🇬🇧 EOR Guide —
United Kingdom
Everything you need to know about using an Employer of Record in United Kingdom — provider fees, compliance risks, hire speed, and EOR vs direct employment.
Employer NI rate
13.8% above £9,100/yr
Apprenticeship Levy
0.5% of payroll over £3m
Auto-enrolment minimum
3% employer pension contribution
Statutory notice (1 yr+)
1 week per year of service
Minimum wage (2025)
£12.21/hr (age 21+)
EOR providers active
Deel, Remote, Rippling, Papaya, Oyster
Our Recommendation
EOR for first 1–5 UK hires
The UK has a mature EOR market with strong provider competition. For initial hires or testing the market, EOR is the clear choice. Once you have 10+ permanent UK employees, evaluate setting up a UK Ltd company to reduce ongoing markup costs.
EOR provider fee range for United Kingdom
Rates vary by provider, headcount, and benefits scope. Always request itemised quotes from at least three providers.
EOR vs Direct Employment
EOR advantages in United Kingdom
- Hire in days, not months
- Provider handles PAYE, NI, pensions auto-enrolment
- No UK entity required
EOR limitations in United Kingdom
- 8–15% markup on employer cost
- Less direct control over employment contract terms
- IR35 status must still be assessed by you
Direct employment advantages
- Full control over employment terms
- No provider markup costs at scale
- Direct relationship with employee
Direct employment limitations
- Requires UK legal entity
- Payroll bureau and HR overhead
- Liable for all compliance failures
Local Entity Options
Setting up a legal entity in United Kingdom.
If you outgrow EOR or prefer direct employment, these are the main legal structures available in United Kingdom for foreign companies.
Private Limited Company (Ltd)
Setup time
1–3d
Est. cost
$1,500
Min. capital
None
Corp. tax
25%
Div. WHT
0%
VAT rate
20%
Annual obligations
- Annual accounts (Companies House)
- Corporation tax return (HMRC CT600)
- VAT returns (quarterly)
- PAYE real-time submissions
- Confirmation statement (Companies House annual)
- PSC register
Overview
UK company formation is one of the fastest in the world — same-day online via Companies House. No minimum capital. At least 1 director (no residency requirement). Registered office in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland required. Corporation tax 25% (main rate, profits >GBP 250,000). Small profits rate 19% (profits <GBP 50,000). Marginal relief between GBP 50,000-250,000. VAT 20% — registration required if taxable turnover exceeds GBP 90,000/year (2024). No dividend withholding tax for non-residents — key advantage for holding structures.
Branch of Overseas Company (UK Establishment)
Setup time
1000d+
Est. cost
—
Min. capital
$10
Corp. tax
25%
Div. WHT
0%
VAT rate
20%
Annual obligations
- Annual accounts of parent (Companies House)
- Corporation tax return (HMRC)
- VAT registration (if applicable)
Overview
Overseas companies can register a UK establishment (branch). Companies House registration required within 1 month of opening. No separate legal entity — parent fully liable. Branch profits subject to UK corporation tax. Must have a UK registered address and UK authorised person. Annual parent accounts must be filed. No minimum capital. Generally less preferred than Ltd for IP holding and investment structures due to parent liability and account publication requirements.
Compliance Risks
Key EOR compliance risks in United Kingdom.
Discuss each of these with your chosen provider before signing.
IR35 / Off-payroll working rules
HighIf you engage contractors through a PSC, IR35 status determination is your responsibility as the end client. Misclassification can result in significant HMRC liability.
Auto-enrolment pension
MediumEmployers must auto-enrol eligible workers into a qualifying pension scheme. Your EOR provider will handle this, but confirm the scheme meets minimum requirements.
National Living Wage compliance
MediumThe NLW increases annually in April. Your EOR must apply the correct rate immediately — confirm your provider update process.
Right to Work checks
HighEmployers must verify employees have the right to work in the UK before employment begins. This obligation does not transfer to the EOR — you remain responsible.
Cost Estimator
Estimate your United Kingdom EOR cost.
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