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SERVICES

Global Payroll Solutions

Global payroll services let you hire and pay anyone, anywhere — without the headache. Read our guide to learn more.

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Is your contractor payroll working for you?

Keeping on top of invoices from multiple vendors and ensuring everyone gets paid on time can be tricky. And if your workers are international, there’s a whole other world of compliance, reporting and tax obligations to think about. Whether you just have a handful of contractors or thousands, we can help — in more than 100 countries worldwide.

What is global payroll?

Global payroll is the process of calculating and paying a worker’s salary when they’re working in a different country from your HQ. It involves withholding taxes, calculating benefits and bonuses, and transferring funds to your workers across a variety of countries in their local currencies.

At CXC, we provide payroll services to all kinds of clients, from those with just a handful of remote workers living abroad to those that need to manage a whole workforce across several countries. We also provide in-country payroll services to those organisations that don’t have an international component but still need help managing payroll for their contractor workforce.

How does global payroll work?

When you manage international payroll in-house, you need to have a legal entity in every country where you have workers. You also need a strong understanding of local laws, regulations and payroll customs. Most companies don’t have these things — so they use external global payroll solutions instead.

EoR

An employer of record (EoR) is a company that hires employees on behalf of its clients. That means that if you use an EoR to manage your global payroll, it will be your workers’ legal employer.

Using an EoR is a popular solution for companies expanding their operations overseas (or hiring remote employees) since it allows them to pay workers without the…

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AoR

An Agent of Record (AoR) is an employment solution that helps organisations to manage and pay independent contractors.

When you find a contractor you’d like to work with, the AoR will enter into a master services agreement with them and create a Statement of Work (SOW) that defines the services they’ll provide.

Then, the contractor will provide you…

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PEO/IPEO

A Professional Employment Organisation (PEO) is a type of global payroll provider that’s typically used in the US.

Because employment laws and requirements vary significantly between states, many organisations choose to use PEOs to compliantly pay their remote workers.

There are also International Professional Employment Organisations (IPEOs).

Want to learn more or need help?

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Challenges of paying workers internationally

Paying your international workers can be a tricky business. Here are some of the challenges you should be aware of if you’re expanding overseas or considering hiring remote workers in another country:

Setting compensation

Should you pay everyone the same salary regardless of their location, or take local living costs into consideration? Should you account for government benefits that apply in one location but not another? Setting the compensation you’ll pay your international remote workers isn’t impossible — but it does take some thought.

Tax compliance

Employers usually have to withhold taxes for their employees. But how much? How does it work? And what about contractors or other non-permanent workers? If you have workers in several countries, things can get complicated, fast. Working with a global payroll provider can help you to make sure you’re operating compliantly.

Worker classification challenges

Different countries have different ways of defining who’s an employee and who’s a contractor — and it’s important to get this right. If you don’t, you could face fines, penalties and even legal consequences. Hiring workers overseas means you need to review your worker relationships regularly — something that a global payroll provider could help you with.

IP laws

Do you know who owns the intellectual property when a remote employee produces their work overseas? If you don’t, you should — but the law is different in every country. Working with a global payroll provider can help you to protect your IP.

Payroll customs and labour laws

In some countries, employees are paid their salary in 13 instalments, not 12. In some, it’s 14. And in others, it’s customary for employees to be paid every week or every two weeks, instead of once a month. Local workers will expect you to know and understand these customs — or work with a partner who does.

Permanent establishment risk

Do you know if you’re at risk of permanent establishment? If you have a stable, ongoing and significant presence in a country, you could be — which could mean you’re liable for local corporate taxes. Working with a global payroll provider with a deep understanding of the law can help protect your organisation.

Compliant payroll in 100+ countries

We operate through a vast network of legal entities around the world. That means we can help you hire and pay workers almost anywhere.

Full IP ownership

We provide strict governance and control measures to make sure your intellectual property is protected — wherever your workers are.

Effective risk mitigation

Our team are experts at minimising exposure and keeping your business safe from worker misclassification, tax non-compliance, permanent establishment and more.

Team of global experts

Our global network of HR specialists, labour law experts and dedicated partners know their stuff. If you’ve got questions about compliant global payroll, we’ve got the answers.

Fast, flexible, seamless payroll

No more getting held up by complex international banking regulations or confused by local payroll customs. Your workers will be paid on time, every time, in the way they expect.

Consistent worker experience

CXC can handle everything from onboarding to managing to paying your international workers — giving them a consistent experience from start to finish.

FAQ’s

What is global payroll, and why is it more complex than local payroll?

Global payroll refers to the process of managing worker compensation across multiple countries from a centralised system. Unlike local payroll, which only needs to align with a single jurisdiction’s tax codes, employment laws and payment practices, global payroll requires organisations to navigate a patchwork of rules in each region they operate. This includes differing tax systems, benefit obligations, reporting formats and pay frequency norms. The complexity does not stop there. Companies must also contend with language barriers, currency conversions and shifting regulatory landscapes that can lead to costly errors if not handled properly. That is why many international businesses turn to dedicated global payroll services, which provide expert support and robust infrastructure to ensure accurate and compliant payroll across borders. In today’s distributed workforce environment, managing payroll globally is not just an administrative task. It is a strategic imperative that protects your business and your people from risk.

What are key features to look for in global payroll services?

When evaluating global payroll services, businesses should look for a solution that combines accuracy, compliance, scalability and integration. First and foremost, the service should offer full compliance with local tax laws, social contributions and statutory reporting requirements in every country where you operate. A unified dashboard with real-time access to payroll data can dramatically improve visibility and control. Integration with your existing HR and finance systems is another critical feature, as it streamlines data flows, reduces manual errors and improves reporting. You should also seek services that can manage different worker types, including full-time employees and contractors, with localised knowledge of employment regulations. Multi-currency support, automated exchange rates and transparent fee structures are essential for maintaining financial control. Finally, strong customer support with local in-country experts ensures your payroll queries are resolved quickly and accurately. The best global payroll solutions combine cutting-edge technology with human expertise, giving you peace of mind and operational clarity.

What makes international payroll services different from standard payroll?

International payroll services are specifically designed to handle the cross-border challenges that standard payroll systems often cannot accommodate. While standard payroll systems work well within a single country, they rarely support the complex compliance requirements, reporting obligations and language or currency needs found in international operations. International payroll services offer a centralised approach to managing worker compensation across multiple regions, while also ensuring compliance with local employment laws, tax regulations and social contributions. They address the dual need for standardised processing and local customisation, so your business gains consistency without losing legal precision. These services also include audit trails, local tax filings and the ability to manage diverse pay structures. In short, international payroll services do more than process pay. They safeguard your operations from risk, ensure regulatory compliance and support scalable growth across borders. That is why growing companies increasingly rely on global payroll solutions rather than piecing together fragmented local systems.

What is a global payroll solution, and why is it essential for multi-country companies?

A global payroll solution is a unified platform or service that manages payroll operations across multiple countries through a centralised system. It allows businesses to standardise payroll processes, ensure compliance in every jurisdiction and gain visibility into workforce costs globally. Rather than juggling separate vendors, spreadsheets or compliance rules for each country, a global payroll solution offers a single source of truth for payroll data, analytics and employee records. For multi-country companies, this is essential. It reduces errors, accelerates reporting and ensures that local requirements, from tax filings to benefit payments, are met accurately and on time. Moreover, it supports business agility, enabling faster onboarding, easier market entry and smoother internal operations. The best global payroll services combine technology with in-country expertise, giving companies a scalable and compliant payroll model as they expand. In a globalised economy, this kind of infrastructure is not just helpful, it is foundational.

How can global payroll services help avoid penalties and non-compliance risks?

Global payroll services are a key line of defence against the legal, financial and reputational risks that come with payroll non-compliance. When operating internationally, even small errors in tax calculations, late filings or misclassified workers can lead to audits, fines and legal consequences. Each country has its own labour laws, social security rules and reporting deadlines. Failing to meet any of them can be costly. A well-run global payroll service stays current with local regulations, automatically applies tax changes and maintains up-to-date compliance documentation. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of compliance breaches while keeping your internal teams informed and protected. Additionally, global payroll solutions provide audit trails, centralised reporting and local expertise to ensure nothing is overlooked. By outsourcing these complex tasks to a provider that understands the regulatory landscape, businesses can avoid penalties and focus on growth with greater confidence.

Why do global payroll solutions matter for worker experience and retention?

Accurate and timely pay is one of the most fundamental aspects of worker satisfaction, and when managing a global workforce, it becomes even more critical. Delayed payments, incorrect tax withholdings or missed benefits can quickly erode trust and engagement, especially in regions with tight labour markets. Global payroll solutions ensure consistency and reliability in compensation, regardless of where an employee is located. These systems also support local benefits compliance, statutory leave entitlements and social security payments, all of which contribute to a positive employee experience. When employees feel confident that their pay is handled properly, they are more likely to remain loyal and engaged. Furthermore, modern global payroll services often include self-service portals where employees can view payslips, tax documents and leave balances, enhancing transparency and autonomy. In today’s competitive market, getting payroll right is not just a legal requirement. It is a driver of retention and brand reputation.

How do I evaluate if a global payroll service supports both employees and contractors?

When assessing global payroll services, it is vital to confirm whether the provider can manage both employees and contractors, as the legal and payment requirements differ significantly. Employees typically require monthly salaries, benefits administration, tax withholding and statutory reporting. Contractors, by contrast, may be paid in different cycles, may not receive benefits and often require careful classification to avoid compliance risks. A robust global payroll solution will support both categories, offering tailored workflows and compliance checks for each worker type. Look for services that provide clear guidance on worker classification, local contractor engagement laws and automated invoicing and payments. In addition, the solution should include multi-currency capabilities, tax documentation and local support for conflict resolution. The right global payroll service provider will not only process payments but also help you navigate the complexities of engaging a blended workforce, supporting both flexibility and compliance across all markets.

What benefits do unified global payroll services offer for HR and procurement teams?

Unified global payroll services offer HR and procurement teams a streamlined, consistent and transparent way to manage workforce costs across multiple countries. With a single system, teams no longer need to juggle different providers, currencies or compliance frameworks. Instead, they gain access to consolidated dashboards that display real-time payroll data, headcount costs and performance metrics all in one place. This enhanced visibility supports better decision-making, improves budget forecasting and accelerates workforce planning. Procurement teams benefit from vendor consolidation and predictable costs, while HR teams enjoy smoother onboarding, better employee support and fewer compliance issues. Unified global payroll solutions also improve data integrity, reduce manual entry and create audit-ready records that simplify internal and external reporting. Ultimately, these services align payroll with broader business goals, empowering HR and procurement to play a more strategic role in global growth and workforce optimisation.

How do global payroll solutions integrate with existing HR and finance systems?

Today’s global payroll solutions are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing HRIS, ERP and finance platforms to create a connected ecosystem for workforce management. Through API integrations or middleware connectors, payroll data can flow automatically between systems, eliminating manual uploads and reducing errors. This ensures alignment between payroll, headcount planning, expense tracking and financial reporting. For example, time and attendance data from HR systems can be fed directly into payroll, while payroll costs can be synced with general ledgers for real-time budget visibility. Additionally, integrated dashboards provide a single view of payroll performance across all countries, making it easier to manage compliance, spot anomalies and generate consolidated reports. The best global payroll services are built with interoperability in mind, ensuring you do not have to replace your entire tech stack to achieve efficient and compliant payroll operations worldwide.

What are CXC’s global payroll services and how do they ensure compliance across countries?

CXC’s global payroll services are designed to support enterprise clients with reliable, compliant and scalable payroll operations across more than 100 countries. We manage every aspect of payroll, from onboarding and timesheet collection to multi-currency payments and statutory reporting. Our in-country experts ensure your business stays aligned with local labour laws, tax obligations and social security requirements, minimising risk and protecting your reputation. We also handle the complexities of benefits administration, contractor payments and classification compliance. Our global payroll solutions integrate with your HR and finance systems, giving you a clear, real-time view of workforce costs and compliance status. Whether you are paying employees in Europe, contractors in Asia or navigating new markets in Latin America, CXC brings the tools, technology and local expertise to get it right. With CXC, you can scale your workforce without scaling your payroll risk.

How do CXC’s global payroll solutions streamline payroll delivery while mitigating risk?

CXC’s global payroll solutions streamline payroll delivery through a centralised platform combined with local expertise. Our approach eliminates the need for multiple local vendors by delivering a single, unified solution that covers every aspect of international payroll, from onboarding to payment to compliance. We leverage automation, standardised workflows and real-time data to improve accuracy and reduce processing time. At the same time, our team of in-country specialists ensures that every payroll run meets local tax, employment and reporting standards. This dual model of global coordination and local execution helps our clients reduce administrative burden, avoid costly errors and stay ahead of regulatory changes. By aligning payroll with your operational goals and risk management strategies, we act as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider. Whether you are expanding into new markets or optimising existing ones, CXC helps you deliver payroll with confidence and consistency.

Why should enterprises choose CXC for international payroll services over other providers?

Enterprises choose CXC for international payroll services because we offer more than just processing. We offer peace of mind. With over three decades of experience in global workforce solutions, we combine deep regulatory knowledge with operational excellence to deliver payroll services that scale with your business. Our model is built on flexibility, allowing us to tailor solutions to each client’s structure, technology stack and compliance needs. Unlike generic providers, we specialise in supporting both employees and contractors, ensuring your entire global workforce is managed accurately and legally. Our hands-on service, local expertise and powerful platform help reduce errors, avoid fines and improve internal efficiency. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We build partnerships. For enterprises expanding into new markets, consolidating vendors or streamlining payroll complexity, CXC stands out as the global payroll provider that delivers clarity, control and complete compliance.