The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is a hotbed of emerging markets with significant growth potential. As businesses are eager to pursue global expansion in this region, navigating the complex landscape of APAC employment laws, taxation regulations, and administrative requirements becomes a significant challenge. To simplify and streamline this process, many companies turn to Employer of Record (EOR) services.
An EOR provider helps businesses hire employees in foreign countries without the need to establish a legal entity in each location. In this article, we explore the range of EOR services available in APAC countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam. This will highlight how EOR services can facilitate global expansion efforts through employment compliance and administration.
As a proficient Employer of Record, BGC Group can provide the employment infrastructure to hire and manage your international workforce while adhering to local employment mandates in key APAC markets, so you can expedite your business expansion. Read on to find out how.
What is an Employer of Record (EOR)?
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party intermediary that takes on the legal role of managing a company’s workforce. It provides services that cover payroll processing, human resource (HR) management, benefits administration and tax compliance, following local labour laws and regulations.
Such services are increasingly popular among multinational companies seeking a cost-effective and efficient way to expand their global footprint. They allow businesses to hire staff in foreign countries quickly and compliantly without the hassle of setting up a separate legal entity and navigating local bureaucratic hurdles. From onboarding to offboarding, an EOR takes care of all HR administrative tasks, including the preparation of employment contracts, application for work permits and visas, and addressing employee queries and grievances.
Features of EOR Models in Key APAC Countries
APAC offers a dynamic and diverse landscape with significant opportunities for businesses looking to expand internationally. While Singapore and Hong Kong have always been seen as the gateways to Asia due to their dynamic business environments and pro-business policies, countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia are also becoming more attractive to businesses with their vast consumer base and growing pool of young and educated workforce. The following are features of the EOR models in these respective countries that can help facilitate the global expansion efforts of businesses.
Singapore
Singapore’s strategic location, favourable business environment and stable political climate make it a prime location for companies to set up their headquarters in this small island state to access the broader Asian market. Nevertheless, Singapore upholds strict labour laws under the Employment Act. EOR services in Singapore can help businesses ensure full compliance with these regulations, and efficiently arrange work visas, payrolls and statutory contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF).
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a global financial hub that attracts businesses seeking to establish a foothold in the APAC region. In Hong Kong, the Employment Ordinance lays out the rules and regulations for employment, from maternity benefits to wage protection, which tends to favour the workers. EOR services in Hong Kong can assist businesses in navigating the detailed labour laws in Hong Kong to generate compliant employment contracts for a smooth entry into the market.
Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the largest economies in the APAC region with lower operating costs, making it an attractive offshoring or nearshoring location for Singapore-based firms. However, employment agreements in Indonesia are required to be in their official language, Bahasa Indonesia. Therefore, EOR services in Indonesia provide the necessary language support to decipher the employment regulations in Indonesia and ensure compliance with manpower laws in the country.
Malaysia
Malaysia’s diverse economy and low operational costs are reasons why businesses may find the country an appealing offshoring location. With its proximity to Singapore, Singapore-based businesses often turn to Malaysia as an ideal nearshoring country to reduce their production and operational costs. EOR services in Malaysia assist companies in adhering to the local Employment Act and other relevant regulations, such as contributions to the Malaysian Social Security system (SOCSO) and Employment Provident Fund (EPF), easing the burden of payroll and tax compliance.
Philippines
The Philippines is known for its skilled workforce with high English proficiency and excellent customer service, which is why the country has emerged as one of the top destinations for companies to establish their offshore service centres. With relatively lower labour costs compared to other developed countries, it is a cost-effective option for service centre operations. EOR services in the Philippines ensure compliance with the Labor Code, which regulates all employment matters in the country, and handle the HR administrative tasks, allowing businesses to concentrate on their operations.
Vietnam
Vietnam is an attractive destination for companies that are seeking to hire skilled software developers and IT professionals while incurring lower labour costs. The country produces a large number of IT graduates each year, providing a pool of skilled developers proficient in programming languages, software development methodologies and emerging technologies. To hire them, EOR services in Vietnam aid companies in following the latest Vietnam Labor Code, registering employees under the social insurance scheme, and managing payroll in compliance with local regulations.
Expediting Global Expansion in APAC through EOR
Employer of Record (EOR) services play a vital role in facilitating the global expansion efforts of companies across the Asia-Pacific region, in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam. Instead of spending time and money to establish and maintain legal entities in these foreign countries, an EOR provides a more cost-effective solution for businesses to focus their resources on core operations, rather than administrative overheads.
Through an experienced and trusted EOR like BGC Group, businesses can efficiently navigate local employment laws and compliance requirements, effectively streamlining their market entry. Such agility enables businesses to seize market opportunities promptly while mitigating potential legal, financial and compliance risks.
As the demand for global talent continues to grow, our affordable, scalable and compliant EOR solutions will help you establish a strong international presence with minimal risks and administration involved.
For more recruitment tips, browse our BGC Group blog here.
