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Taking advantage of Portugal’s convenient business environment, companies are turning to Employer of Record (EOR) services. With a top-rated EOR in Portugal, you can quickly hire, onboard, and pay your new workers. EORs can ensure your business is in compliance with local laws, so you can focus on running your company.
For global companies, Portugal has a number of benefits that make it an appealing place to hire workers. Its English-speaking population and highly skilled workers make hiring easy. As an added bonus, Portugal’s time zone overlaps with parts of the United States and Europe.
Companies hiring across Europe may benefit from reviewing our global Employer of Record guide.
Best 8 EOR Services in Portugal: Quick Verdict
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Why Trust Our Best Portugal EOR Comparison
Independent, data-driven EOR rankings. Employsome is fully independent and not owned by any Employer of Record provider. Our reviews highlight both strengths and weaknesses so employers can make informed, unbiased decisions when selecting an EOR.
How we evaluate EOR providers. Each provider is assessed using two independent scoring frameworks: the Global EOR Score and a country-specific On-the-Ground Score. This approach allows us to evaluate both overall provider quality and real local execution.
Our scoring covers pricing transparency, contract terms, service quality, platform capabilities, local compliance, HR and payroll support, and how reliably the provider delivers EOR services in practice.
Verified, country-specific data. We independently review each provider’s local operations, including entity ownership and delivery model. Our analysis includes documentation checks, registry verification, and hands-on reviews of onboarding workflows, payroll outputs, payslips, and operational timelines.
Built by EOR experts. Employsome was created by professionals who have operated EOR services and managed global payroll, local employment compliance, and cross-border hiring at scale. This practical experience allows us to identify where providers typically overpromise and where issues most commonly arise during onboarding, payroll, and ongoing employment administration.
Our goal is to bring transparency, accuracy, and real operational insight to EOR comparisons.
In-Depth Review: Best 8 EOR Services in Portugal
Remote offers a comprehensive platform with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. With Remote, you can get help with immigration, right-to-work checks, and onboarding. Started in 2019, the EOR provider has expanded into more than 180 countries around the world.
Global
Ø Fee per Employee per Month, First Year
- Global country coverage
- Enterprise-grade software
✓ Global Coverage & Services (4.6/5): Strong global EOR coverage, mostly through Remote-owned legal entities. Wide range of add-on services offered beyond EOR such as global payroll services, contractor payments, equity add-ons, HRIS, benefits, U.S. PEO and more.
✓ Pricing & Transparency (4.1/5): Fees are higher compared to other global EORs. Also, a “hidden” currency exchange fee of up to 8% applies. However, Remote does not apply an EOR security deposit. OK, overall.
✓ Payment & Contract Terms (4.6/5): No minimum contract commitment which allows for flexible EOR hiring. Further, payroll cut-off on the 11th of the month and payment terms of 10 days.
✓ Customer Experience & Support (4.8/5): Remote’s EOR solution is designed to be mostly self-service for customers hiring < 10 staff. No dedicated account manager is assigned and support is run through their offshore-team.
✓ Platform & Integrations (4.7/5): Remote’s platform is amongst the best of the industry with a large amount of features and integrations available. It’s suitable for enterprise customers.
4.6/5
✓ Entity Ownership (5.0/5): Remote operates through its own owned legal entity in Portugal, enabling direct employment, stronger compliance control, and no reliance on third-party partners.
✓ Onboarding Speed (4.5/5): Employees can typically be onboarded within 5-10 business days, including compliant Portuguese contracts, payroll registration, and social security setup.
✓ On-Site HR Support (4.5/5): Remote provides local, Portugal-based HR and payroll expertise with responsive in-country support, though not always physically on-site for every case.
✓ Visa & Work Permit Support (4.5/5): Strong support for Portuguese immigration, including residence permits and work authorization, with practical guidance for international hires.
✓ In-Country Compliance (5.0/5): Excellent handling of Portuguese labor law, including subsídio de férias (vacation subsidy), subsídio de Natal (Christmas bonus), social security, terminations, and statutory benefits.
✓ Local Add-Ons (4.5/5): Robust local benefits offering including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus strong IP protection via Remote’s IP Guard and GDPR-compliant data handling.
4.7/5
Transparent pricing: Remote has transparent pricing with no setup or onboarding fees.
Localized benefits: If you need healthcare and localized benefit plans, Remote is an excellent option.
Owned entity: Through an owned entity, you can enjoy better service and faster support times.
User experience: With its self-serve workflows and understandable guidance, Remote makes navigating its platform simple.
High costs: Compared to many providers on this list, Remote’s prices are significantly higher than average.
Basic reporting capabilities: Remote has fairly limited analytics and reporting capabilities.
Limited customization: If you want more customized features or special contracts, they may take longer to create or be unavailable.
Remote is best for tech companies that are looking for extensive app integrations and don’t mind premium pricing. If you’re in need of risk-free international hiring and enterprise-worthy solutions, Remote is an excellent choice.
Currently, Deel has more than 15,000 customers across more than 150 countries. This EOR provider is known for offering a high level of services, an excellent tech stack, and enterprise-friendly solutions. Plus, the platform easily integrates with more than 20 different popular tools, so you can easily manage your company’s existing workflows.
Global
Ø Fee per Employee per Month, First Year
- Best tech platform
- Most chosen provider
✓ Global Coverage & Services (4.6/5): Deel provides EOR services in 150+ countries, operating through 120+ wholly owned legal entities (including Germany, UK, Spain, Australia, Canada, India, and UAE). Services include compliant employment contracts, payroll, statutory filings, terminations, country-specific benefits, immigration support, background checks, equipment provisioning via Deel IT, equity & stock option administration, and access to 200+ in-house legal experts covering local employment law.
✓ Pricing & Transparency (4.1/5): Public EOR pricing starts at USD 599 per employee/month (discounted to USD 499 in the first year in some markets). Contractor management is USD 49/month, and Deel HRIS is free. Security deposits of 1–3 months of gross salary apply in most countries. FX fees are borne by the transacting party. Optional add-ons (Deel Engage, Deel IT, time tracking) increase total cost as teams scale.
✓ Payment & Contract Terms (4.5/5): Deel offers month-to-month EOR contract flexibility with no long-term minimum commitment. Deposits are required in many countries and typically refunded within 60 days after contract termination. Payments are processed via regulated PSPs in multiple currencies. Deel Shield provides contractor misclassification protection covering up to USD 25,000 in legal costs per contractor.
✓ Customer Experience & Support (4.3/5): Deel provides 24/7 in-house chat support, with a 4.8/5 Trustpilot rating across 7,000+ reviews. Dedicated customer success managers are assigned to larger accounts. Payroll and compliance guidance is supported by Deel AI, with onboarding completed in 2–3 business days in many countries. Support is efficient but less white-glove for very small teams.
✓ Platform & Integrations (4.8/5): Deel offers a modern, self-service global HR platform with 120+ native integrations (including Workday, BambooHR, Personio, Greenhouse, QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Slack, and Microsoft Teams). Supports bi-directional HRIS syncing, open API, Zapier automation, and can function as a standalone global HRIS with onboarding, PTO, documents, org charts, and compliance monitoring.
4.5/5
✓ Entity Ownership (5.0/5): Deel operates through its owned Portuguese entity, Deel Portugal, Unipessoal, Lda., enabling direct employment without third-party intermediaries.
✓ Onboarding Speed (4.5/5): Streamlined onboarding with compliant contract setup and payroll registration completed quickly once documentation is in place.
✓ On-Site HR Support (4.5/5): Direct access to Deel’s EOR team for Portugal, providing responsive HR and payroll coordination without partner handoffs.
✓ Visa & Work Permit Support (4.5/5): Immigration coordination available for international hires, including support aligned with Portuguese residency and work permit processes.
✓ In-Country Compliance (4.5/5): Strong compliance handling across Portuguese labor law, including social security contributions, compensation funds, labor accident insurance, and statutory payroll reporting.
✓ Local Add-Ons (4.5/5): Supports contractor-of-record, flexible work arrangements, private health insurance, and centralized management of employees and contractors on one platform.
4.6/5
HRIS and HR Integrations: Deel is ideal for companies that require many HR and HRIS integrations.
Owned entity: When you need help, there is always someone available from Deel who can lend a hand.
24/7 support: Whether you run into a problem in the middle of the night or on a weekend, Deel is ready with 24/7 customer support.
Speedy onboarding: Deel simplifies the onboarding process through user-friendly workflows and convenient contract templates.
Premium pricing: Deel has one of the highest prices on this list, making it less suitable for small businesses on a budget.
Service delays: During the busiest times of the day, customer support takes much longer.
Complexity: For new users, Deel’s platform can feel needlessly complex.
Customization: Compared to other companies, Deel has limited customization options.
Deel is an incredibly effective option for enterprise clients that want extensive integrations and a premium platform. It’s also a good option if you need extra support or want to offer private health benefits to your workers in Portugal.
While Velocity Global was recently rebranded as Pebl, it still retains all of its infrastructure and capabilities. From immigration support to customized packages, Pebl provides a wide range of EOR services in Portugal. Plus, Pebl is currently in more than 185 different countries.
Global
Ø Fee per Employee per Month, First Year
- Strong global entity infrastructure
- Transparent (but high) pricing
- Extensive immigration offering
✓ Global Coverage & Services (4.2/5): Leading global EOR coverage across core hiring markets with consistent, high-touch onboarding support. 65 own entity worldwide and 35 local partners. Well-suited for standard international hires, though invoicing and payroll complexity has been reported once companies operate across multiple markets.
✓ Pricing & Transparency (4.5/5): Clear and predictable pricing with good upfront cost visibility. Significant migration credits when transitioning from another EOR. Only downside: 3% FX markup & high bank wire fees.
✓ Payment & Contract Terms (4.2/5): Open-ended contracts without minimum commitments. Payroll cut-off on the 10th of each month with invoice issued on the 20th, payment due in 7 days. Standard, overall. If one commits to a one-year annual contract, then monthly fee drops to $599 instead of $699,
✓ Customer Experience & Support (4.3/5): 24h SLA in response times. Solid responsiveness for day-to-day operations, handled through off-shore support teams. No support offered via WhatsApp.Teams in 65+ countries, 43 languages spoken, with local experts who help you hire and support talent.
✓ Platform & Integrations (4.3/5): Modern platform designed to handle the basic EOR workflows. However, by far not as strong as its competitors. It feels Pebl is still playing “catch-up”. Integration ecosystem is solid but not as extensive as larger enterprise HR suites.
4.3/5
✓ Entity Ownership (4.5/5): Operates through an owned Portuguese entity called Velocity Global Portugal, Unipessoal, Lda. TopSource uses Pebl as their partner in Portugal.
✓ Onboarding Speed (4.0/5): Straightforward onboarding process. Employment contracts and payroll setup are handled efficiently once documentation is complete.
✓ On-Site HR Support (4.5/5): Strong local HR and payroll support with hands-on assistance throughout the employee lifecycle.
✓ Visa & Work Permit Support (4.0/5): Immigration support available for international hires, including coordination of residence and work permits.
✓ In-Country Compliance (4.5/5): Solid handling of Portuguese labor law, payroll tax, social security, and statutory benefits.
✓ Local Add-Ons (4.0/5): Customizable service packages available, including immigration assistance and compliant payroll administration.
4.3/5
Integrations: Pebl does an excellent job with its HRIS integrations and platform features.
Owned Entity: When it comes to speed and service, owned entities tend to perform much better.
No Hidden Fees: Pebl advertises that it never charges hidden fees.
Immigration Support: This EOR provider is a top option for companies that need support with immigration-related concerns.
Pricing Transparency: Pebl lacks transparent prices, which can be an issue if your company is on a shoestring budget.
Offboarding Notice: Companies are required to give an inconvenient 30-day notice whenever they plan to offboard workers.
Added Complexity: If you already have a deep tech stack, integrating Pebl’s technology into your system can cause extra work.
Because of its higher price and more extensive features, Pebl tends to work best for mid-market and enterprise companies that want a strong compliance approach and premium features.
With a presence in more than 100 countries, Oyster is a top choice for global businesses that want to expand into new territories. Its self-serve design makes handling finance, payroll, and HR easy. Plus, its tools can scale effortlessly as your company grows.
Global
Ø Fee per Employee per Month, First Year
- Great product UI/UX
- Owned entity infrastructure in most markets
✓ Global Coverage & Services (4.0/5): Oyster provides EOR services in 100+ countries, covering employment contracts, payroll processing, statutory filings, expense reimbursements, and offboarding.
✓ Pricing & Transparency (4.0/5): Flat EOR pricing of USD 699 per employee/month. Pricing is publicly stated and predictable, but high for many emerging markets. FX markup rates are not disclosed and are estimated to reach up to 8%.
✓ Payment & Contract Terms (4.0/5): Invoices are due within 7 days (net). A security deposit of at least one month of total employment cost is required and may be increased if risk levels change. Deposits are held until employment fully ends and all invoices are settled. Late payments accrue 1.5% interest per day.
✓ Customer Experience & Support (4.5/5): Structured onboarding, detailed compliance documentation, and guided workflows. Support quality is consistently high, though onboarding speed can be slower due to strict compliance checks.
✓ Platform & Integrations (4.3/5): Clean, intuitive platform with core HRIS features including time-off, expenses, invoicing, and reporting. Integration depth and workflow automation are more limited than Deel or Remote.
4.2/5
✓ Entity Ownership (4.5/5): Operates through Oyster’s own Portuguese entity, enabling direct employment and local payroll execution.
✓ Onboarding Speed (4.0/5): Typical onboarding within 5–7 business days, dependent on tax registration and documentation.
✓ On-Site HR Support (4.5/5): Strong local HR and payroll expertise covering Portuguese labor law, collective agreements, and termination rules.
✓ Visa & Work Permit Support (4.0/5): Advisory support for work permits and residence processes, including coordination for international hires.
✓ In-Country Compliance (4.5/5): Reliable handling of social security, IRS withholding, meal allowance treatment, and statutory benefits.
✓ Local Add-Ons (4.5/5): Support for NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax regime, statutory benefits, expense reimbursements, equipment provisioning, and compliant local benefit structures.
4.4/5
Contractor management: Oyster provides excellent contractor management options that you can use alongside the standard EOR services.
Education options: The Oyster Academy offers educational tools that are exclusively designed for remote workers.
Integrations: When it comes to technology integrations and a strong digital platform, Oyster performs extremely well.
Solid payroll execution: Once you’ve signed on with Oyster, you can expect solid payroll and benefits execution.
Local partner: Oyster uses a local partner, which can lead to delays.
Premium pricing: Thanks to its upmarket appeal and high-end services, Oyster charges a much higher price than the average company.
Slower support: In areas where Oyster doesn’t use an owned entity, users have reported slower support speeds.
Currency conversion fees: Currency conversion fees can quickly add up, and Oyster has many other add-on fees that aren’t always explained in advance.
Oyster works best for big companies that want the added Oyster Academy education options for their employees. Plus, the localized benefits and immigration add-ons make Oyster ideal for businesses that need help competing for top talent.
With payroll support for over 180 currencies, G-P offers one of the top EOR platforms in Portugal for global companies. At G-P, client companies can find white-glove, mature services that are ideally suited for enterprise-level businesses. Additionally, G-P offers country-specific guidance for each place where it provides services.
Global
Ø Fee per Employee per Month, First Year
- White-glove services (with premium price-tag)
- Enterprise-grade software
✓ Global Coverage & Services (4.5/5): EOR services across 125+ countries, covering compliant employment contracts, payroll processing, statutory filings, terminations, and benefits administration. Supports contractor management (USD 39/month per contractor), global payroll, immigration and visa services, insurance and pension support, background checks, equipment procurement, and equity & stock option administration.
✓ Pricing & Transparency (3.0/5): EOR pricing typically ranges around USD 940 per employee/month plus a one-time setup fee of USD 2,820. Security deposits of 1–2.5 months of total employment cost apply depending on credit checks. FX markup estimated at ~3%. Pricing is sales-led only, with no public or self-serve country-level cost breakdowns.
✓ Payment & Contract Terms (3.0/5): Enterprise-leaning contract structures, often requiring longer minimum commitments (up to 12 months). Invoices are issued around the 15th of the month with net-7 payment terms. Late payments incur 5% interest. Offboarding fees of USD 1,000 may apply. Contracts are standardized, compliance-driven, and relatively rigid.
✓ Customer Experience & Support (4.5/5): Enterprise-grade, consultative support model with dedicated account managers, live chat (≈2-minute first response), phone support, onboarding and termination assistance, compliance alerts, and AI-supported guidance. Strong depth across HR, legal, and compliance topics.
✓ Platform & Integrations (4.0/5): Stable enterprise platform covering payroll, employment documents, time-off, expenses, reporting, and compliance workflows. Includes G-P Assist AI. SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified. Integrations available with major HRIS/HCM systems (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, UKG, BambooHR, HiBob). Reliable, but less automation-heavy than newer tech-first platforms.
3.8/5
✓ Entity Ownership (5/5): G-P operates through its owned entity, Globalization Partners Portugal, Unipessoal, Lda., enabling direct employment and fast support without third-party delays.
✓ Onboarding Speed (4.5/5): Fast onboarding supported by owned entity infrastructure. Streamlined contract generation and employee registration processes.
✓ On-Site HR Support (5/5): Direct access to local expertise through owned entity. AI assistant Gia provides additional 24/7 support for compliance questions and HR guidance.
✓ Visa & Work Permit Support (4.5/5): Portugal is EOR-friendly for visa sponsorship. G-P can sponsor work permits for non-EU nationals, with relatively straightforward processing compared to other EU countries.
✓ In-Country Compliance (4.5/5): Strong compliance coverage for Portuguese labor law, including Social Security contributions, 14-month salary structure (holiday and Christmas subsidies), statutory leave, and termination procedures.
✓ Local Add-Ons (4.0/5): Supports statutory benefits and competitive local packages including meal allowances and private health insurance common in the Portuguese market.
4.6/5
Owned entity: As a general rule, owned entities achieve a higher level of customer service.
Fast onboarding: G-P is able to onboard employees in just a few days. Contracts can be created and signed in just hours.
Tech tools: From AI assistants to top tech integrations, G-P offers an exceptionally user-friendly tech platform.
Country guidance: G-P offers deep, country-specific guidance, so you have all of the information and documentation you need to grow your business, handle audits, and manage payroll.
High pricing: Compared to some Portuguese EORs, G-P charges a higher rate for its white-glove services e.g. $1,000 for offboardings.
Platform-only HR: If you need HR help or support, you’ll generally have to rely on just the platform.
Limited customization: Contract customization and other options may not be allowed. If you decide to customize a contract, the lead time will be longer.
G-P is a good choice for companies that are looking for white-glove services and an experienced partner. Typically, this means G-P is best for mid-market to enterprise clients that are dealing with complex transitions, multi-country rollouts, or similar challenges.
TopSource provides EOR services in more than 180 countries around the world. In Portugal, it offers a mixture of software and human support. From comprehensive country guides to deep local know-how, TopSource can help with all of your company’s compliance needs.
Global
Ø Fee per Employee per Month, First Year
✓ Global Coverage & Services (4.3/5): Service-led global EOR and payroll provider with 20+ years of experience and active coverage across ~50 countries, with strongest execution in India and the UK. Delivers full EOR scope including compliant contracts, payroll, statutory filings, onboarding, terminations, and ongoing HR administration. Also supports immigration and global mobility. Not a software-first EOR; service depth varies by country.
✓ Pricing & Transparency (4.0/5): Pricing is clear once scoped, with typical EOR fees around €450–€600 per employee/month depending on country. Setup fees are defined and sometimes waived. No public pricing; quote-based model reduces upfront comparability but improves accuracy for complex or multi-country hires.
✓ Payment & Contract Terms (4.3/5): Uses standard, locally compliant employment contracts. Clear invoicing once agreed. Payroll pre-funding and security deposits may apply in certain jurisdictions. Well suited for long-term and enterprise hiring, less flexible for short-term pilots.
✓ Customer Experience & Support (4.5/5): High-touch, consultant-led support with direct access to HR, payroll, and compliance specialists. Strong for complex cases and international rollouts. No product-led 24/7 support; experience depends on assigned delivery team.
✓ Platform & Integrations (3.6/5): Functional systems for payroll inputs, documentation, and reporting. Platform supports service delivery but is not automation-first and offers limited native integrations compared to SaaS-led EORs.
4.1/5
✗ Entity Ownership (3.0/5): TopSource does not operate an owned legal entity in Portugal. EOR services are delivered via a local Portuguese partner, which reduces direct control and accountability compared to owned-entity providers.
✓ Onboarding Speed (4.0/5): Offer creation and compliant Portuguese employment contracts can be executed efficiently once scope is confirmed. Timelines are solid for a partner-based EOR setup.
✗ On-Site HR Support (3.5/5): TopSource does not have its own HR staff on the ground in Portugal. Local support is provided through an in-country partner, which works well operationally but limits face-to-face access and direct escalation.
✓ Visa & Work Permit Support (4.0/5): Immigration coordination and advisory support available via local partners for standard Portugal work permit cases.
✓ In-Country Compliance (4.7/5): Strong command of Portuguese labor law and statutory payroll obligations. Correct handling of 13th- and 14th-month salary payments, social security contributions, work accident insurance, and compliant contract structures. Compliance execution is a clear strength.
✓ Local Add-Ons (3.8/5): Core EOR scope is well covered, but optional local add-ons and benefit flexibility are more limited than with owned-entity providers.
4.1/5
Built-in Bonus Support: TopSource provides built-in scheduling features for paying Portugal’s statutory bonuses.
Account Manager: Having a single account manager means you’re able to access personalized help whenever you need it.
No own entity: TopSource uses a local partner instead of an own entity which can cause communication delays and less flexibility.
HRIS Integrations: Unfortunately, TopSource doesn’t have integrations with top HRIS platforms.
Partner Coordination: Coordinating with an on-the-ground partner can add time to any employment process.
Limited Reporting: Compared to more tech-driven platforms, there are limited reporting and analytics functions available.
TopSource is best for small to mid-sized businesses that want to have a real person to call if they run into problems and don’t want a high-tech platform.
By working with Native Teams, you can hire and onboard employees in Portugal without having to set up a local entity. Plus, Native Teams’ platform makes it easy to manage all of your hiring, payroll, and HR services in one location.
Global
✓ Global Coverage & Services (4.0/5): Broad EOR coverage across multiple regions with particular strength in emerging markets. Supports both employee and contractor engagements, with solid payroll and cross-border payment capabilities, though service depth varies by country.
✓ Pricing & Transparency (3.6/5): Some pricing is published publicly, but real country-level pricing is often higher than advertised and additional fees (e.g. late payments, expense processing) are not always clear upfront. Pricing clarity depends heavily on sales discussions.
✓ Payment & Contract Terms (4.5/5): No minimum commitment, simple onboarding and exit mechanics, but no credit card payments and limited supported payment currencies (primarily EUR, USD, GBP).
✓ Customer Experience & Support (4.0/5): Dedicated account manager available, but WhatsApp support is limited to sales, documentation is relatively thin, and guidance for complex edge cases is limited.
✓ Platform & Integrations (4.1/5): Covers core HRIS functionality, but lacks zero-touch onboarding, native HRIS/ATS/ERP integrations, and advanced automation compared to tech-first competitors.
4.0/5
✓ Entity Ownership (5.0/5): Operates through its own Portuguese legal entity (Native Teams Unipessoal, Lda.), enabling direct employment and reduced reliance on third-party partners.
✓ Onboarding Speed (4.0/5): Straightforward onboarding process with contracts prepared quickly once documentation is complete, though not as fast as the most automation-heavy EORs.
✓ On-Site HR & Local Support (4.5/5): Strong local support with good understanding of Portuguese employment practices, including allowances and local payroll nuances.
✓ Visa & Work Permit Support (3.5/5): Basic guidance available, but immigration support is more limited compared to providers with dedicated visa teams.
✓ In-Country Compliance (4.5/5): Solid handling of Portuguese labor law requirements, including payroll, social security, bonuses, meal allowances, and statutory filings.
✓ Local Add-Ons (4.0/5): Competitive local benefits support and compliance guidance, with fewer advanced add-ons compared to larger global EOR platforms.
4.1/5
Localized payroll calculators: Besides highly accurate payroll services, Native Teams has convenient payroll calculators and other tools that can help you figure out exactly how much you will be paying.
Low price: Native Teams is the lowest-priced EOR provider on this list. However, the low price is for base services, so it can potentially go up if you need add-on services.
Additional services: In addition to standard offerings like EOR and contractor hire, Native Teams also offers a premium ‘Contractor of Record’ solution, taking on compliance responsibility for contractors, and an entity management solution for companies with international subsidiaries.
Compliant contracts: With Native Teams, you can ensure your company’s contracts and employment documents are completely compliant.
Geographic spread: Compared to other providers, Native Teams has a fairly small global footprint.
Tech integrations: This EOR provider offers fewer integration options than other tech companies.
Limited offerings: Complex problems may take longer to solve or require a third party.
Native Teams works best for small and medium companies that care deeply about keeping their costs down and don’t mind fewer frills. It is effective for companies that care more about time-to-hire metrics than customized support.
RemoFirst is currently available in more than 185 countries. It has expanded aggressively in recent years, primarily due to its aggressively low price and no hidden fees. While its price makes it more popular for small businesses and startups, it has a strong enough platform and tools to be an effective option for enterprise clients as well.
Global
Ø Fee per Employee per Month, First Year
- Low cost provider
- Extensive global coverage
✓ Global Coverage & Services (4.0/5): Broad global reach across 100+ countries delivered exclusively through a partner network rather than owned entities. Besides Papaya Global, no other EOR is operating like this. Based on our research, local partners selected by RemoFirst are strong (e.g. ThisWorks for Europe).
✓ Pricing & Transparency (4.5/5): One of the most transparent and affordable EOR pricing models on the market, with no setup or termination fees. However, pricing for mature markets such as Canada, UK, Germany or Spain are significantly higher (min. $399). Overall cost predictability remains a key strength.
✓ Payment & Contract Terms (4.0/5): Flexible contracts with no long-term commitments, fair payroll cut-off timelines, and support for multiple invoice and payout currencies (keep mind that an FX markup may apply in this case).
✓ Customer Experience & Support (3.6/5): Startup- and SMB-friendly support model with dedicated account managers. Day-to-day support handled via ticketing system which is responsive, but complex cases and peak periods may see slower resolution since they rely on local partners’ response times.
✓ Platform & Integrations (4.0/5): Modern, intuitive platform withautomated payroll workflows. However, advanced reporting, integrations to enterprise HCMs, and customization for complex organizational structures are more limited than with larger, enterprise-grade EORs.
4.0/5
✗ Entity Ownership (3.5/5): RemoFirst operates through a vetted local partner in Portugal rather than an owned entity. Partner model provides local expertise but adds a layer between client and employment operations.
✓ Onboarding Speed (4.5/5): Same-day onboarding available through RemoFirst’s platform. Fast contract generation and streamlined employee setup process.
✓ On-Site HR Support (4.0/5): Local Portuguese partner handles day-to-day employment operations. Support coordinated through RemoFirst’s dedicated account managers with 24/5 availability.
✓ Visa & Work Permit Support (4.0/5): Portugal is EOR-friendly for visa sponsorship. RemoFirst offers visa support in 85+ countries including Portugal for non-EU nationals.
✓ In-Country Compliance (4.0/5): Local partner ensures compliance with Portuguese labor law including Social Security contributions (23.75% employer), 14-month salary structure (holiday and Christmas subsidies), statutory leave, and termination procedures.
✓ Local Add-Ons (4.0/5): Supports Portuguese statutory benefits including Segurança Social contributions and mandatory work accident insurance. Can administer private health insurance (seguro de saúde), meal allowances (subsídio de refeição) up to €10.20/day tax-free, nursery/education vouchers, and gym/wellness allowances. Equipment provisioning available.
4.0/5
Low price: The only EOR provider on our list that had a lower price was Native Teams. Around the world, RemoFirst is known for having one of the lowest price points available.
Clear guidance: RemoFirst understands Portugal’s 13th- and 14th-month bonuses, termination laws, and benefit requirements.
Global coverage: If you need to expand, RemoFirst is available in the majority of countries in the world.
Dedicated account manager: When you need help, you can enjoy personalized services from your dedicated account manager and 24/5 support.
Local partner: Because it uses a local partner instead of an owned entity, customer service can sometimes be affected.
Minimal integrations: It’s a good idea to check to see if RemoFirst has the integrations you need before signing a contract because their options are fairly limited.
Basic reporting tools: With RemoFirst, the reporting and analytics functions are fairly basic.
Limited customization: To keep their costs down and streamline their services, RemoFirst offers limited customization options. If you do request a bespoke contract, there will likely be a delay in getting it ready.
RemoFirst is generally a good choice for companies that are cost-conscious. For example, small businesses and startups tend to use RemoFirst because of its low price and fee transparency.
NHR 2.0: How an EOR Can Unlock Portugal’s Best Tax Benefits
NHR (Non-Habitual Residence) is a Portuguese tax scheme that historically offered one of Europe’s most attractive personal tax benefits: a flat 20% income tax rate instead of progressive rates that can exceed 50%.
The original NHR program ended in 2023. While a new version – commonly referred to as NHR 2.0 (officially IFICI) – launched in 2024, eligibility is now far more restrictive and benefits are narrower.
One key requirement under NHR 2.0 is employment by a qualifying Portuguese entity. As a result, freelancers and independent contractors are effectively excluded from the scheme under the new rules.
This is where an Employer of Record (EOR) becomes a genuine game-changer.
The Tech Visa Program
The Tech Visa Scheme is a Portuguese government initiative that allows certified companies to hire non-EU nationals through a fast-tracked work permit process. Its purpose is to help technology-driven businesses attract highly skilled international talent.
What many employers and candidates don’t realise is that Tech Visa certification also creates a direct pathway to NHR 2.0 eligibility.
According to the official IAPMEI registry, only two EORs are currently Tech Visa certified:
- Remote (Global EOR)
- Remote Tech, Unipessoal Lda. (NIF 515720623)
- BridgeIn (Local EOR)
- Bridgein, Lda. (NIF 515759783)
How Tech Visa Certification Enables NHR 2.0
When an EOR is certified under the Tech Visa Scheme, employees hired through that entity gain streamlined access to NHR 2.0 enrolment.
This applies to both EU nationals (e.g. French, German, Italian) and non-EU nationals. Once onboarded under a qualifying EOR, the employee can apply for NHR 2.0 status.
Important limitation: NHR 2.0 eligibility is tied directly to employment duration. If the employee is offboarded by the EOR, the tax benefits end. A six-month contract provides six months of NHR benefits – not the historical ten-year period.
How to Access NHR 2.0 via an EOR
To qualify, the employee must have:
- A Portuguese tax identification number (NIF)
- Portuguese tax residency (183+ days or habitual residence)
- A signed employment agreement with a qualifying EOR
The EOR manages employer-side compliance and can support the NHR 2.0 application process alongside payroll and tax registration.
Why This Matters
Hiring through a Tech Visa certified EOR unlocks significant strategic advantages:
- Companies with an existing Portuguese presence but no Tech Visa certification can route hires through a certified EOR to unlock NHR benefits
- Freelancers can effectively employ themselves through a certified EOR to regain access to the scheme
- International hires relocating to Portugal gain a clear, compliant path to meaningful tax savings
The numbers are compelling: typical EOR fees of €500–€700 per month are often offset by €1,500+ in monthly tax savings for skilled professionals.
For a full breakdown of NHR 2.0 eligibility, application timelines, and planning considerations, see our detailed guide: Non-Habitual Residence Scheme in Portugal.
💡 Employsome Tip: Consider selecting a Tech Visa Program EOR
Selecting the right EOR can reduce your employee’s income tax rate from 50%+ to 20%. That’s a 30 percentage point difference, potentially €20,000+ in annual savings on a €100,000 salary.
Legislation on Employer of Record in Portugal
By using an EOR in Portugal, you can begin operating in Portugal without having to set up a new entity. Once you sign the client service agreement, the EOR can start handling all of your hiring paperwork, onboarding, payroll, and HR services. As the legal employer, the EOR must make sure your workers are in full compliance with Portugal’s laws and regulations.
To get started, learn a few important facts about the hiring process in Portugal.
Hiring in Portugal: What You Need to Know
By using an EOR in Portugal, you can begin operating in Portugal without having to set up a new entity. Once you sign the client service agreement, the EOR can start handling all of your hiring paperwork, onboarding, payroll, and HR services. As the legal employer, the EOR must make sure your workers are in full compliance with Portugal’s laws and regulations.
To get started, learn a few important facts about the hiring process in Portugal.
Holiday Pay & Working Hours
Under Portugal’s labor laws, workers are limited to eight hours of work a day and 40 hours per week. If there is any overtime, your EOR will handle calculating and paying it on the worker’s pay slip.
When employees work on a holiday, you must pay them 50% more or provide compensatory rest for half the hours they worked. Employers get to choose which option they use.
In Portugal, overtime is capped at two hours per day. Additionally, there are annual overtime limits for different business types.
- Small Businesses: 175 hours
- Medium and Large Businesses: 150 hours
- Part-Time Positions: 80 hours
The amount paid in overtime can also vary based on the number of overtime hours per year and whether it is a rest day or holiday.
13th-Month & 14th-Month Pay in Portugal
Portugal requires workers to receive an extra month of pay in June and December. This added pay must be given before the worker goes on their vacation. This bonus is calculated based on the worker’s standard pay, including any premiums for working night shift or weekends. Discretionary bonuses aren’t used to calculate 13th- and 14th-month pay.
Outside of mandatory holiday bonuses, you are allowed to give workers sign-on bonuses and other discretionary bonuses. While tech and other competitive sectors are more likely to give sign-on bonuses, they are still less common in Portugal than in the United States. It’s also fairly normal to add a clawback provision if the worker doesn’t complete a minimum term at your company.
Employment Contracts in Portugal
When setting up an employment contract in Portugal, you can choose whether it is an indefinite or fixed-term contract. Fixed-term contracts must state their reason for being used and are limited to two-year terms.
Meanwhile, probationary periods with indefinite contracts can vary from 90 to 240 days. With fixed contracts, probation can last between 15 and 30 days.
Mandatory Health Insurance in Portugal
All workers receive Portugal’s public health insurance, so private insurance isn’t mandatory. However, many workplaces offer private insurance in order to appeal to more workers.
Additionally, all workplaces need accident insurance. If you don’t have it, your company can be fined. Because of this requirement, many EORs offer accident insurance. Before you sign your service agreement, ask about your insurance options.
Sick Leave Compliance
If someone gets sick, there is a three-day waiting period. Then, social security begins paying benefits to the worker on the fourth day. The rate is based on a percentage of the employee’s pay, and the percentage increases over the course of a year before remaining at 75%. However, to continue receiving benefits, the worker must get their illness certified by the social security system.
Taxation & Payroll in Portugal
Currently, social security contributions make up 34.75% of the worker’s pay. Out of this amount, 11% is from the employee and 23.75% is from the employer. On top of the 23.75%, your company must also pay for accident insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions on EOR in Portugal
An EOR in Portugal legally employs your team on your behalf and manages all local compliance obligations, including contracts, payroll, social security registration, benefits, tax withholding, and adherence to Portuguese labour law. You direct the employee’s work; the EOR ensures full compliance with Portuguese regulations.
Yes. For international hiring, see our global EOR guide.
Setting up a Portuguese entity can take 4–8 weeks, requires local tax registration, a fiscal representative (for non-EU companies), bank account setup, and ongoing compliance with Portuguese tax and employment rules. An EOR allows you to hire talent in Portugal within days, without establishing a legal entity, navigating complex social security obligations, or managing payroll.
EOR onboarding in Portugal typically takes 3-7 business days, depending on how quickly the employee submits required documents and whether benefits need to be customized.
EORs must comply with Portugal’s Labour Code, which includes:
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Standard 40-hour workweek and overtime rules
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Mandatory vacation (22 working days)
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Holiday and Christmas allowances
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Social security contributions
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Strict notice and termination procedures
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Meal allowances and industry-specific benefits (if applicable)
A good EOR ensures that employment agreements and payroll comply with all statutory requirements.
Yes. The EOR handles:
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Social Security (Segurança Social) registration
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Income tax (IRS) withholding
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Holiday and Christmas payments
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Monthly declarations to Portuguese authorities
This ensures that employees are paid correctly and remain compliant with national and local rules.
Yes. Salaries must be paid in EUR, but many EORs support invoicing in USD, GBP, or other currencies while ensuring local compliance.
Yes, we recommend to use a company with an own entity. This enabled faster onboarding, more flexibility and direct communication.
Beyond salary, employers must cover:
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Social Security (23.75% employer contribution)
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Holiday and Christmas allowances
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Meal allowance (commonly €6–8 per day)
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Optional private health insurance
EORs will include statutory employer costs in monthly invoicing.
Hiring a contractor is cheaper and faster on paper — but in many countries, including the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, it comes with significant compliance and operational risks. Here are the key reasons companies choose an EOR instead of contractor engagements:
- Misclassification risk
- Contractors Cannot Receive Mandatory Statutory Benefits
- No Employer Control
- Immigration restrictions for contractors
Technically yes, but with varying degrees of friction. Tech Visa certified EORs (Remote, BridgeIn) provide the clearest pathway because their certification automatically satisfies the “company recognized by IAPMEI” requirement. Other EORs would need to demonstrate eligibility through alternative routes, which may require additional documentation and carry more uncertainty.
Your employees may still qualify for NHR 2.0 if their specific role falls within the “highly qualified professions” defined in the regulations, or if the EOR’s Portuguese entity meets other qualifying criteria (50% export threshold, RFAI benefits, etc.). Consult with a Portuguese tax advisor to assess the specific situation.
The regime covers both employment (Category A) and self-employment (Category B) income. However, self-employed individuals must provide services to a Portuguese entity while carrying out qualifying activities. Contractors working for non-Portuguese clients generally don’t qualify.
Applications are typically processed within 4-8 weeks after submission. The January 15 deadline is firm—missing it means waiting another year.
This is a gray area. If the new EOR also meets the qualifying criteria and employment continues in a qualifying role, the status should be maintainable. However, any gap in qualifying employment could create complications. Seek tax advice before making changes.

Written by
Christa is a Copywriter at Employsome with 17 years of professional writing experience across global brands, startups, and online publications. A native English-Finnish writer, she brings strong editorial skills and a versatile background in business, SaaS, and finance. At Employsome, Christa focuses on clear, practical content about HR, payroll, and Employer of Record topics.
Our content is created for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice. Please obtain separate advice from industry-specific professionals who may better understand your business’s needs. Read our Editorial Guidelines for further information on how our content is created.
