Plain-language definitions for the terms that come up most often in global hiring, payroll and immigration.
A third party that legally employs staff on your behalf in a country where you don't have your own entity, handling payroll, tax and compliance.
A co-employment model typically used within a single country where you already have a legal entity, sharing HR responsibilities with a partner.
The process of paying employees accurately and on time across multiple countries, in local currency and in line with each country's tax rules.
Official authorization allowing a foreign national to work legally in a given country, usually tied to a specific employer and role.
Mandatory reports and payments — tax, social security, pension — that employers must submit to local authorities on a fixed schedule.
A tax concept describing when a company's activity in a country creates a taxable presence there, even without a registered entity.
The full cost of employing someone, including base salary plus employer taxes, social contributions, benefits and statutory costs.
Human Resources Information System — a platform that centralizes employee records, documents, time off and organizational data.
Ongoing monitoring and expert review to make sure employment practices stay aligned with local labour law as it changes.
The processes and support involved in moving employees between countries, including relocation, visas and cross-border payroll.
The EU's General Data Protection Regulation, which governs how personal data — including employee data — must be collected, stored and processed.
The process of formally bringing a new hire into a company, from contract signature through to their first weeks on the job.
