Employer of Record Services in Dubai & the GCC
Expand your workforce across the UAE and GCC without the cost and complexity of establishing a local entity. We act as the legal employer on your behalf, handling contracts, payroll, visas, and compliance, so you can focus on growing your business in the region.
Who Is This Service For?
Our Employer of Record services are designed for international companies looking to expand their operations in the Middle East.
Foreign Companies Expanding
US, UK, EU, and Asian businesses entering UAE or GCC markets
Remote & Local Hiring
Companies hiring remote or local employees in the region
Market Testing
Businesses testing the Middle East market without major commitment
Avoiding Entity Setup
Companies avoiding the cost and complexity of entity formation
What Is an Employer of Record?
An Employer of Record (EOR) is a service that legally employs staff on behalf of your foreign company, handling all employment responsibilities while you maintain control over daily operations.
Legal Employment
NKO Corporate Plus becomes the legal employer of your staff in the UAE and GCC
Full Compliance Management
We handle payroll, employment contracts, visas, and all compliance requirements
You Control Operations
Your company directs daily work, manages performance, and maintains the employment relationship
Why Use an EOR in Dubai & the GCC?
The Middle East presents unique challenges for foreign companies. Our EOR service simplifies market entry.
Complex Labor Laws
Each GCC country has distinct labor regulations, employment standards, and mandatory benefits. We navigate these complexities for you, ensuring full compliance across all jurisdictions.
Visa & Sponsorship Requirements
Work visas require local sponsorship and extensive documentation. We handle all visa processing, sponsorship, and immigration requirements as your legal entity in the region.
Payroll & Tax Compliance
Accurate payroll processing with proper tax withholdings and social contributions is critical. We ensure timely, compliant payroll in local currency with all statutory requirements met.
Risk of Non-Compliance
Foreign companies face significant penalties for employment violations. Our EOR service eliminates this risk by maintaining full legal compliance and taking on employer liability.
How NKO Corporate Plus's EOR Service Works
A streamlined process that gets your team operational in the GCC within days
Initial Consultation & Requirements
We discuss your hiring needs, employee details, role requirements, and compensation structure. Our team assesses your specific situation and provides a clear proposal with timelines, costs, and compliance requirements for your target country.
Employee Onboarding & Contract Preparation
We prepare locally compliant employment contracts aligned with UAE/GCC labor laws, including mandatory clauses, notice periods, and end-of-service benefits. We collect all necessary employee documentation and initiate background verification as required by local authorities.
Visa Processing & Work Authorization
We handle complete visa sponsorship, including entry permits, medical fitness tests, Emirates ID registration, and residence visa stamping. For Saudi Arabia, we manage Iqama processing; for Qatar, we handle QID and labor card applications.
Payroll Setup & Compliance Registration
We establish payroll systems with local banks, register with labor authorities (MOHRE in UAE, MLSD in Saudi Arabia), set up social security contributions (GOSI where applicable), and ensure proper wage protection system (WPS) compliance.
Ongoing HR & Legal Support
We provide continuous support for monthly payroll processing, leave management (annual, sick, maternity), contract amendments, performance documentation, exit procedures, and end-of-service gratuity calculations in full compliance with local labor laws.
Countries We Cover
Full employer of record services across all GCC nations
United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi
Saudi Arabia
Riyadh
Qatar
Doha
Bahrain
Manama
Kuwait
Kuwait City
Oman
Muscat
Compliance & Risk Management
We take full responsibility for employment compliance, protecting your company from legal and financial risks across the GCC region.
UAE Labor Law Compliance
Full adherence to Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, including working hours (8 hours/day, 48 hours/week), overtime compensation (125% normal pay, 150% night shifts), and mandatory annual leave (30 calendar days after 1 year of service).
End-of-Service Gratuity
Accurate calculation and payment of gratuity as per UAE law: 21 days' wages for each year of the first 5 years, and 30 days' wages for each additional year. We maintain proper accruals and ensure timely settlement upon employment termination.
WPS & Payroll Compliance
Mandatory Wage Protection System (WPS) compliance ensuring timely salary payments through approved channels. We handle MOHRE registrations, SIF file submissions, and maintain compliance with salary transfer requirements to avoid penalties.
GCC-Wide Labor Standards
Expertise in country-specific regulations: Saudi Arabia's GOSI contributions and Saudization requirements, Qatar's mandatory QID and labor card systems, Kuwait's private sector labor law, Bahrain's SIO contributions, and Oman's Omanization policies.
What We Handle for You
- Employment contract drafting & registration
- Work visa sponsorship & processing
- Medical insurance as per local mandates
- Monthly payroll processing via WPS
- Annual leave & sick leave management
- Maternity/paternity leave administration
- End-of-service gratuity accruals
- Contract amendments & renewals
- Exit procedures & final settlements
- Labor dispute resolution support
EOR vs. Setting Up Your Own Company in the UAE
Understanding the key differences to make the right choice for your expansion
| Factor | Employer of Record (EOR) | Company Formation |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | 5-10 business days | 4-8 weeks (mainland), 2-4 weeks (free zone) |
| Initial Investment | Low (service fees only, typically $1,000-1,500/employee/month) | High (AED 15,000-50,000+ for licence, visa, office space) |
| Physical Office Required | No (we provide the legal structure) | Yes (mandatory for mainland and most free zones) |
| Local Sponsorship | Not required (we act as sponsor) | Required (local service agent or sponsor) |
| Ongoing Compliance | Managed by us (zero administrative burden) | Your responsibility (licence renewals, WPS, MOHRE filings) |
| Minimum Commitment | Flexible (month-to-month or annual contracts) | 1-3 years (typical licence validity) |
| Best For | Testing the market, small teams (1-10 employees), temporary projects | Long-term presence, larger teams, full operational control |
Not sure which option is right for you? Our team can help you evaluate your specific needs.
Schedule a ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our EOR services in the GCC
