Help! I Need to Hire Employees in Australia But Don’t Want to Set Up a Local Entity

From Silicon Valley to Sydney: A Modern Tale of Business Expansion  

James Martinez's heart sank as he read the email. His software company in San Francisco had just won a contract with one of Australia’s largest banks. This was a dream come true, but he worried it would also lead to a logistical nightmare.  

"We need boots on the ground in Sydney within 60 days," he told his leadership team. "But setting up an Australian entity could take six months and cost us AUD 50,000+"  

The Australian market was too lucrative to ignore:  

• AUD 1.8 trillion economy growing steadily at 3.1% annually  

• Tech sector contributing AUD 167 billion to the economy  

• Over 870,000 technology professionals in the workforce  

• Gateway to the APAC region's AUD 38 trillion market  

But the complexities seemed overwhelming.  

The Unexpected Solution in the Land Down Under  

Looking for answers, James connected with Elena Wong. A tech founder who had successfully expanded into Australia the previous year. Her story changed everything.  

"We were in the same boat," Elena explained. "We needed to hire quickly in Australia but couldn't wait months for entity setup. Then we discovered something that completely transformed our expansion strategy."  

Elena's solution? TCWGlobal, An Employer of Record (EOR).  

A Tale of Two Approaches  

The contrast was striking:  

Traditional Entity Setup:  

• 4-6 months to establish  

• AUD 50,000+ in setup costs  

• Complex compliance requirements with Fair Work Australia  

• Need to navigate 10 National Employment Standards  

• Responsibility for the complex Superannuation system  

Using TCWGlobal as an EOR:  

• 2-week setup time  

• Cost reduction  

• Instant compliance expertise  

• Immediate access to local benefits administration  

• Built-in Superannuation management  

Why Hire in Australia Without a Local Entity?  

Setting up a local entity in Australia involves navigating a range of legal and administrative processes. These steps can slow down your expansion and add significant overhead costs. By partnering with an EOR, you can:  

• Quickly and Compliantly Onboard Talent: An EOR allows you to hire employees in Australia without needing a separate legal entity. It will take care of handling all employment requirements on your behalf.  

• Receive Guidance in Compliance with Australian Employment Laws: From tax obligations to minimum wage regulations, an EOR partners with you in compliance with Australian laws.  

• Focus on Core Business Activities: Partnering with an EOR lets you avoid the administrative burden of entity setup and compliance, allowing your team to concentrate on growth and innovation.  

What is an Employer of Record (EOR)?  

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organization that serves as the legal employer of your workforce in Australia. An EOR handles all employment-related functions, including payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance with local labor laws. This allows you to hire employees in Australia quickly and compliantly while retaining full control over day-to-day operations.  

Benefits of Hiring in Australia with an EOR  

Using an EOR to hire employees in Australia offers a range of benefits, making it a smart choice for businesses expanding internationally:  

Full Compliance with Australian Employment Laws 

Australia has stringent employment regulations that cover minimum wage, retirement, leave entitlements, and workplace protections. TCWGlobal partners with you in compliance with these laws, helping your business avoid potential fines and legal challenges.  

• Example: A U.S.-based tech company wants to hire a software engineer in Sydney but is unfamiliar with Australian tax laws and leave entitlements. TCWGlobal supports you in compliance matters, including tax withholding and contributions to the Superannuation Guarantee (SG), ensuring the company meets all Australian legal requirements.  

Streamlined Payroll and Multi-Currency Payments 

Australian payroll involves specific tax and withholding requirements, including retirement contributions and income tax obligations. An EOR like TCWGlobal processes payroll accurately and on time. This ensures employees are paid in Australian dollars while handling all necessary contributions and withholdings.  

• Example: A European design firm hires a project manager in Australia and partners with TCWGlobal to manage payroll. TCWGlobal partners with you in compliance with Australian payroll standards, including required contributions to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Superannuation Guarantee.  

Competitive Benefits Tailored to Australian Standards 

To attract top talent in Australia, offering competitive and locally relevant benefits is essential. TCWGlobal offers benefits packages that fit specific regions. These packages include health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave, and wellness programs that meet Australian standards.  

• Example: A U.K. based consulting firm partners with TCWGlobal. Offering Australian employees a benefits package that includes additional superannuation contributions, health insurance, and paid leave. This helps the firm stay competitive in the Australian job market.  

Faster Time to Hire 

Setting up an entity in Australia can take months, delaying your entry into the market. An EOR allows you to hire employees in Australia immediately, helping you meet project timelines and start operations faster.  

• Example: A U.S. fintech company wants to hire customer support representatives in Australia within a month. By partnering with TCWGlobal, they can quickly onboard Australian employees without waiting for a local entity setup.  

Reduced Overhead and No Need for Entity Setup 

Setting up a legal entity in Australia involves various expenses, from registration fees to office setup. Using an EOR like TCWGlobal eliminates these costs, allowing you to focus resources on revenue-generating activities.  

• Example: An international marketing agency needs a temporary team in Australia for a one-year project. Rather than establishing an entity, they hire through TCWGlobal, saving time and money while maintaining compliance.  

How TCWGlobal Simplifies Hiring in Australia  

TCWGlobal offers a complete EOR solution to manage all aspects of employment, payroll, and compliance for your Australian team. Providing a hassle-free experience for businesses expanding into Australia.  

Expertise in Australian Compliance and Labor Law 

TCWGlobal has extensive knowledge of Australian labor laws, including tax obligations, pension contributions, leave entitlements, and employee protections. Our compliance expertise collaborate with you to help your employment practices meet Australian regulations, minimizing legal risks and protecting your brand.  

Comprehensive Payroll and Benefits Administration 

TCWGlobal manages all payroll and benefits tasks, from tax withholding to superannuation contributions, ensuring accuracy and compliance. We handle all necessary remittances to the ATO. We also offer localized benefits packages that help retain talent in the Australian job market.  

Efficient Onboarding and HR Support 

TCWGlobal provides a seamless onboarding process for Australian employees, managing employment contracts, HR documentation, and benefits enrollment. Our dedicated HR support ensures employees have access to the resources they need, improving the overall employee experience.  

Scalable EOR Solutions for Growing Teams 

Whether you’re hiring one employee or building an entire team in Australia. TCWGlobal offers scalable solutions to meet your business’s needs. As your team grows, our EOR services adapt to support your expanding workforce.  

Technology-Driven Platform for Real-Time HR Management 

With our advanced HR platform, TCWGlobal offers centralized management of payroll, benefits, and compliance, providing real-time insights and data access. This technology makes it easy to track and manage your Australian workforce, streamlining operations across borders.  

FAQs  

Why should I use an EOR to hire in Australia instead of setting up a local entity?  

Using an EOR allows you to hire employees in Australia quickly and compliantly without the time and cost of establishing a local entity. An EOR handles all employment-related functions, including payroll, employment taxes, and compliance, reducing administrative burdens.  

How does TCWGlobal handle payroll for Australian employees?  

TCWGlobal manages Australian payroll, handling tax withholdings, Superannuation Guarantee contributions, and remittances to the Australian Taxation Office. We partner with you to assist with your employees being paid accurately in Australian dollars and in compliance with local laws.  

What benefits can TCWGlobal provide to Australian employees?  

TCWGlobal offers competitive benefits packages tailored to Australian expectations, including health insurance, superannuation contributions, paid leave, wellness and many more benefit programs. These benefits meet local standards and help attract top talent.  

Can I hire multiple employees in Australia through TCWGlobal?  

Yes, TCWGlobal provides scalable EOR services, allowing you to hire as many employees as needed in Australia. Whether it’s a single hire or a large team, we adapt to your business needs.  

How quickly can TCWGlobal help me onboard employees in Australia?  

With TCWGlobal, you can start hiring in Australia immediately without waiting for entity setup. We handle all onboarding processes, allowing your team to be ready to work as soon as possible.  

How does TCWGlobal assist in compliance with Australian labor laws?  

TCWGlobal’s compliance experts stay up-to-date on Australian labor laws, including tax requirements, superannuation, and employee rights. We manage employment tasks according to local regulations, minimizing compliance risks.  

Final Thought  

Expanding into Australia offers exciting possibilities, but setting up a local business entity can be challenging and expensive. Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) like TCWGlobal allows you to hire Australian talent quickly and compliantly, without the administrative burden of establishing a legal presence. 

TCWGlobal assist you in payroll, compliance, benefits, and HR support. This ensures a smooth experience for your Australian employees. It also lets your business focus on growth and innovation.  

Need Help?  

Need help managing your contingent workforce? Contact TCWGlobal today to learn more.  

Whether you need expertise in Employer of Record (EOR) services, Managed Service Provider (MSP) solutions, or Vendor Management Systems (VMS), our team is equipped to support your business needs. We specialize in addressing worker misclassification, offering comprehensive payroll solutions, and managing global payroll intricacies.  

From remote workforce management to workforce compliance, and from international hiring to employee benefits administration, TCWGlobal has the experience and resources to streamline your HR functions. Our services also include HR outsourcing, talent acquisition, freelancer management, and contractor compliance, ensuring seamless cross-border employment and adherence to labor laws.  

We help you navigate employment contracts, tax compliance, workforce flexibility, and risk mitigation, all tailored to your unique business requirements. Contact us today at tcwglobal.com or email us at hello@tcwglobal.com to discover how we can help your organization thrive in today's dynamic work environment. Let TCWGlobal assist with all your payrolling needs!