Choosing an EOR Company in Australia: 9 Checks Before You Sign
Insights · By Chen ChunJie · Updated 17 October 2026
Most Australia employer of record providers promise the same things: no entity, fast onboarding, full compliance. The differences show up later, in who actually employs your staff, whether the provider is licensed, and what the contract costs to leave. These nine checks will tell you most of what you need to know about any Australian EOR service provider, including us.
Last reviewed in October 2026 against Fair Work Ombudsman, Fair Work Commission and ATO sources. General information, not legal or tax advice.
1. Who is the legal employer?
Ask for the name and ABN of the entity that will sign the employment contract. Some providers employ through their own Australian company, others through a local partner. Both can work; what matters is that you know who it is and that the provider stays accountable to you.
2. Is the employer licensed for labour hire?
Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the ACT operate labour-hire licensing schemes. Whether a licence is required depends on the arrangement and each jurisdiction’s definitions and exemptions. Confirm the employing and supplying entities, check any applicable licence on the regulator’s register, and obtain a documented explanation if an exemption is claimed.
3. Can they get the award right?
Ask how the provider decides which modern award and classification applies, and who checks it. A wrong classification can mean underpayment claims years later, with back pay and penalties.
4. Are they set up for Payday Super and STP?
Since 1 July 2026 super must reach the employee’s fund within 7 business days of each payday. Ask how the provider funds super with each pay run and reports through Single Touch Payroll Phase 2. ATO
5. Who pays payroll tax and workers' compensation?
Both are real costs. Ask whether they are in the quote, at which state’s rate, and how workers’ compensation is arranged for staff in different states.
6. How do they handle the fixed-term limits?
If the provider uses fixed-term contracts, ask how it complies with duration, renewal and consecutive-contract restrictions, including any applicable exception. The general two-year restriction applies to fixed-term contracts, not to EOR services as a category. Confirm the lawful plan for an ongoing role before signing.
7. Is every fee in writing?
Ask for a sample invoice. Check the monthly fee, minimums, deposit and refund terms, fees on bonuses or expenses, foreign exchange margins, and any exit or transfer fee.
8. What do the contracts say about IP and data?
The employment contract should assign intellectual property and protect confidential information for your benefit. The service agreement should say how employee data is stored and who can access it.
9. How easy is it to leave?
Ask how employees move to your own Australian company later: notice periods, recognition of service, leave balances and any conversion fee. A good EOR makes the exit straightforward.
Questions to send any provider
- Which entity employs the worker, and what is its ABN?
- Which labour hire licences does it hold?
- Who checks the award and classification?
- How is super paid under Payday Super?
- Are payroll tax and workers' compensation in the price?
- What happens at the two-year fixed-term limit?
- Can we see a sample invoice and the full fee schedule?
- How do we move employees to our own entity?
How NNRoad answers these checks
| Check | NNRoad Australia EOR |
|---|---|
| Legal employer | Our Australian employing partner; NNRoad is your single contract and point of contact |
| Labour hire licence | Held in every state and territory that requires one |
| Award and super | Award check before the offer; super paid with each pay run under Payday Super |
| Costs | A monthly service fee per employee, quoted after a role review; employment costs charged at cost; worked examples |
| Fixed-term limit | Planned with you well before the end date |
| Exit | Employees can move to your own entity when you are ready |
Want to run these checks on us?
Ask for our quote and service agreement. We will answer each of the nine checks in writing.