaries.

5. Flexibility for Scaling Up or Down

Startups often deal with uncertainty. Some markets grow fast, while others might not work out. An Employer of Records provides flexibility to scale a team quickly or downsize without the hassle of shutting down a legal entity.

This is especially valuable for SMEs that want to explore new regions but don’t want to commit large investments before proving the market potential.

6. Better Employee Experience

Employees expect fair pay, benefits, and proper documentation. If startups manage international hiring on their own, mistakes in payroll or benefits administration can lead to unhappy workers.

EORs ensure employees receive their salaries on time, get access to benefits, and have legally compliant contracts. This creates a smoother employee experience, which helps startups build trust with their global teams. A positive employee experience also boosts retention, something startups can’t afford to overlook.

7. Focus on Core Business Goals

For founders and small teams, time is precious. Every hour spent dealing with compliance or international payroll is time not spent on building products, marketing, or serving customers.

An Employer of Records acts as a partner that takes care of all the back-end HR tasks. This frees up startups to do what they do best: innovate, grow, and compete in their industries.

The Future of Work and the Role of EORs

Remote work has already changed the hiring landscape. Reports from Deloitte and PwC suggest that global remote employment will continue to grow as businesses adapt to hybrid work models.

For startups and SMEs, the ability to tap into international talent without barriers is no longer optional; it’s becoming essential. An Employer of Records offers the perfect solution for this future, making global expansion smooth, legal, and cost-effective.

Conclusion

As startups and SMEs dream of scaling beyond borders, having the right support system is critical. An Employer of Records provides that foundation, helping businesses hire anywhere, stay compliant, and save costs.

This is exactly what Multiplier does. As a trusted global EOR platform, Multiplier simplifies international hiring by handling compliance, payroll, and benefits across 150+ countries. With Multiplier, startups don’t need to worry about legal entities or paperwork; they can focus on building their business while hiring the best talent from around the world.

If you’re ready to expand your team globally and want a reliable partner to manage the heavy lifting, Multiplier is here to help.

Get started with Multiplier today and scale your business with confidence.

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