Hiring talent across Dubai and the Middle East brings unique regulatory, payroll, and compliance challenges. However, from UAE labor laws to multi-country employment rules across the GCC, organizations expanding in this region often struggle to hire fast without creating local entities. That is where Employer of Record (EOR) providers effectively step in.
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An EOR enables companies to legally hire, onboard, pay, and manage employees in the Middle East while ensuring full compliance.
In this blog, we explore the top Employer of Record in Dubai and the Middle East to help business leaders choose the right partner for regional expansion.
TL;DR – Key Takeaways!
- Employer of Record (EOR) services help companies hire legally in Dubai & the Middle East without local entities.
- Ideal for market entry, remote teams, and rapid regional expansion
- Covers payroll, compliance, visas, benefits, and HR administration
- Dubai is a strategic EOR hub for UAE, GCC, and MENA hiring.
- We have compiled the list showcasing the top EOR providers operating in Dubai and the Middle East.
What is an Employer of Record (EOR) in Dubai and the Middle East?
An Employer of Record is a trusted third-party organization that legally hires employees for you in another country. In Dubai and throughout the Middle East, EOR providers manage employment contracts, payroll operations, tax compliance, visas, benefits administration, and local labor law compliance. However, you maintain complete control over the employee’s daily tasks, responsibilities, and performance.
This model is especially valuable in the Middle East, where labor regulations, sponsorship requirements, and Emiratization policies can be complex. Using an EOR allows companies to stay compliant while scaling faster across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and other regional markets.
Role of an Employer of Record (EOR) Across the UAE & Middle East
An EOR becomes the legal employer of your workforce in that jurisdiction, handling:
- Employment contracts & compliance
- Payroll in local currency
- Statutory taxes and end-of-service benefits
- Work visas and residency sponsorship
- HR support and labor law adherence
This lets foreign companies hire employees quickly without setting up a legal entity, a major advantage in the UAE and Middle East labor markets.
What to Look for in an Employer of Record in Dubai
When selecting an EOR in Dubai or the Middle East, consider these factors:
- Local compliance expertise in UAE labor laws and visa regulations
- Country coverage across GCC and MENA regions
- Payroll accuracy and transparency
- Speed of onboarding and contract setup
- Employee experience, benefits, and support
Choosing the right EOR partner directly impacts compliance, hiring speed, and employee satisfaction.
Top 14 Employer of Record in the United Arab Emirates
1. Cercli
Cercli is a Middle East–focused Employer of Record platform designed specifically for the complexities of MENA labor laws. It enables companies to hire employees across the UAE and Saudi Arabia without setting up a local entity. The platform manages payroll, compliance, contracts, benefits, and leave management through a centralized, regionally compliant HR platform.
2. NES Fircroft
NES Fircroft offers Employer of Record services tailored for companies expanding into the Middle East, particularly in energy, engineering, and industrial sectors. Its EOR solutions cover payroll administration, local labor law compliance, visa sponsorship, and HR support, allowing organizations to deploy talent quickly while navigating complex regional employment regulations with confidence.
3. Borderless AI
Borderless AI stands out as an Employer of Record (EOR) platform that helps companies hire, manage, and pay global talent with speed and confidence. The platform combines local compliance expertise with AI-driven automation, making it easier for businesses to onboard employees, manage payroll, and stay compliant across multiple countries without setting up local entities.
4. Links International
Links International provides comprehensive HR outsourcing and Employer of Record services across Dubai and the wider Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. Its EOR offerings include payroll management, statutory compliance, employee benefits administration, and HR advisory services, making it a strong choice for enterprises seeking end-to-end HR support during regional expansion.
5. Skuad
Skuad is a global Employer of Record platform that enables companies to hire employees in the UAE without establishing a local entity. It manages onboarding, payroll, taxes, benefits, visa processing, and compliance across multiple countries. Skuad is particularly popular with fast-growing startups and global teams scaling their international workforce.
6. RemoFirst
RemoFirst provides cost-effective Employer of Record services in the UAE and over 180 countries worldwide. It allows businesses to legally hire, onboard, and pay employees while remaining compliant with local labor regulations. With a focus on affordability and speed, RemoFirst is well suited for startups and small to mid-sized businesses.
7. Remote People
Remote People enables companies to hire talent in the UAE through its Employer of Record services, handling payroll, onboarding, contracts, and compliance with local employment laws. Its solutions are designed for businesses expanding internationally while maintaining full operational control over employees, making cross-border hiring simpler and legally secure.
8. FMC Group
FMC Group provides Employer of Record services across the UAE and the wider Middle East, supporting companies that want to hire locally without establishing a legal entity. Its services include payroll processing, employment contracts, benefits administration, and compliance management, along with optional market entry and recruitment support.
9. Oyster HR
Oyster HR is a global employment platform that helps companies hire and pay employees compliantly across the Middle East. It combines EOR services with benefits administration, payroll, and workforce management. Oyster is well-suited for remote-first organizations looking for transparent pricing, standardized processes, and a strong employee experience across regions.
10. TopSource Worldwide
TopSource Worldwide delivers Employer of Record services in the UAE as part of its global HR outsourcing solutions. It enables businesses to employ staff legally by managing payroll, tax compliance, contracts, and employee benefits. TopSource is often chosen by organizations seeking a scalable and compliant workforce expansion strategy.
11. Papaya Global
Papaya Global offers enterprise-grade EOR services with strong payroll automation and compliance coverage across the Middle East. It is best suited for large organizations managing multi-country workforces, offering centralized dashboards, multi-currency payroll, local labor law compliance, and advanced workforce analytics for finance and HR leadership teams.
12. Kinza HR
Kinza HR is a Dubai-based Employer of Record and HR services firm specializing in UAE labor law compliance. It supports payroll processing, employment contracts, visa sponsorship, and HR administration. Kinza HR is a strong option for companies that prefer a local partner with on-the-ground expertise and personalized support in Dubai.
13. Multiplier
Multiplier is a modern EOR provider designed for startups and mid-sized companies expanding into Dubai and GCC countries. It simplifies hiring by managing employment contracts, payroll, benefits, taxes, and work permits. With competitive pricing and fast onboarding, Multiplier is popular among tech startups and distributed teams entering the Middle East market.
14. RemotePass
RemotePass is a Middle East–focused EOR platform with strong expertise in UAE and Saudi Arabian employment regulations. It offers localized payroll, employee benefits, visa sponsorship, and compliance management. Its regional specialization makes it a strong choice for companies prioritizing local expertise, cultural alignment, and smooth hiring operations in the Gulf region.
Conclusion
The Middle East, particularly Dubai, has become a strategic hub for global expansion. However, navigating employment laws, payroll, and compliance without local entities can slow growth. The top Employers of Record in Dubai and the Middle East listed above enable organizations to hire confidently, remain compliant, and scale faster. Whether you’re a startup entering the UAE or an enterprise expanding across the GCC, partnering with the right EOR is a critical step toward sustainable regional growth.
FAQs
1. What does an Employer of Record do in Dubai?
An Employer of Record in Dubai legally employs workers on behalf of a company, handling payroll, contracts, visas, benefits, and compliance with UAE labor laws.
2. Is using an Employer of Record legal in the UAE?
Yes, using an Employer of Record is legal in the UAE when the provider complies with local labor regulations and sponsorship requirements.
3. How much does an Employer of Record cost in the Middle East?
EOR pricing typically ranges from a monthly per-employee fee, depending on the country, benefits, and services included.
4. Can an Employer of Record sponsor work visas in Dubai?
Yes, most EOR providers in Dubai manage work visa sponsorship and residency processes as part of their services.
5. When should a company use an Employer of Record instead of setting up an entity?
Companies should use an EOR when testing new markets, hiring small teams quickly, or avoiding the time and cost of setting up a legal entity.
