What is an EOR aggregate model?
An EOR aggregate model is a structural approach to global employment where a primary Employer of Record (EOR) provider uses a network of third-party, local “In-Country Partners” (ICPs) to employ workers on behalf of their clients. In this setup, the client interacts with one centralized platform, but the actual legal employment and compliance are managed by local experts who possess the entity and license in the employee’s specific country of work.
Think of the EOR aggregate model like a general contractor for a massive construction project. You hire the general contractor (the Aggregator), and they, in turn, manage specialized local subcontractors (the ICPs) to ensure every part of the project, or in this case, every international hire, is handled according to “local building codes” (labour laws).
How the EOR Aggregate Model Functions
To understand the EOR aggregate model, it helps to visualize it as a chain of command. There are typically three layers involved in every hiring transaction:
- The Client (You): You manage the employee’s daily tasks and performance.
- The Global Provider (Primary Employer of Record): They provide the technology platform, collect your payments, and act as your single point of contact.
- The In-Country Provider (ICP)/Local EOR: The local firm that actually holds the employment contract, pays the employee, and interfaces with local tax authorities.
This model relies heavily on the strength of the global provider’s software to sync data between the ICP and the client. When it works well, it provides a seamless experience for managing your human capital across dozens of different time zones.
Strategic Advantages of the EOR Aggregate Model
Many organizations choose the EOR aggregate model specifically for its flexibility. If your expansion strategy involves testing small teams in many different countries simultaneously, this model is often the most practical choice.
1. Massive Geographical Reach
The primary selling point of the EOR aggregate model is its “everywhere at once” capability. Because the provider isn’t limited by where they own offices, they can help you hire a developer in Estonia, a sales lead in Ghana, and a designer in Brazil all within the same week.
2. Consolidated Reporting
Even though multiple local partners are involved, a high-quality aggregator will pull all that data into one dashboard. This simplifies your Global Payroll reporting, as you only have to review one consolidated invoice rather than managing twenty different local currencies and bank transfers.
3. Local Expertise on Demand
By using an ICP, the EOR aggregate model taps into local specialists who live and breathe the labour laws of that specific country. These partners are often better equipped to handle niche local requirements, such as specific benefits administration customs or localized “13th-month” pay rules.
Potential Challenges to Consider
While the EOR aggregate model offers breadth, it can sometimes lack depth in communication. Because there is a “middleman” between you and the local employer, response times can occasionally be slower. If a local tax law changes, the information must travel from the ICP to the Global Provider before it finally reaches you.
Additionally, data privacy can be more complex. Your employee’s sensitive information must be shared across multiple organizations, which requires the global provider to have ironclad security protocols. According to a report by Forbes Advisor, choosing the right model depends largely on whether you prioritize a direct relationship or a wide geographical footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions About the EOR Aggregate Model
Is the EOR aggregate model more expensive than a direct model?
Not necessarily. While the aggregator takes a cut and the ICP takes a cut, the competition among local partners often keeps the pricing competitive. However, some businesses find that a Global EOR partner who owns their own entities can offer more aggressive pricing for large teams in a single country.
How does it affect the employee experience?
If the aggregator’s technology is strong, the employee may never even notice the difference. They will receive their payslip from a local company (the ICP), but their interactions with you and the global HR platform will remain consistent.
What happens if an ICP fails?
This is the biggest risk of the EOR aggregate model. If a local partner goes out of business or provides poor service, the global provider must quickly find a replacement. A reputable aggregator will have backup partners in every major region to ensure business continuity.
Can I choose which ICP is used?
Usually, no. The global provider selects their partners based on reliability and cost. However, you can ask for the name of the local entity to ensure they have a good reputation in that region before you sign the contract.
Is the Aggregate Model Right for You?
The EOR aggregate model is an excellent fit for companies that need to hire in “long-tail” countries where they only plan to have one or two employees. It provides the ultimate shortcut to a global presence without the overhead of managing multiple individual relationships.