Looking for the Best Employer of Record italy? Of course we ranked ourselves #1. We're 100% confident we deliver exceptional 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, so it's worth doing your research.
We're Hire with Columbus, and we think we're the best choice for most companies expanding into Italy. But we also know some of you might need Deel's contractor management tools or Globalization Partners' enterprise-level integrations. We'll be honest about when those might be better fits for your specific situation.
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 with 1-3 day setup across 185+ countries. No hidden fees, no premium markup, same quality service.
This comparison covers how we stack up against Rippling, RemoFirst, Remote, Deel, Oyster HR, Multiplier, Globalization Partners, Horizons, and Papaya Global. We'll show you each provider's strengths and when they might make more sense than us. Our goal isn't just to win your business, it's to help you make the right choice.
Take your time researching each option. EOR relationships typically last years, not months. Getting it right the first time saves you the headache of switching providers later, which is expensive and painful for everyone involved.
Best Employer of Record italy - Quick comparison
| Rank | Provider | Rating | Price | Setup | Countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Hire with Columbus | 5.0 | $179/mo | 1-3 days | 185+ |
#2 | Rippling | 4.8(3200) | $450/mo | 3 days | N/A |
#3 | RemoFirst | 4.7(450) | $199/mo | 3 days | N/A |
#4 | Remote | 4.6(1800) | $699/mo | 3 days | 185+ |
#5 | Deel | 4.5(2400) | $599/mo | 3 days | 150+ |
#6 | Oyster HR | 4.5(980) | $699/mo | 3 days | 130+ |
#7 | Multiplier | 4.4(650) | $400/mo | Contact | 150+ |
#8 | Globalization Partners | New | $699/mo | 3 days | 180+ |
#9 | Horizons | New | $199/mo | Contact | 180+ |
#10 | Papaya Global | New | $599/mo | Contact | 160+ |
Best Employer of Record italy - Detailed reviews
In-depth look at each provider, ranked by value and service quality
#1. Hire with Columbus
EOR services in 185+ countries from $179/month
- Full EOR compliance in 185+ countries
- Transparent pricing from $179/employee/month
- 24/7 customer support
- Fast 1-3 day onboarding
- Lowest pricing at $179/month
- No hidden fees or premium markup
- 185+ countries worldwide
- Personal customer support
#2. Rippling
One platform for HR, IT, and Finance
All-in-one EOR platform connecting HR, payroll, IT management, and benefits across 90+ countries with premium pricing starting at $450/month per employee.
#3. RemoFirst
Hire anyone, anywhere
EOR service offering transparent $199/month pricing with 150+ country coverage and self-service platform for quick international hiring.
#4. Remote
Global payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance for businesses everywhere
Premium EOR provider with own legal entities in 80+ countries, offering standardized global benefits and comprehensive platform for $699/month per employee.
#5. Deel
Global hiring platform for EOR, contractors, and payroll
Global EOR platform serving 35,000+ businesses across 150+ countries with self-service tools and comprehensive compliance management starting at $599/month.
#6. Oyster HR
Global employment platform for distributed teams
Premium EOR platform for distributed teams with white-glove service, covering 130+ countries starting at $699/month for well-funded companies.
#7. Multiplier
Global EOR platform for distributed teams
Singapore-based global EOR platform operating in 150+ countries with focus on speed and modern user experience for mid-market companies.
#8. Globalization Partners
Enterprise-grade global employment platform
Premium EOR provider serving Fortune 500 companies with owned legal entities in 180+ countries, starting at $699/month per employee.
#9. Horizons
Global EOR with built-in recruitment services
Singapore-based EOR platform serving 180+ countries with integrated recruitment services, specializing in Asia-Pacific markets for tech companies and startups.
#10. Papaya Global
Global payroll and compliance platform for mid-market and enterprise
Enterprise-grade EOR solution for complex multi-country payroll with 160+ country coverage, starting at $599/employee/month.
Final thoughts
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 quick setup times.
But let's be honest – if you need advanced analytics or white-label solutions, Remote might be worth the extra cost. If you're already using Deel for contractors, their EOR service could make sense for simplicity.
We ranked ourselves #1 because we believe transparent pricing beats hidden fees every time. Most of our competitors will quote you one price, then add setup fees, platform fees, and "administrative costs" later. We don't play those games.
The math is straightforward: $179/month versus $299-599/month adds up fast. For a 5-person team in Italy, that's $7,200-25,200 saved annually with Hire with Columbus. Same compliance, same payroll accuracy, way better value.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an EOR cost in Italy compared to other countries?
EOR pricing in Italy ranges from $179 to $599 per employee per month. We're at the lower end at $179, while providers like Deel and Remote charge around $599. Don't forget Italy's employer social contributions add another 28-33% on top of gross salaries. That's higher than some countries but pretty standard for Western Europe.
What's the typical setup time for hiring employees in Italy through an EOR?
Most EORs can get you up and running in 1-2 weeks in Italy. That's way faster than setting up your own Italian entity, which takes 2-3 months minimum. The speed really depends on how quickly you can provide employee details and sign contracts. Italy's bureaucracy is complex, but EORs handle all that paperwork for you.
Do I need to worry about Italian collective bargaining agreements when using an EOR?
Your EOR should handle all collective bargaining agreement (CBA) compliance for you. Italy has industry-specific CBAs that affect wages, working hours, and benefits. This stuff gets complicated fast, and it's one of the main reasons you'd want an experienced EOR. Make sure your provider knows which CBA applies to your industry.
What's required for payroll taxes and social security in Italy?
Italian payroll is no joke. You've got INPS contributions, severance fund (TFR) payments, and various other deductions. The EOR handles all registrations and monthly filings. Employee records must be kept for 5 years, tax documents for 10 years. Trust me, you don't want to mess this up yourself - the penalties are steep.
How does employee termination work in Italy with an EOR?
Italy doesn't mess around when it comes to firing people. The termination laws are strict, and severance costs can hit you hard if you get it wrong.
Your EOR handles all the messy legal stuff for you. They'll manage proper notice periods and calculate TFR payments so you don't have to figure out Italy's complex labor rules yourself.
Here's the thing—wrongful termination claims in Italy are expensive. Really expensive. Having an EOR that knows Italian labor law backwards means they'll handle all the paperwork and keep you out of legal trouble.
What benefits are mandatory for employees in Italy?
Italian employees get 13th month salary, paid vacation (minimum 20 days), sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, and health insurance through the national system. Your EOR ensures all statutory benefits are provided correctly. Some industries have additional requirements through CBAs. It's generous compared to many countries, but that's factored into the cost.
Can I hire contractors in Italy or do I need full employment?
Italy's pretty strict about contractor vs. employee classification. If someone works like an employee (set hours, company equipment, ongoing relationship), they probably need to be classified as one. Misclassification penalties are harsh. Most EORs can handle both, but expect them to be conservative about contractor arrangements to protect you.
What's the difference between northern and southern Italy for EOR services?
The legal requirements are the same nationwide, but salary expectations and local practices can vary. Northern Italy (Milan, Turin) typically has higher wages and living costs. Your EOR should understand regional differences for competitive compensation packages. The compliance side doesn't change, but market knowledge definitely helps with hiring.