EOR

10 Best Employer of Record in Japan for 2026

12
Min
Discover the 10 best Employer of Record providers in Japan for 2026. Compare pricing, compliance support, hiring speed, and key features to choose the right EOR partner.
10 Best Employer of Record in Japan for 2026
Written by
Mayank Bhutoria,
Co-Founder
November 26, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Employer of Record (EOR) in Japan legally employs workers on behalf of foreign companies, managing payroll, statutory contributions (social insurance, employment insurance), and compliance with Labor Standards Act regulations without entity setup.
  • Best EOR service providers in Japan include Gloroots, AYP Group, Skuad, Mercans, Papaya Global, Remote, Deel, Globalization Partners, Velocity Global, and Oyster HR.
  • Choosing the right EOR provider depends on factors like Labor Standards Act compliance expertise, social insurance management, work visa sponsorship capabilities, pricing transparency, and cultural integration support.
  • Hiring through an EOR in Japan offers rapid market entry, simplified regulatory compliance, visa sponsorship support, and flexible team scaling without the 6-12 month entity formation process.

Our Top 10 Picks from All Employer of Record (EOR) Companies in Japan [2026 Shortlist]

Provider Pricing (EOR / Month) Country Coverage Onboarding Speed Platform Experience Customer Support Scalability
Gloroots ¥120,000–¥250,000/mo Global + Japan 2–5 days User-friendly 24/7 Support SMB → Enterprise
AYP Group ¥150,000–¥300,000/mo Japan Focus 3–5 days Enterprise Dedicated Mid-market → Enterprise
Skuad ¥130,000–¥260,000/mo Global 2–4 days Tech-driven Bilingual SMB → Enterprise
Mercans ¥140,000–¥280,000/mo Global 3–5 days Enterprise Dedicated Mid-market → Enterprise
Papaya Global ¥135,000–¥270,000/mo Global 2–4 days AI-native Responsive SMB → Enterprise
Remote ¥125,000–¥255,000/mo Global 2–4 days Tech-first Business hours Mid-market → Enterprise
Deel ¥130,000–¥265,000/mo 150+ Countries 1–3 days Modern UI 24/5 Support SMB → Enterprise
Globalization Partners ¥160,000–¥320,000/mo Global 3–7 days Enterprise Dedicated AM Enterprise
Velocity Global ¥110,000–¥230,000/mo Global 1–3 days Modern Business hours SMB → Mid-market
Oyster HR ¥120,000–¥245,000/mo Global 2–4 days User-friendly Business hours SMB → Mid-market

What is an EOR in Japan?

An Employer of Record in Japan legally employs workers on behalf of foreign companies, managing payroll, statutory contributions (social insurance, employment insurance), and compliance with the Labour Standards Act regulations without entity setup.

EORs handle statutory compliance, benefits administration, social insurance enrollment (health insurance, welfare pension, employment insurance, workers' compensation), tax withholding and year-end adjustments (nenmatsu-chosei), work visa sponsorship, and regulatory filings without requiring entity formation. This approach enables rapid market entry often within 2-5 days while ensuring full compliance with Japan's rigorous employment regulations, supporting smooth international expansion methods into one of the best countries to expand your business internationally in Asia for skilled talent acquisition.

Key Services of EORs in Japan

1. Payroll & Statutory Deductions

Processing salaries in JPY, calculating social insurance premiums (health insurance 9.98%, welfare pension 18.3% split employer/employee), employment insurance (0.95-1.55% total), withholding income tax and residence tax, and managing bi-annual bonuses aligned with Japanese business practices.

2. Social Insurance Administration

Managing mandatory enrollment in Health Insurance Association (Kyōkai Kenpō), Welfare Pension Insurance (Kōsei Nenkin), Employment Insurance (Koyō Hoken), and Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance (Rōsai Hoken) with proper premium calculations and monthly reporting.

3. Tax Compliance & Year-End Adjustment

Handling income tax withholding (源泉徴収 - gensen-chōshū), residence tax (住民税 - jūminzei) collection, year-end tax adjustment (年末調整 - nenmatsu-chōsei), and statutory reporting to tax offices and pension authorities.

4. Labor Standards Act Compliance

Ensuring adherence to Labor Standards Act provisions including maximum working hours (40 hours/week), overtime compensation (25-60% premium), mandatory annual leave (10-20 days based on tenure), and proper employment contracts (労働契約 - rōdō-keiyaku).

5. Work Visa Sponsorship & Immigration

Managing Certificate of Eligibility (CoE - 在留資格認定証明書) applications, work visa sponsorship for categories including Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Highly Skilled Professional, Intra-Company Transfer, and visa renewals ensuring compliance with Immigration Services Agency requirements.

6. Cultural Integration & HR Support

Providing multilingual employment documentation (Japanese/English), cultural onboarding support, employee lifecycle management aligned with Japanese business practices, and ongoing regulatory compliance monitoring using employee management software.

What are the Benefits of Using an EOR in Japan?

Rapid Market Entry: Start hiring in Japan within 2-5 days without the 6-12 month timeline and ¥1,500,000-¥5,000,000 cost typically required to establish a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK) or Gōdō Kaisha (GK) with proper registrations.

Labor Law Expertise: Access deep knowledge of Japan's Labor Standards Act, Industrial Safety and Health Act, Worker Dispatching Act, Equal Employment Opportunity Act, and constantly evolving employment legislation administered by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Social Insurance Compliance: Ensure full compliance with four mandatory social insurance programs (health, pension, employment, workers' compensation), accurate premium calculations, monthly reporting to Japan Pension Service, and year-end tax adjustments.

Immigration Support: Streamline work visa sponsorship, Certificate of Eligibility processing (typically 1-3 months), visa renewals, and immigration compliance without maintaining in-house immigration expertise or engaging separate visa consultants ensuring global payroll compliance.

Cultural Navigation: Bridge cultural and linguistic gaps with bilingual support, proper employment documentation, understanding of Japanese business etiquette (keigo language, hanko seals, meishi exchange), and compliance with unique labor practices including seniority systems and lifetime employment considerations.

Risk Mitigation: Transfer employment liability to the EOR, reducing exposure to labor disputes at Labor Standards Inspection Office, wrongful termination claims, and compliance penalties where violations can result in criminal prosecution of company officers under Labor Standards Act.

Top 10 Best EOR Platforms in Japan

1. Gloroots (Japanese Specialized)

Gloroots is a trusted Employer of Record in Japan offering rapid market entry without entity setup. It manages labor law compliance, payroll, tax, social insurance, and visa sponsorship, ensuring companies meet Japan's stringent employment standards with expert precision.

Japan offers a highly skilled, technologically advanced workforce with strong capabilities in engineering, manufacturing, IT, finance, and R&D. However, Japanese employment regulations—including complex Labor Standards Act provisions, social insurance requirements, and work visa processes—create significant barriers. Gloroots helps companies bypass entity setup and navigate local compliance seamlessly.

Why Use Gloroots in Japan

Gloroots brings expertise in complex immigration processes combined with precise payroll and tax management, enabling fast, compliant hiring in Japan's rigid legal environment. Their platform uniquely sponsors work visas, handles Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) processing, manages multilingual employment contracts, and ensures full compliance with the Labour Standards Act and employee management software powered social insurance requirements.

The combination of immigration expertise with comprehensive compliance creates confidence for companies entering Japan’s sophisticated market—affirming why Japan is one of the best countries to expand your business internationally.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Work visa sponsorship including Engineer/Specialist, Highly Skilled Professional, and Intra-Company Transfer categories
  • Accurate payroll processing covering bi-annual bonuses, overtime, social insurance, and taxes
  • Compliance with collective bargaining agreements and Japanese labor practices
  • Multilingual employee onboarding documentation and cultural support
  • Transparent reporting and audit-ready documentation

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) processing and work visa sponsorship for multiple categories. Social insurance enrollment covering health insurance (9.98%), welfare pension (18.3%), employment insurance, and workers' compensation. Payroll processing with income tax withholding, residence tax collection, and year-end adjustment (nenmatsu-chōsei). Labor Standards Act-compliant contracts with proper overtime provisions and annual leave entitlements. Bilingual (Japanese/English) employment documentation and cultural integration support.

Platform Experience

Tech-driven dashboard with real-time payroll visibility, social insurance confirmations, visa status tracking, and compliance alerts. User-friendly interface with bilingual support minimizing complexity for international teams entering Japan.

Customer Support

24/7 support across global time zones. Responsive account managers providing Labor Standards Act guidance, visa sponsorship assistance, social insurance interpretation, and cultural integration support. Expert local HR team for employment disputes and regulatory inquiries.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Transparent pricing from ¥120,000–¥250,000/month per employee with single-invoice billing covering payroll, social insurance, visa sponsorship, and compliance—enabled via consolidated how to pay international employees and how to pay international contractors workflows.

Best For

Businesses seeking rapid Japanese market entry with strong Labor Standards Act compliance, comprehensive visa sponsorship capabilities, expert social insurance management, and bilingual cultural support without establishing a legal entity.

Ready to hire employees in Japan without setting up a local entity? 

Streamline your Japanese workforce management with Gloroots' tech-driven EOR platform to see how you can onboard, pay, and manage employees in Japan quickly and compliantly. 

Contact Gloroots today!

2. AYP Group (Japanese Compliance Leader)

AYP Group operates as a Japanese market leader providing guaranteed compliance, transparent pricing, and comprehensive advisory services tailored for Japan's complex regulatory landscape. Their emphasis on zero-penalty guarantee and full regulatory transparency appeals to risk-averse organizations.

The unique selling proposition centers on compliance guarantee with exceptional regulatory expertise, eliminating compliance penalty risks through comprehensive legal safeguards and expert advisory services.

Why Use AYP Group in Japan

AYP Group brings exceptional regulatory expertise combined with transparent cost structures and zero-penalty compliance guarantee. Their deep understanding of Japanese labor laws, cultural practices, and regulatory nuances provides comprehensive protection for companies navigating Japan's rigid employment framework.

The combination of compliance guarantee with transparent pricing creates an ideal fit for mid-market and enterprise companies prioritizing risk elimination over cost optimization in Japanese market entry.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Zero-penalty guarantee on compliance with comprehensive legal protection
  • Transparent costs with detailed pricing breakdowns
  • Strong client support with dedicated account management
  • Broad local knowledge including cultural and regulatory nuances
  • Culturally sensitive approach aligned with Japanese business practices

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Regulatory advisory covering Labor Standards Act, social insurance, and employment regulations. Comprehensive payroll and tax compliance with year-end adjustments and statutory reporting. Immigration support including CoE processing and visa sponsorship. Labor law consulting for complex employment scenarios. Culturally-informed HR guidance aligned with Japanese business practices.

Platform Experience

Enterprise-grade platform with comprehensive compliance features and detailed reporting. Less automation than tech-first providers with emphasis on expert guidance. Thorough documentation and audit-ready records.

Customer Support

Exceptional regulatory expertise with dedicated support teams. Culturally sensitive guidance aligned with Japanese business etiquette. Strong client support though response may be slower than automated platforms.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Premium pricing from ¥150,000–¥300,000/month reflecting compliance guarantee and expert advisory. Transparent cost structure with detailed breakdowns. Enterprise focus with higher investment required.

Best For

Mid-market and enterprise companies prioritizing guaranteed compliance, transparent pricing, and exceptional regulatory expertise for Japanese operations where zero-penalty assurance and comprehensive advisory justify premium investment.

3. Skuad (Tech-Enabled Automation Platform)

Skuad operates as a tech-enabled Japanese EOR focusing on payroll automation, contract management, and compliance monitoring. Their platform emphasizes automated compliance with real-time dashboards and multi-country capabilities for regional expansion.

The unique selling proposition centers on automation-first approach with data-driven compliance monitoring enabling efficient workforce management across Japan and other markets.

Why Use Skuad in Japan

Skuad brings an automation-driven platform combined with Japanese compliance expertise for companies seeking efficient, technology-enabled employment administration. Their real-time compliance dashboards and automated workflows streamline payroll processing while maintaining rigorous Labor Standards Act adherence.

The combination of automation with multi-country capabilities creates an ideal fit for technology companies managing regional Asia-Pacific expansion where Japanese operations represent one component of broader strategy.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Automation-first platform with real-time compliance monitoring
  • Easy multi-country hiring across Asia-Pacific region
  • Data-driven compliance with automated alerts and tracking
  • Scalable infrastructure supporting business growth
  • Bilingual support (Japanese/English) for international teams

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Payroll automation with social insurance premium calculations and tax withholding. Contract lifecycle management with Labor Standards Act-compliant templates. Compliance alerts for regulatory changes and filing deadlines. Benefits administration coordinating statutory and supplementary programs. Multi-country coordination for regional workforce management.

Platform Experience

Tech-driven interface with modern design and automated workflows. Real-time dashboards providing compliance visibility and payroll tracking. Bilingual platform with some onboarding complexity for advanced features.

Customer Support

Bilingual support (Japanese/English) with a responsive team. Data-driven compliance guidance with automated recommendations. Less personalized service compared to boutique providers.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Competitive pricing from ¥130,000–¥260,000/month with transparent structure. Higher pricing for SMBs compared to basic providers. Limited legal advisory requiring external counsel for complex scenarios.

Best For

Technology companies and multi-country organizations seeking automated compliance platform with real-time monitoring, data-driven insights, and regional Asia-Pacific capabilities where efficiency outweighs need for high-touch advisory.

4. Mercans (Enterprise IP Protection Specialist)

Mercans operates as a global EOR with deep local expertise offering payroll, tax filings, and risk management aligned with Japanese social insurance and labor laws. Their emphasis on intellectual property risk mitigation appeals to innovation-driven enterprises.

The unique selling proposition centers on enterprise-grade compliance combined with specialized IP protection advisory for technology and pharmaceutical companies with substantial intellectual property concerns.

Why Use Mercans in Japan

Mercans brings enterprise-caliber compliance infrastructure combined with specialized intellectual property protection services. Their deep Japanese regulatory expertise and IP risk focus provides comprehensive legal safeguards for organizations with substantial innovation assets and workforce investment.

The combination of compliance depth with IP protection creates an ideal fit for enterprise clients in technology, pharmaceuticals, and R&D sectors where intellectual property security justifies premium investment.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Strong Labor Standards Act and social insurance compliance
  • Scalable solutions for large workforce deployments
  • Intellectual property risk mitigation and protection advisory
  • Reliable reporting with audit-ready documentation
  • Global network with local Japanese expertise

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Comprehensive payroll and tax compliance with year-end adjustments. Social insurance management covering all four mandatory programs. IP protection advisory through proper employment contracts and confidentiality agreements. Benefits administration coordinating statutory and supplementary programs. Risk management services with legal representation capabilities.

Platform Experience

Enterprise-grade platform with comprehensive features and IP-focused tools. Complex onboarding with emphasis on legal documentation and IP protection. Advanced capabilities suited for large organizations.

Customer Support

Dedicated account management for enterprise clients. Strong compliance and legal specialists though support may be slower for routine queries. Global network with local Japanese expertise.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Premium pricing from ¥140,000–¥280,000/month reflecting enterprise service levels and IP advisory. Complex onboarding processes with legal requirements. Less cost-effective for SMBs without substantial IP concerns.

Best For

Enterprise organizations and innovation-driven firms requiring comprehensive Japanese compliance, intellectual property protection, and risk management services for substantial operations where legal safeguards and IP security justify premium costs.

5. Papaya Global (AI-Powered Platform)

Papaya Global operates as an AI-powered global payroll platform with specialized Japanese payroll and compliance capabilities. Their emphasis on advanced automation and real-time compliance updates appeals to technology-forward organizations seeking algorithmic precision.

The unique selling proposition centers on cutting-edge AI technology for automated compliance monitoring, payroll validation, and regulatory change detection specific to Japanese employment laws.

Why Use Papaya Global in Japan

Papaya Global brings AI-driven automation combined with Japanese compliance programming for organizations seeking technological sophistication in employment administration. Their machine learning models continuously monitor Labor Standards Act changes and automatically update payroll formulas and compliance protocols.

The combination of artificial intelligence with Japan-specific compliance creates an ideal fit for data-driven organizations seeking automated precision and proactive regulatory monitoring.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Cutting-edge AI technology with automated compliance validation
  • Fast onboarding (2-4 days) with streamlined processes
  • Global compliance coordination across multiple markets
  • Intuitive dashboards with real-time visibility
  • Scalable infrastructure supporting business growth

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Automated payroll with AI validation of social insurance premiums and tax calculations. Real-time tax filing with algorithmic error-checking and nenmatsu-chōsei processing. AI-powered compliance updates for Labor Standards Act changes. Benefit tracking coordinating statutory and supplementary programs. Regulatory intelligence alerts for employment law amendments.

Platform Experience

AI-native platform with advanced automation and predictive analytics. Intuitive dashboards though complex features may require onboarding. Technology-forward interface with real-time compliance monitoring.

Customer Support

Responsive team combining AI-assisted troubleshooting with human expertise. Technology-focused support with data-driven guidance. Customer service delays occasionally reported during peak periods.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Premium pricing from ¥135,000–¥270,000/month reflecting AI capabilities and advanced features. Transparent structure with technology features included. Limited local legal consulting requiring external counsel.

Best For

Technology companies and data-driven organizations seeking AI-powered Japanese compliance with automated payroll validation, real-time regulatory monitoring, and algorithmic precision for teams comfortable with technology-first approaches.

6. Remote (Remote-First Global Platform)

Remote operates as a global remote-first EOR providing compliant payroll, benefits, and legal employment across Japan's regions. Their emphasis on distributed team enablement and comprehensive benefits appeals to companies managing remote Japanese talent.

The unique selling proposition centers on remote work optimization with localized compliance and competitive benefits designed for geographically dispersed teams.

Why Use Remote in Japan

Remote brings remote-first methodology combined with strong Japanese Labor Standards Act compliance and comprehensive benefits administration. Their focus on distributed team enablement aligns with modern workforce expectations while maintaining rigorous regulatory adherence and cultural sensitivity.

The combination of remote work expertise with Japanese compliance creates an ideal fit for technology companies where remote Japanese talent represents critical capabilities requiring competitive benefits and modern work arrangements including the ability to pay international employees efficiently.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Scalable infrastructure for distributed team growth
  • Global reach with deep local Japanese compliance
  • Competitive benefits exceeding market standards
  • Strong Labor Standards Act compliance with automated monitoring
  • User-friendly platform with intuitive navigation

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Comprehensive payroll with social insurance and tax compliance. Benefits administration including enhanced health coverage and professional development. Legal employment compliant with Labor Standards Act provisions. API integrations for custom workflow automation. Remote work compliance handling home office arrangements.

Platform Experience

Tech-first platform with sophisticated features and user-friendly design. Intuitive interface though some onboarding required for full utilization. Advanced analytics and compliance tracking.

Customer Support

Business hours support covering multiple time zones. Strategic advisory on competitive benefits and remote work practices. Standard offering with less personalized local support.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Premium pricing from ¥125,000–¥255,000/month reflecting comprehensive benefits and platform capabilities. Transparent structure with no hidden charges. Onboarding delays occasionally reported.

Best For

Technology companies and remote-first organizations seeking comprehensive Japanese benefits, sophisticated platform capabilities, and distributed team support where competitive talent acquisition requires above-market offerings and modern work arrangements.

7. Deel (Global Platform Leader)

Deel operates as a large global EOR platform facilitating rapid market entry and flexible hiring contracts compliant with Japanese laws. Their technology emphasizes streamlined contractor-to-employee conversion and extensive global footprint for multinational workforce management.

The unique selling proposition centers on workforce flexibility enabling companies to manage diverse employment types (full-time employees, contractors, conversions) within unified global infrastructure including support to pay international contractors.

Why Use Deel in Japan

Deel brings enterprise-grade platform capabilities with Japanese legal entity and comprehensive Labor Standards Act compliance infrastructure. Their technology enables rapid onboarding (1-3 days) with automated contract generation, flexible employment arrangements, and global payroll coordination.

The combination of speed with workforce flexibility creates an ideal fit for technology companies managing international teams where Japanese employees represent one component of broader multi-country strategy.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Large global presence covering 150+ countries
  • Compliant hiring with Labor Standards Act adherence
  • Robust platform with extensive automation
  • Comprehensive contract options including employee and contractor arrangements
  • Strong integrations with global HRIS and accounting platforms

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Flexible contracts supporting full-time employment and contractor arrangements. Tax compliance with income withholding, residence tax, and year-end adjustments. Benefits integration coordinating statutory social insurance and supplementary programs. Global payroll dashboard with Japanese compliance tracking. Contractor-to-employee conversion tools with proper legal transitions.

Platform Experience

Modern global platform with sophisticated Japanese compliance modules. Complex UI requiring onboarding investment for full feature utilization. Extensive self-service capabilities with real-time visibility.

Customer Support

24/5 support with Japanese compliance specialists. Proactive platform optimization guidance. Occasional customer support delays and billing opacity reported requiring careful review.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Premium pricing from ¥130,000–¥265,000/month with transparent base structure. Note: Deel typically charges 3-5% FX conversion fees on cross-border payments. Complexity in UI and learning curve for new users.

Best For

Technology companies and global organizations managing multi-country teams where Japanese employees represent one component of international workforce, particularly for companies prioritizing platform sophistication, workforce flexibility, and contractor management.

8. Globalization Partners (Enterprise Premium Solution)

Globalization Partners operates as an enterprise-level EOR with AI-driven compliance and local legal entity infrastructure in Japan. Their premium positioning emphasizes comprehensive risk management, AI-assisted contract analysis, and strategic workforce planning for large-scale operations.

The unique selling proposition centers on exceptional compliance tools with legal entity presence providing enterprise-caliber legal protection and sophisticated workforce administration.

Why Use Globalization Partners in Japan

Globalization Partners brings enterprise-level infrastructure with AI-powered compliance monitoring and comprehensive legal protection designed for large organizations. Their focus on risk mitigation, detailed reporting, and local entity presence appeals to multinationals where Japanese employment represents substantial investment.

The combination of premium service levels with AI compliance creates an ideal fit for enterprise clients managing significant Japanese headcount where sophisticated infrastructure justifies higher costs.

Key Benefits and Features

  • AI-driven compliance tools with automated regulatory monitoring
  • Local legal entity presence providing direct employment relationships
  • Comprehensive risk management with employment practice insurance
  • Enterprise support with dedicated account management
  • Audit-ready reports with detailed compliance documentation

Japan-Specific Services Offered

AI-powered contract analysis ensuring Labor Standards Act compliance. Local entity employment with direct legal relationships. Comprehensive payroll handling social insurance, taxes, and year-end adjustments. Risk mitigation AI monitoring regulatory changes. Detailed reporting with workforce analytics and audit documentation.

Platform Experience

Enterprise-grade platform with sophisticated features and AI capabilities. Complex interface requiring meaningful onboarding with extensive customization. Advanced integration with SAP, Oracle HCM, and Workday.

Customer Support

Dedicated account managers providing personalized enterprise support. Japanese legal specialists for complex scenarios and regulatory inquiries. 24/7 emergency support with guaranteed SLAs.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Premium pricing from ¥160,000–¥320,000/month reflecting enterprise service levels and AI capabilities. Complex contracts with potentially higher onboarding costs. Less pricing flexibility for smaller teams.

Best For

Enterprise organizations and multinational corporations managing substantial Japanese headcount (50+ employees) requiring comprehensive legal protection, AI-powered compliance infrastructure, and strategic workforce planning where premium pricing is justified by scale.

9. Velocity Global (Cost-Effective Solution)

Velocity Global operates as a cost-effective global EOR focusing on fast onboarding and compliance for growing Japan operations. Their emphasis on affordable pricing with scalable technology platform appeals to startups and growth-stage companies.

The unique selling proposition centers on competitive pricing combined with operational efficiency enabling rapid market entry without premium-tier investment.

Why Use Velocity Global in Japan

Velocity Global brings affordable pricing combined with fast onboarding processes and clear operational workflows. Their focus on efficiency and competitive costs appeals to startups and growth companies testing Japanese market viability before committing to larger-scale operations.

The combination of affordability with scalable technology creates an ideal fit for budget-conscious companies prioritizing cost control and rapid deployment over extensive feature customization.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Competitive pricing with transparent fee structure
  • Fast onboarding (1-3 days) with streamlined processes
  • Clear operational workflows minimizing complexity
  • Global reach with Japanese compliance capabilities
  • Scalable technology platform supporting growth

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Payroll processing with social insurance and tax compliance. Compliance audits ensuring Labor Standards Act adherence. Contractor management tools for diverse workforce arrangements. Benefits coordination including statutory programs. Multi-country capabilities for regional expansion.

Platform Experience

Modern platform emphasizing efficiency and clarity. Good technology infrastructure though fewer advanced features than premium providers. Straightforward workflows with minimal training requirements.

Customer Support

Business hours support with practical compliance guidance. Efficient problem-solving focused on rapid resolution. Global reach though limited enterprise-focused features.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Competitive pricing from ¥110,000–¥230,000/month with flat pricing model. Transparent structure with clear service coverage. Limited customization and fewer advanced features.

Best For

Startups and growth-stage companies seeking affordable Japanese market entry with fast onboarding, clear processes, and competitive pricing for smaller teams (1-15 employees) where cost efficiency outweighs need for extensive customization.

10. Oyster HR (Employee Experience Specialist)

Oyster HR operates with focus on employee experience and compliance for remote hiring in Japan. Their emphasis on user-centric onboarding and cultural integration appeals to companies prioritizing positive employee experiences and smooth cultural adaptation.

The unique selling proposition centers on employee-centric approach with detailed onboarding workflows and cultural integration support designed for remote international teams.

Why Use Oyster HR in Japan

Oyster HR brings user-friendly platform combined with detailed compliance support and employee experience focus. Their emphasis on cultural integration and award-compliant contracts creates positive onboarding experiences while maintaining Labor Standards Act compliance.

The combination of usability with cultural sensitivity creates an ideal fit for remote-first companies prioritizing employee satisfaction and smooth cultural adaptation for Japanese talent.

Key Benefits and Features

  • Friendly UI with intuitive navigation and minimal learning curve
  • Detailed compliance support with educational resources
  • Focused employee experience optimization
  • Remote-first approach aligned with distributed teams
  • Clear documentation and onboarding workflows

Japan-Specific Services Offered

Automated compliance checks for Labor Standards Act and social insurance. Detailed onboarding workflows with cultural integration support. Benefits coordination including statutory programs. Contract management with proper employment documentation. Multilingual support for Japanese and international employees.

Platform Experience

User-friendly platform with emphasis on employee experience and intuitive design. Clear documentation with educational compliance resources. Basic enterprise features with focus on usability.

Customer Support

Business hours support with employee experience focus. Detailed compliance guidance with educational approach. Smaller support team with potentially slower response for complex scenarios.

Pricing & Hidden Fees

Competitive pricing from ¥120,000–¥245,000/month with transparent structure. Pricing transparency may require consultation. Fewer integrations and basic enterprise features.

Best For

Remote-first companies and distributed organizations seeking user-friendly Japanese EOR with strong employee experience focus, cultural integration support, and detailed compliance documentation for teams prioritizing positive onboarding experiences.

FAQs

What Are the Selection Criteria for Choosing an EOR in Japan?

Choose EORs with proven Labor Standards Act expertise, accurate social insurance handling (health, pension, employment, workers' compensation), visa sponsorship capabilities, transparent pricing, and bilingual support. Prioritize providers with Japanese market experience, reliable year-end tax adjustment processing, cultural integration support, and responsive customer service.

What Compliance Factors Should You Consider When Hiring in Japan?

Key factors include social insurance enrollment (health insurance 9.98%, welfare pension 18.3%, employment insurance, workers' compensation), income tax withholding and residence tax collection, year-end adjustment (nenmatsu-chōsei), Labor Standards Act compliance (working hours, overtime, annual leave), and proper employment contracts. Non-compliance can result in penalties and criminal prosecution.

What Are Expert Tips for Hiring in Japan Through an EOR?

Verify social insurance premium calculations and monthly reporting accuracy. Confirm work visa sponsorship capabilities for required categories (Engineer, Highly Skilled Professional, Intra-Company Transfer). Assess year-end tax adjustment expertise. Check bilingual support availability (Japanese/English). Understand cultural integration services. Ensure Labor Standards Act compliance for working hours and overtime.

How Do You Choose the Best EOR Company in Japan?

Compare total employment costs including social insurance premiums (approximately 30% of salary). Verify Labor Standards Act and visa sponsorship expertise. Test support responsiveness with Japan-specific compliance questions. Review customer references from similar industries. Confirm bilingual capabilities and cultural integration support. Ensure platform can scale as team grows.

Why Should You Choose an EOR Provider for Hiring in Japan?

EORs eliminate entity setup complexity, ensure full Labour Standards Act and social insurance compliance, provide expert visa sponsorship and immigration support—helping you focus on business expansion through international expansion methods and global payroll compliance in Japan’s sophisticated market.

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