Engage global contractors without compliance blind spots

Understand what Contractor of Record services actually cover, where responsibility sits, and how to engage global contractors without misclassification, tax, or IP risk.

Clear liability and risk boundaries
Unbiased provider comparison
Misclassification-first decision making
Right model for each country

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Top providers navigating contractor management and global employment

Independent contractor of record advisory

Get a clear view of country-specific contractor risk, responsibility gaps, and real-world edge cases

Misclassification risk assessment

Get clear recommendations on whether to use a COR, convert to employees, or restructure contracts for full liability protection.

COR provider benchmarking

See side-by-side comparisons of indemnity caps, payment processing times in your currencies, IP protection strength, and true all-in costs.

Contractor conversion

Know which countries allow indefinite contractor relationships, and how to convert contractors to full-time employees without disrupting your team or triggering penalties.

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What to expect from a contractor of record provider

1. Compliant contractor classification & engagement

The best Contractor of Record providers lead with compliance, absorb liability, and give you instant legal framework to engage contractors anywhere you want to hire

Worker classification guidance
Direct contractor engagement
Misclassification risk protection

We help you assess which contractors face misclassification risk in each country and recommend whether a Contractor of Record is the right solution.

2. Localized, compliant contractor agreements

Every country has unique contractor regulations. Small contract mistakes create big liabilities. A high-quality Contractor of Record ensures your agreements are bulletproof.

Country-specific contract templates
IP protection clauses
Customizable contract terms

We review each provider's contract templates and IP protection clauses to ensure they're truly enforceable in your target countries; many generic templates don't hold up under local law scrutiny.

3. Streamlined global payments & currency management

Pay contractors accurately, on-time, and in their preferred currency. Expect transparent payment processing with full visibility and zero administrative complexity.

Multi-currency payments
Fast, transparent transfers
Automated invoice management
Flexible payment methods

We benchmark actual payment speeds and FX rates across providers in your specific payment corridors; revealing which CORs deliver the fastest payments at the best rates for your contractor locations.

4. Seamless onboarding and documentation

Your Contractor of Record should streamline all onboarding steps, from document collection to compliance verification, ensuring contractors can start work quickly.

Rapid onboarding process
Identity and document verification
Digital signature workflows

We evaluate each provider's actual onboarding timelines and contractor experience quality, so you know which ones can truly deliver 2-3 day onboarding versus those that take 7-10 days in your target countries.

5. Operational excellence & ongoing administration

Beyond onboarding and payments, expect comprehensive contractor lifecycle management that eliminates administrative burden from your team.

Contract renewals and amendments
Invoice review and approval workflows
Compliance documentation
API and HRIS integrations

We assess which providers offer the strongest integrations with your existing HR tech stack and can scale as you grow from 10-100+ contractors - avoiding costly platform switches later.

6. Compliant offboarding & termination support

Ending contractor relationships requires careful attention to legal requirements. Your Contractor of Record handles this sensitive process with expertise.

Proper notice period management
Final payment processing
IP and confidentiality confirmation

We help you understand each provider's offboarding support quality and identify which ones offer proper guidance on termination procedures in high-risk countries where contractor terminations can trigger employee claims.

Transparent, predictable payroll costs

Unexpected costs and hidden fees are the biggest pitfalls when engaging contractors globally. The best Contractor of Record providers offer clear, all-in pricing with no surprises

Per-contractor, per-month clarity
All-inclusive fee structures
Country-specific transparency
Payment method flexibility

We compare providers' pricing structures side-by-side and identify hidden fees like FX spreads, security deposits, and country-specific surcharges - so you know the true all-in cost before signing.

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Contractor of Record FAQs

Everything you need to know about contractor compliance and engagement

What is a Contractor of Record?

A Contractor of Record (also called an agent of record or AOR) is a third-party organization that legally engages and pays independent contractors on your behalf. While you continue to manage the contractor's work, responsibilities, and deliverables, the Contractor of Record handles the legal contracting infrastructure, including compliant agreements, payments, tax documentation, and offboarding obligations. This eliminates misclassification risk and administrative burden.

How does a Contractor of Record differ from contractor management software?

Contractor management software provides tools to administer contractors but you remain the contracting party and retain all legal liability. A Contractor of Record becomes the legal contracting entity, assuming liability for proper classification, compliant contracts, and payment obligations. This fundamental difference means a Contractor of Record protects you from misclassification risks while contractor management software simply streamlines your processes.

Do we still control the contractor's work if the Contractor of Record is the contracting party?

Yes, you maintain full operational control over the contractor's work. The Contractor of Record only handles the legal contracting and payment infrastructure. You continue to decide what the contractor works on, set deliverables and deadlines, and integrate them into your projects. The arrangement is a split: the Contractor of Record manages compliance, contracts, and payments while you manage the actual work relationship.

How fast can we engage contractors through a Contractor of Record?

Most contractor engagements can be completed within minutes, once necessary documents are provided. The exact timeline depends on country-specific requirements and the complexity of background checks or compliance verifications. This is significantly faster than setting up legal entities or navigating contractor regulations independently, which can take weeks or months.

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