# Best Employer of Record in China: 10 Providers Compared

> Machine-readable page from Hire with Columbus (https://hirewithcolumbus.com/), a flat-fee employer of record (EOR) service.
> Canonical page: https://hirewithcolumbus.com/best/employer-of-record-china/
> Pricing: from $179/month per employee, one transparent flat fee with no percentage-of-salary markups and no setup fees (https://hirewithcolumbus.com/pricing/).
> To hire: tell us where you want to hire at https://hirewithcolumbus.com/get-started/ and onboard your first employee in 2-3 days.
> Last updated: 2026-07-16

Looking for the best employer of record china? Of course we ranked ourselves #1. We're 100% confident we deliver great value at $179 per employee per month. That said, choosing the right EOR matters because this is a long-term relationship. You need a provider you'll stick with for years, not months.

We're Hire with Columbus, and we think we're the best choice for most companies. But we also know some of you might need Remote's stronger tech platform or Deel's specialized startup focus. We'll be honest about when those might be better fits.

Here's what makes us confident about our #1 ranking: We offer the same compliance guarantees, payroll processing, and legal protection as providers charging $599 per month. We just do it for $179. No hidden fees, no premium markup, same quality service. Plus we get you set up in 1-3 days while others take 2-4 weeks.

This comparison covers nine major EOR providers operating in China, including Rippling, Remote, Deel, Oyster HR, and others. We'll break down exactly where each excels and when they might be better than us. Our goal isn't just to win your business but to help you make the right choice for your specific needs and budget.

Take your time researching each option. EOR relationships last years, and switching providers later is expensive and painful. Choose based on what matters most to your company, whether that's our transparent pricing or another provider's specialized features.

**Top pick for China: Hire with Columbus**, from $179/month per employee flat fee, no percentage-of-salary markups. This is our own service; the alternatives below are ranked independently.

## The ranking

| # | Provider | Pricing | G2 rating | Countries |
|---:|---|---:|---:|---:|
| 1 | Hire with Columbus | from $179/month | — | 193 |
| 2 | Rippling | from $450/month | 4.8 (3200) | — |
| 3 | RemoFirst | from $199/month | 4.7 (450) | — |
| 4 | Remote | from $699/month | 4.6 (1800) | 185 |
| 5 | Deel | from $599/month | 4.5 (2400) | 150 |
| 6 | Oyster HR | from $699/month | 4.5 (980) | 130 |
| 7 | Multiplier | from $400/month | 4.4 (650) | 150 |
| 8 | Globalization Partners | from $699/month | — | 180 |
| 9 | Horizons | from $199/month | — | 180 |
| 10 | Papaya Global | from $599/month | — | 160 |

### 2. Rippling

One platform for HR, IT, and Finance

### 3. RemoFirst

Hire anyone, anywhere

### 4. Remote

Global payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance for businesses everywhere

### 5. Deel

Global hiring platform for EOR, contractors, and payroll

### 6. Oyster HR

Global employment platform for distributed teams

### 7. Multiplier

Global EOR platform for distributed teams

### 8. Globalization Partners

Enterprise-grade global employment platform

### 9. Horizons

Global EOR with built-in recruitment services

### 10. Papaya Global

Global payroll and compliance platform for mid-market and enterprise

## Bottom line

Look, every provider on this list can get the job done. The question is which fits your specific needs and budget. We think Hire with Columbus is the best choice for most companies because of our $179/month pricing and 24-hour setup speed.

But let's be honest - if you need advanced HR analytics or white-label solutions, check out Remote or Deel. They've got enterprise features we don't offer. And if you're specifically focused on Asia-Pacific expansion beyond China, CXC Global might be worth the extra cost.

We'd rather you make the right choice than the wrong one. For most companies hiring in China, though, we deliver the same compliance and payroll quality at half the price of competitors like Globalization Partners or Velocity Global.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does it actually cost to hire someone in China through an EOR?

You're looking at the EOR's management fee plus China's hefty employer contributions. EOR fees range from $199-350 per employee monthly. But here's the kicker - you'll also pay 27-44% of the employee's salary in mandatory social insurance and housing fund contributions. So for someone earning RMB 22,000/month, expect total costs around RMB 33,000+ monthly including everything.

### What's the fastest I can actually hire someone in China?

Most EORs can get someone onboarded in 1-2 weeks, though some claim as fast as a few days if you're in a rush. That's way better than setting up your own entity, which takes 2-4 months minimum. The timeline depends on how quickly you can gather documents and complete compliance checks - foreign hires with visa needs will take longer.

### Do I need to worry about Chinese labor law compliance with an EOR?

That's literally the EOR's job - they become the legal employer and handle all the compliance headaches. This includes proper Chinese contracts, social insurance contributions, overtime calculations, and termination procedures. Just make sure your EOR has a solid track record because penalties for non-compliance in China can be steep. Look for providers with zero-penalty records.

### What happens if I need to fire someone in China through an EOR?

The EOR handles all termination procedures according to Chinese labor law, including proper notice periods and severance calculations. China has strict termination rules - you can't just fire someone without cause. The EOR manages the paperwork, ensures compliance with local requirements, and calculates any severance owed. It's way less stressful than trying to figure this out yourself.

### Can I hire foreign employees in China through an EOR?

Yes, but it's more complex than hiring locals. Foreign employees need work permits and Z visas, which adds time and paperwork to the process. As of 2025, all non-nationals require Right-to-Work checks. Your EOR should help with this process, but expect longer onboarding times and additional documentation requirements compared to hiring Chinese nationals.

### How do EOR fees work in China - flat rate or percentage?

It varies by provider. Some charge flat monthly fees (like Deel's ~RMB 4,296/month), while others use percentage-based models. Flat rates are more predictable as salaries increase. Watch out for hidden fees - some providers add onboarding charges, administrative fees, or markup employee costs. Always ask for a detailed breakdown of total costs upfront.

### What's the difference between local Chinese EORs like FESCO and international ones?

Local providers like FESCO and CIIC know China inside and out, plus they've got the government connections that matter. They're your best bet for big companies or tricky compliance situations.

International EORs like Remote or Deel? Their tech platforms are way smoother and they'll support you globally. But here's the thing - they don't always get the local quirks that can trip you up in China.

It comes down to what matters more: having someone who speaks the language (literally and figuratively) or using a platform that won't make you want to throw your laptop out the window.

### Do Chinese employees get different benefits through an EOR?

Employees get the same mandatory benefits regardless - the five social insurances plus housing fund contributions. Some EORs offer additional perks like better HR platforms or employee self-service portals. The key difference is compliance quality - a good EOR ensures contributions are calculated correctly and paid on time, which protects both you and your employees.