RemotePad Logo
  • Guides

What is an Employer of Record

How to hire globally with an EOR

What is a Global PEO

An alternative to EOR

What is a PEO

Hire locally with a PEO

Our Methodology

Why you can trust our guides

Hire Globally

Find international talents

Outsource Recruitment

How to outsource recruitment

Work Visas

How to get a work visa

Digital Nomad Visas

Get a digital nomad visa

  • Best Providers

Best Employer of Record (EOR)

Hire globally with the best EOR companies

Best Contractor Management

Hire and pay contractors and freelancers

Best Global PEO

Discover the best international co-employers

Best PEO Companies

Save on payroll and HR costs

Best Background Check Companies

Screen employees before hire

Best Global Payroll Providers

Outsource international payroll

Best Relocation Services

Relocate employees internationally

Best International Recruitment Agency

Find global talent

International Company Registration

Get help to incorporate overseas

All Reviews

Compare all providers

  • Best EOR

1. Horizons

Best Global EOR

2. Remote

Best EOR for Compliance

3. Deel

Best EOR Platform

4. Papaya Global

Best EOR for Payments

All EOR Reviews

Compare all providers

Where do you need a service provider?

All Countries

Explore our detailed guides for professional advice on international growth, recruitment, compensations strategies, and a curated list of top service providers.

Country Guides
Request proposal - it's free
India Professional Employer Organization
  • By Travis Kliever
  • Updated March 2, 2024
Travis Kliever
Travis Kliever
Linkedin
Travis is a global business development advisor. He has spent the last 14 years supporting business establishment and development in North America, Southeast Asia, and throughout the world. With multiple degrees from the University of Oregon, Travis currently splits his time between the US, and Bali, Indonesia. At RemotePad, Travis writes about remote work, hiring internationally and PEO/EOR business models.
RemotePad editorial guidelines

India PEO: Benefits & Best Services in 2024

In this article

 show

Spending too much on recruitment, payroll or global HR?

We help you find the Best Providers at the lowest cost.

Get Started

VERDICT: The leading India PEO in 2024 is Horizons. With strong talent networks and expert support staff based in their Delhi-area office, Horizons is well-placed to drive your India expansion.  

Key Takeaways

  • An India Professional Employer Organization (India PEO) is a company that specializes in payroll, HR, and benefits administration support for international companies hiring in India.
  • An India PEO may operate only in the Indian market or be part of an international PEO company with operations in India.
  • When choosing an India PEO, it is important to choose a provider with extensive knowledge of India’s employment laws and market conditions.
  • Leading PEOs in India in 2024 include Horizons, Remunance, Skuad, Atlas, and Globalization Partners. 

What is an India PEO?

Professional Employer Organizations, or PEOs, are firms that provide comprehensive HR solutions for small to mid-sized businesses. They essentially become a co-employer to your existing workforce, handling a vast array of employee-related tasks and responsibilities.

PEOs in India offer the same services, but they have the added advantage of a deep understanding of the country’s unique labor laws, culture, and business environment. They act as a bridge between the company and its employees, ensuring that both parties meet their obligations and enjoy their rights under India’s complex employment laws.

Where an India PEO company also acts as the legal employer of staff in India they are known as an India Employer of Record (EOR). 

What services do India PEO companies provide?

PEO companies in India offer a wide range of services that include:

  • Payroll Processing and Administration: PEOs handle the tedious tasks of payroll processing, tax calculations, benefits deductions, employment contributions (such as the Employees’ Provident Fund), and compliance with Indian labor laws.
  • HR Consultancy: PEOs provide HR consulting services, which include creating and implementing HR policies and procedures, handling employee grievances, and ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.
  • Compliance Management: Indian labor laws are complex and varied, with different rules applicable at the state and central levels. PEOs help businesses navigate these laws, ensuring compliance with all statutory and legal requirements.
  • Recruitment and Talent Acquisition: PEOs provide recruitment services, helping businesses hire the best talent. This includes the entire process of job posting, screening, interviewing, and onboarding.
  • Benefits Administration: PEOs also manage employee benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, vacation and leave policies, and other perks. They negotiate with vendors to provide the best possible benefits at the most cost-effective rates.
  • Risk Management and Workplace Safety: PEOs help businesses create safe work environments by implementing safety standards and procedures. They also manage workers’ compensation claims and other workplace-related legal issues.

What are the benefits of using a PEO in India?

benefits of india peo

The benefits of using a PEO in India are numerous:

  • Cost Savings: PEOs often provide cost savings by streamlining HR processes, reducing administrative overheads, and getting better rates on employee benefits.
  • Regulatory Compliance: With their expertise in Indian labor laws, PEOs ensure businesses stay compliant, avoiding penalties and legal issues.
  • Access to Better Benefits: PEOs can negotiate better employee benefits packages due to their buying power, which can help attract and retain top talent.
  • Ease of Expansion: For businesses looking to expand in India, PEOs provide a simple and efficient way to hire local talent without setting up a legal entity in the country.
  • Risk Mitigation: PEOs help manage risk by ensuring workplace safety, handling workers’ compensation, and offering advice on legal and HR issues.
  • and more!

What are the disadvantages of using a PEO in India?

Despite the numerous advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to using a professional employer organization:

  • Loss of Control: Engaging a PEO means handing over significant control of your HR processes. This could potentially lead to a disconnect between the company and its employees.
  • Dependence on the PEO: If the PEO fails to deliver its services adequately, it can cause significant problems for the business, including legal issues and employee dissatisfaction.
  • Cost: While PEOs can offer cost savings in the long run, the initial cost of engaging a PEO and ensuring ongoing compliance with local laws can be high, especially for smaller businesses.
  • Cultural Differences: While PEOs in India understand the local culture, they might not fully grasp the culture of the foreign company. This could potentially lead to misunderstandings or a clash of work cultures.

Top 5 leading PEOs in India

  1. Horizons: Horizons is a global PEO with strong expertise in supporting businesses to expand into new markets, including India. They offer tailored solutions, including HR, payroll, and compliance services to manage local regulations, and are known for their client-focused approach. Read more about why Horizons is renowned for its local knowledge and expertise in our 2024 Horizons review. 
  2. Remunance: Remunance is a leading global PEO and Employer of Record with strong India expertise. One differentiating factor of working with Remunance is that they also offer subsidiary incorporation services for companies that need a legal presence in-country. 
  3. Skuad: Skuad, based in Singapore, has a strong presence in India and specializes in building and managing remote teams for companies. They handle everything from hiring and onboarding (including drafting a local employment contract) to managing payroll and compliance with local employment laws, making it easier for businesses to manage their global workforce. For further information on their offerings, check out our 2024 Skuad EOR review. 
  4. Atlas: Atlas (also known as ‘Atlas HXM’) is a global PEO with services that encompass payroll, HR, tax, and compliance for businesses looking to expand their operations in India. They have a strong reputation for providing comprehensive and reliable HR solutions compliant with Indian law. Read more in our 2023 Atlas PEO review. 
  5. Globalization Partners: As a global leader in the PEO industry, Globalization Partners simplifies international business by enabling companies to hire teams in multiple countries without setting up branch offices or subsidiaries. Their services in India include HR, payroll, benefits, and risk management. For more information, check out our 2024 Globalization Partners review. 

Remember, each PEO has its unique strengths and areas of expertise. It’s important to evaluate them based on your specific needs, their experience in India, and their ability to align with your business objectives.  

How to Engage a PEO in India

Engaging a PEO in India involves a few key steps:

  • Identify Your Needs: The first step is to identify your business needs. Do you need help with India employment contracts, payroll, compliance, recruitment, statutory benefits administration, or all of the above? The answer to this question will guide you in selecting the right PEO.
  • Research and Shortlist PEOs: Once you’ve identified your needs, start researching PEOs that offer these services in India. Look at their reputation, client testimonials, years of experience, and their understanding of the Indian business landscape.
  • Request for Proposals (RFPs): Send out RFPs to the shortlisted PEOs. An RFP will help you get a better understanding of what each PEO can offer and at what cost.
  • Compare Proposals and Select a PEO: Compare the proposals you’ve received based on the services offered, cost, and the PEO’s understanding of your business needs. Once you’ve found a PEO that matches your needs and budget, engage them as your PEO.

India PEOs — choose the right provider for you

In the rapidly expanding Indian market, PEOs can be a valuable partner for businesses, offering a wide range of HR services and ensuring compliance with Indian labor laws. However, as with any business decision, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to engage a PEO. Doing thorough research and choosing a PEO that understands both the local Indian context and the unique needs of your business is crucial for a successful partnership. Here are some factors to consider:

FactorImportanceExplanation
Services offeredMatch your needs
Compare the PEO’s services with your company’s requirements.
Industry experienceChoose PEO with relevant expertise
Look for a PEO specializing in your industry or company size.
Geographic coverageEnsure PEO operates in your area
Confirm the PEO’s service availability in your desired locations.
Pricing and feesTransparency is key
Compare fee structures and understand hidden costs.
Technology and infrastructureModern systems ensure efficiency
Assess the PEO’s technology platform and data security measures.
Reputation and track recordChoose a reliable partner
Research the PEO’s client testimonials and industry standing.

FAQs

An India PEO provides a fast and efficient way for foreign companies to start operations in India without the need for setting up a legal entity. They take care of all HR-related activities, including hiring, payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with local laws.

India PEOs manage employee benefits administration in line with local regulations and cultural expectations. They can negotiate with local providers and ensure that benefits packages are competitive and compliant with Indian law.

Search

Search