There are fascinating opportunities and unique challenges that come with expanding a business outside the EU, especially when it comes to hiring employees from other countries. It is often difficult for employers to comply with the law, as work permit rules and local labor laws are very different in each country.

 An Employer of Record (EOR) can be a great help in this situation. Companies can use EOR services to legally hire employees outside the EU without having to set up a legal presence there. They also ensure that all work permits and labor laws are complied with.

In this article, we talk about the challenges associated with obtaining work permits in non-EU countries and how EOR can help simplify the process.

What are the challenges associated with obtaining  working permits in Non-EU Countries ?

Foreign professionals who want to work abroad find it difficult and stressful to obtain a work permit in a country that is not part of the EU. The same applies to foreign employers who want to hire talent from abroad in non-EU countries. In the European Union, the basic rule is that EU citizens can move to work without any problems. In non-EU countries, however, stricter immigration and employment laws usually apply. These restrictions can have a major impact on job opportunities, the duration of your employment and your long-term career plans.

Strict Eligibility Requirements 

Many non-EU countries have strict requirements for work visas, including: Proof of certain talents not available domestically, minimum salary criteria, employer sponsorship requirements etc.

Extended processing times

Some countries take weeks or even months to issue work permits, hindering recruitment strategies.For example in Brazil, it can take 2 to 3 months to process a work visa application, whereas in China it can take 4 to 13 weeks.

Bureaucratic obstacles & Paper Work

Another complicated aspect of applying for a work visa is all the bureaucracy. Countries outside the EU, such as the USA, Canada and New Zealand, often require a lot of paperwork. Applicants may need to provide evidence of their education, work history, health, background checks and employer support. It can take weeks or even months in some cases to complete the process.

Local Labor Market Testing

In some countries, including Australia and Canada, companies had to prove that they could not find local workers before hiring someone from another country.

Quota Systems

Some countries outside the EU have strict quota systems that limit the number of work permits that can be issued each year. The US H-1B visa program, for example, has a limit that is usually reached within a few days of opening. As a result, even qualified applicants may be rejected simply because there are so many others who want the job.

How an Employer of Record (EOR) Simplifies Work Permits in Non-EU Countries

Obtaining a work permit in countries outside the EU can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but an Employer of Record (EOR) can make the process smoother. The EOR supports you in applying for a work permit and in complying with local labor and immigration regulations, as it acts as a legal employer. Below we will discuss how an EOR can make the process of obtaining a work permit faster and easier, while reducing legal risk.

Faster and Compliant Hiring

An Employer of Record (EOR) expedites and simplifies the work permit process in non-EU countries by leveraging its established local businesses and knowledge of immigration compliance. As EOR already has an established local presence, the company can support the rapid submission of work visa applications with the correct documentation, speeding up the approval process and avoiding typical errors. They make sure that the hiring company complies with all regulations for hiring employees, including those that are constantly changing, and they take care of the complicated local regulations, such as labor market testing or setting the minimum wage.

Acting As a Legal Sponsor

With an Employer of Record (EOR), companies can hire employees in countries outside the EU without having to set up a legal entity there. EORs can often be the legal employer and, if permitted, the visa sponsor in countries with strict visa and sponsorship rules such as China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. EORs facilitate work visa applications and the hiring of international talent in highly regulated markets by leveraging their knowledge of immigration compliance and local labor regulations.

Flexibility

With an Employer of Record (EOR), you have great freedom when hiring employees because you can quickly increase or decrease the size of your team without having to worry about legal issues. Companies can try out new markets by hiring employees for short periods of time or forming project-based teams without having to set up a permanent company. This flexiblity is best suited for seasonal needs, pilot expansions or short-term employment that requires unique skills in non-EU countries.

Managing Legal Risks

An Employer of Record (EOR) reduces legal risks by ensuring that all local labor and immigration regulations are complied with. It prevents costly mistakes such as misclassifying work permits, incorrectly taxing wages or hiring people without authorization, which can lead to fines or business bans. The EOR assumes legal responsibility as an employer, while your company retains control over the work of its employees.

The Bottom Line

It can be a resource consuming process to obtain a work permit in countries outside the EU, but an Employer of Record (EOR) can make it easier by ensuring you comply with the rules and hire employees quickly. With the help of an EOR, companies can enter new markets without having to worry about setting up local businesses or complying with ever-changing immigration restrictions.

Working with an EOR is a safe, fast and cost-effective way to hire top talent around the world, whether you're going to Asia, the Middle East or Latin America.

Do you need help expanding into countries outside the EU? Talk to a global Employer of Record (EOR) like Swapp Agency to ensure your entry into your target markets goes smoothly.