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

Get matched free (Soon)Speak to an expert

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.

Get Advice Now

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
Proactive compliance monitoring

A Contractor of Record takes on the legal liability of contractor relationships, giving you peace of mind while scaling your global contractor workforce without entity setup.

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
Automatic regulatory updates
Clear scope of work definitions

This replaces fragmented local vendor relationships and manual consolidation

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
Competitive FX rates
Flexible payment methods
Consolidated reporting

Our advisory evaluates each provider’s payroll accuracy, cadence, automation, and cross-country consistency.

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
Background check coordination
Tax form management
Digital signature workflows
Contractor portal access

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
Equipment provisioning support
Time tracking, API and HRIS integrations

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
Documentation and record retention
Asset return coordination
IP and confidentiality confirmation
Reference and certificate provision

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
Security deposits explained
No long-term commitments

Always ask about FX spreads, benefits markups, potential termination fees, and any add-ons that could affect the overall cost. Transparent providers will clearly outline all potential charges upfront.

Why choose We Are Distributed?

100%

100% vendor-agnostic recommendations — no hidden agenda

7 minutes

Get matched & see real demos from providers in minutes, not weeks

No vendor lock-in

Test the full gamut of contractor of record providers before deciding

Get matched now (soon)

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.

Ready to find your perfect contractor of record provider?

Get personalized recommendations from our independent experts. No cost, no obligation.

Get matched free (soon)