In today's dynamic work landscape, the hiring of foreign employees has emerged as a strategic move for global business expansion, especially in the era of remote work. Traditional office structures have faced scrutiny due to high rental costs and maintenance expenses, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the shift toward a remote workforce. However, navigating the complexities of hiring foreign talent, particularly for smaller companies, can be challenging.

For businesses considering the recruitment of international workers, the legal procedures and authorizations involved can be intimidating. In most developed countries, establishing a local entity is a prerequisite for hiring an employee from a different country. This involves registering the company as a local entity in the specific country, a tedious process that requires compliance with federal and state laws in each jurisdiction where the company is registered.

Remoly, with registered entities in various countries, offers a solution by enabling companies to manage international employees through its local HR platform. This facilitates the recruitment, onboarding, and management of global talent seamlessly.

Guide to Recruiting International Employees:

Remoly specializes in assisting companies with managing an international workforce while ensuring compliance with legal requirements. The following guide provides insights into the process of recruiting employees from overseas:

1. Perform Market Research: Before tapping into an international talent pool, conducting market research is crucial. This involves understanding job roles, responsibilities, basic pay scales, employee benefits, and other requirements specified by the Department of Labour (DOL) in the respective country. Tailoring job postings based on this research enhances the chances of attracting suitable candidates.
2. Acquire Certifications: Companies need to obtain the necessary certifications from the Department of Labour to legally hire foreign workers. This involves providing evidence of the need for hiring a foreign worker, ensuring that the vacancy meets the criteria for the foreign labor certificate program, filing the appropriate Employment and Training Administration (ETA) form, and demonstrating financial credibility. Remoly, as a global employment partner, can streamline this process, managing contracts and legal documents for international workers.
3. Promote Open Positions: Utilize international job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, Craigslist, and CareerBuilder to advertise open positions. Additionally, encourage employee referrals to enhance credibility and help new hires acclimate to company practices.
4. Recruitment Process: Initiate the hiring process after DOL approval. Recognize that the recruitment process for international employees may differ from that for local hires. Conduct video interviews to assess candidates' experiences and competencies, considering the unique perspectives international candidates bring.
5. Obtain Work Visas: If the recruited foreign employee needs to work at the home office, processing work visas is mandatory. This ensures legal authorization to work in the host country. Planning for visa processing well in advance is essential to avoid last-minute complications.
6. Compliance with Tax Laws: Address tax laws applicable to the company and foreign workers. This includes obtaining Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for international workers in the United States and complying with other countries' requisites. Remoly's experts can guide companies through these requirements and handle international payroll calculations.

Managing Remote International Employees:

When international employees are working remotely, maintaining a consistent employment relationship is crucial. Consider the following practices:

1. Remote Payroll: Due to the unique benefits and entitlements in different countries, foreign workers cannot be paid directly from the home payroll. Remoly offers a solution by facilitating local payroll management for employees from various countries through a user-friendly platform.
2. Enabling Benefits: Manage tax withholdings and other entitlements for international employees. Remoly provides services for filing tax forms and processing entitlements through a self-service platform, ensuring compliance and ease of administration