Over 1,300 international companies have set up their regional headquarters in Hong Kong. It’s a major gateway into Asia and one of the most connected business hubs in the world. But hiring locally isn’t always straightforward.
Security note: for choosing protection for everyday Windows devices, this Windows antivirus comparison is a useful related reference.
Employers in Hong Kong need to deal with tight regulations, complex payroll rules, and mandatory retirement contributions like the MPF. Setting up your own company to hire staff can take week – plus legal paperwork, extra fees, and a mountain of admin.
That’s where Employer of Record (EOR) services come in. These providers handle all the legal, HR, and payroll responsibilities so businesses can bring on staff in Hong Kong without needing to open a local entity. It’s faster, cleaner, and fully compliant.
In this article, we’re walking through the seven best EOR providers in Hong Kong. We’ll break down what they offer—payroll, MPF handling, visa support, onboarding, and more, o you can find the right partner for your hiring plans.
| Provider | Starting Price | Onboarding Speed | Best For | Key Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deel | $599/month | 2 days | Global brands | Fast scaling & integrations |
| Remote | $599/month | 48 hours | Tech companies | IP protection |
| SecondTalent | Custom pricing | 48 hours | Tech hiring | APAC talent sourcing |
| Multiplier | $400/month | 24 hours | SMEs | APAC focus |
| Remofirst | $199/month | 24-48 hours | Startups | Budget-friendly |
| Links International | Custom pricing | 3-5 days | Enterprises | 40+ years local expertise |
| Omnipresent | Custom pricing | 2-5 days | Regulated industries | Compliance focus |
Top EOR Solution Providers:
1. Deel
Deel makes it easy for global companies to hire in Hong Kong without delay. It’s one of the few EOR providers that owns a legal entity in the city, which means they can onboard new hires fast and handle everything in-house.
Startups and global brands trust Deel because it’s built for speed, security, and ease of use. The platform is fully automated, so you don’t have to chase paperwork or worry about delays.
Key features:
- Legal employer of record in Hong Kong
- Onboards employees in as little as 2 business days
- Manages payroll in HKD with local payslips
- Handles employment contracts and tax filings
- Takes care of MPF contributions for both parties
- Offers Hong Kong-based health insurance, life cover, and workers’ comp
- 24/7 customer support and live chat
- Dashboard for tracking salaries, contracts, and employee docs
Pros:
- ✅ Fastest onboarding in Hong Kong (2 business days)
- ✅ Transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- ✅ Strong API for custom integrations
- ✅ Excellent contractor-to-employee conversion
- ✅ GDPR, SOC2, and ISO 27001 compliant
- ✅ Dedicated account managers for all clients
Cons:
- ❌ Premium pricing at $599/month
- ❌ Support can lag during peak hours
- ❌ Limited customization for complex structures
- ❌ May lack deep Hong Kong-specific expertise
Deel is a solid choice for companies looking for a quick and compliant way to grow their team in Hong Kong without dealing with local legal red tape.
2. Remote
Remote gives businesses a reliable way to hire in Hong Kong while keeping full control over compliance and payroll. With a direct entity in the city, they can manage every part of the employment process without needing third-party middlemen.
The platform is known for its tight security setup and privacy features, which is a big plus when dealing with sensitive employee data.
Key features:
- Owns a registered entity in Hong Kong
- Builds locally compliant contracts for every hire
- Covers all aspects of Hong Kong labor laws, including leave, probation, and termination
- Runs payroll and tax filings with full MPF support
- Offers employee benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave
- Provides visa sponsorship and support for international hires
- Built-in tools for HR management, growth, and team relocation
- Solid reputation for scaling teams across multiple regions
Pros:
- ✅ Best-in-class IP protection
- ✅ Strong compliance framework
- ✅ Transparent pricing model
- ✅ Excellent employee experience
- ✅ 180+ country coverage for global teams
Cons:
- ❌ Higher pricing than competitors
- ❌ Can be complex for simple needs
- ❌ Limited contractor management features
- ❌ Setup can be lengthy for equity structures
Remote is a strong fit for growing teams that want a secure, all-in-one platform that handles both the basics and the more complex parts of hiring in Hong Kong.
3. Second Talent
Second Talent delivers Employer of Record services in Hong Kong that are fast, compliant, and built for businesses expanding across Asia. Hiring through them means getting staff onboarded in days. Not weeks without the hassle of setting up a legal entity. They handle everything from contracts and payroll to compliance behind the scenes, so your focus stays where it belongs: growing your team.
Key features:
- Offers EOR services across Hong Kong and other key markets in Asia
- Onboards hires typically within 5–10 business days, depending on documentation
- Manages payroll, local contracts, MPF contributions, taxes, and compliance tasks
- Led by in-house legal and tax experts with a deep grasp of regulations
- Integrates seamlessly with talent sourcing, giving access to top-tier tech professionals in Hong Kong
- Trusted by Asia-focused businesses for delivering reliability and cost-effective solutions
Pros:
- ✅ Fastest tech talent placement (48 hours)
- ✅ Pre-vetted talent pool saves screening time
- ✅ Deep APAC market expertise
- ✅ Significant cost savings (30-70%)
- ✅ Strong local Hong Kong presence
- ✅ Personalized service approach
Cons:
- ❌ Custom pricing lacks transparency
- ❌ Limited to APAC region
- ❌ Smaller platform vs global competitors
Second Talent stands out for blending EOR services with rapid tech talent sourcing, all while staying fully compliant across markets. They make hiring in Hong Kong easy, fast, and worry-free.
4. Multiplier
Multiplier makes hiring in Hong Kong smooth, especially for companies growing across Asia. They know the region well and help businesses stay on top of local rules without getting buried in admin.
The platform is built for global teams, with tools that make payroll and compliance fast and simple, even if your workforce spans different countries.
Key features:
- Strong experience across Asia-Pacific markets
- Handles hiring, payroll, taxes, MPF contributions, and visa processes
- Supports over 120 currencies for paying remote staff
- Local legal experts keep all contracts compliant with Hong Kong laws
- Offers health benefits and manages pension plans for employees
- Quick onboarding process with dedicated support
- Helpful customer service that works across time zones
Pros:
- ✅ Most affordable at $400/month
- ✅ Fastest onboarding (24 hours)
- ✅ Strong APAC regional focus
- ✅ No hidden setup fees
- ✅ Compliance guarantee included
Cons:
- ❌ Limited advanced features
- ❌ Basic reporting capabilities
- ❌ Fewer integration options
- ❌ Newer player in the market
Multiplier is a solid choice for teams that need flexibility, speed, and hands-on support while expanding into Hong Kong and beyond.
5. RemoFirst
RemoFirst is a solid pick for startups and small teams looking to hire in Hong Kong without breaking the bank. It offers full EOR services at a much lower cost than many big-name providers, while still covering everything from payroll to compliance.
The platform is built for global use but works well at the local level too. It takes care of the essentials—like contracts, MPF contributions, and tax—without making the process complicated or expensive.
Key features:
- Competitive pricing that suits early-stage companies
- Handles global payroll and local compliance, including MPF
- Prepares employment contracts aligned with Hong Kong law
- Supports visa applications for foreign hires
- Offers optional health and life insurance plans
- Provides 24/7 customer support across time zones
- Covers risk and keeps you compliant with local employment rules
Pros:
- ✅ Unbeatable pricing ($199/month)
- ✅ No hidden fees or setup costs
- ✅ Fast onboarding process
- ✅ Good global coverage
- ✅ Free contractor management tier
Cons:
- ❌ Basic feature set
- ❌ Limited Hong Kong-specific expertise
- ❌ May lack enterprise capabilities
- ❌ Fewer integration options
RemoFirst makes hiring in Hong Kong simple and affordable, especially if you’re running lean and need a hands-off way to grow your team. It’s reliable, responsive, and gets the job done without the usual overhead.
6. Links International
Links International is a Hong Kong-based EOR provider with a strong track record across Asia. They’re one of the few providers with true boots-on-the-ground support in Hong Kong, making them ideal for businesses that want local expertise backed by regional scale.
The team includes experienced HR consultants who understand the ins and outs of Hong Kong labor law, MPF, and payroll. Their support feels personal and fast, which helps take the pressure off when you’re expanding into new markets.
Key features:
- Headquartered in Hong Kong with teams across Asia
- Processes payroll accurately and on time in HKD
- Manages MPF contributions and stays on top of legal changes
- Offers local HR support and practical advice tailored to your business
- Handles onboarding and employee setup quickly
- Gives direct access to consultants, not just a software dashboard
Pros:
- ✅ Deepest Hong Kong market knowledge
- ✅ Strong government relationships
- ✅ Full-service HR capabilities
- ✅ Excellent for complex cases
- ✅ White-glove enterprise service
Cons:
- ❌ Custom pricing lacks transparency
- ❌ May be overkill for simple needs
- ❌ Traditional approach vs tech-first
- ❌ Longer onboarding times (3-5 days)
Links International is a strong fit for companies that want personalized help and local HR knowledge—not just automation. If you’re growing in Asia and want hands-on support in Hong Kong, they’re a dependable partner.
7. Omnipresent
Omnipresent is built for businesses that need reliable global HR support while keeping compliance tight. It’s a service that works especially well for international teams managing both local staff and remote employees.
Key features:
- Focuses strongly on compliance and lowering risk for employers
- Payroll, tax filings, and MPF contributions managed by in-market experts
- Full work visa and immigration support for overseas hires
- HR tools that cover onboarding, team management, and remote workforce needs
- Designed to support global companies with hybrid or distributed teams
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent compliance framework
- ✅ Human experts complement technology
- ✅ Strong in regulated industries
- ✅ Flexible contract options
- ✅ Good global coverage
Cons:
- ❌ Custom pricing not transparent
- ❌ Less Hong Kong-specific focus
- ❌ May be complex for simple needs
- ❌ Variable onboarding times
Omnipresent makes it easier for businesses to expand into Hong Kong without losing control of compliance or HR quality. It’s a practical choice for companies that want a mix of global reach and reliable local support.
Hong Kong-Specific Compliance Requirements
Employment Visa Requirements
- General Employment Policy (GEP): For professionals with special skills
- Processing Time: 4-8 weeks with employer sponsorship
- Required Documents: Employment contract, qualifications, proof of experience
- Local Talent Test: Must prove position cannot be filled locally
MPF Obligations
- Contribution Rate: 5% each from employer and employee
- Monthly Cap: HKD 1,500 per party
- Enrollment Timeline: Within 60 days of employment
- Coverage: All employees aged 18-65 employed for 60+ days
Statutory Benefits
- Annual Leave: 7-14 days based on tenure
- Sick Leave: Up to 120 days (paid at 80% after 4 days)
- Maternity Leave: 14 weeks paid at 80%
- Paternity Leave: 5 days
- Severance Payment: After 2 years of service
Cost-Benefit Analysis
| Cost Factor | Direct Hiring | EOR Service | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entity Setup | HKD 10,000-50,000 | $0 | 100% |
| Monthly Maintenance | HKD 5,000-15,000 | $199-599 USD | 40-80% |
| Compliance Risk | High | Minimal | Risk mitigation |
| Time to Hire | 3-6 months | 24-48 hours | 90% faster |
| HR/Legal Expertise | Required in-house | Included | Significant |
How to Choose the Right EOR
Decision Framework
- For Tech Companies: SecondTalent (talent + EOR) or Remote (IP protection)
- For Fast Growth: Deel or Multiplier (24-48 hour onboarding)
- For Enterprises: Links International (local expertise) or Omnipresent (compliance)
- For Startups: Remofirst ($199/month) or Multiplier ($400/month)
- For Complex Compliance: Links International or Omnipresent
- For Global Teams: Deel or Remote (180+ countries)
Expand in Hong Kong with Expert EOR Support
Breaking into the Hong Kong market doesn’t require setting up a local company. With the right EOR, hiring top local or global talent becomes fast, compliant, and efficient. Whether you’re scaling into Asia or building a remote team, choosing a reliable EOR makes the difference between a slow rollout and a strong regional presence.
Second Talent offers Employer of Record solutions tailored for fast, compliant hiring in Hong Kong and across Asia-Pacific. We manage local payroll, MPF, taxes, contracts, and onboarding – so you can focus on growing your team. Reach out to our team today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the MPF and why is it important?
The Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) is Hong Kong’s compulsory retirement savings scheme. EOR providers ensure correct employer and employee contributions, avoiding legal penalties.
2. Can I sponsor foreign workers through an EOR?
Yes. Most EORs offer visa and immigration services for expats or foreign professionals.
3. How fast can I hire using an EOR in Hong Kong?
Top EORs like Deel can onboard employees in 2–5 business days, depending on documentation.
4. Is it legal to use an EOR in Hong Kong?
Yes. Using an EOR is a compliant method of employing local and foreign staff without creating a legal entity.
5. What types of companies use EORs?
Startups, tech firms, international enterprises, and remote-first companies commonly use EORs to expand into new markets.
