When your company is ready to expand overseas, knowing how to hire foreign employees is a necessity. Unfortunately, many employers are unaware of the numerous international rules and regulations governing foreign expansion and hiring. The first and most crucial step is to understand where to start. Hiring employees to work from the foreign location is a complicated process, riddled with wide-ranging tax and employment laws. For instance, there are regulations regarding vacations, holidays, employee benefits, maternity leave, non-compete agreements, and acceptable termination practices, all of which may differ according to each foreign country. All too often, these laws and guidelines make foreign expansion extremely difficult and risky. For many businesses, hiring a professional consultant with foreign expansion expertise is extremely valuable. US companies may find it necessary to form separate subsidiaries for each country in order to better navigate international tax regulations. In many situations, countries have formal agreements designating the amount of employee tax withholdings and to which country these payments go. Another issue is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Policy, prohibiting US companies from paying bribes to foreign officials for business purposes. Some countries also enforce strict privacy laws regarding personal information, which makes creating a simple employee directory for an international company a legal risk. Aside from the myriad legal implications, expanding businesses must learn the cultural norms of new countries. For example, how much are workers normally paid for this job and what benefits are typically granted? A consultant will be of immense assistance, not only by explaining acceptable compensation packages, but also the differences in business culture. How do people in this foreign country communicate in a business setting, and how do they view leadership? Finally, when hiring foreign employees it is vital that any expanding business take the time necessary to properly implement the various steps. Hiring foreign employees can be a difficult process, complicated even further by the logistics of working with people overseas. Different languages, time zones, and communication styles must be considered to ensure that working together is productive. Attempting to rush the process increases the risk of encountering obstacles. And while business expansion is a huge step, taking appropriate time and strategic steps will ensure the best chance for success. http://www.foreignstaffing.com/blog/how-do-i-hire-foreign-employees

1. When your company is ready to expand overseas, knowing how to hire foreign employees is a
necessity. Unfortunately, many employers are unaware of the numerous international rules and
regulations governing foreign expansion and hiring.
The first and most crucial step is to understand where to start. Hiring employees to work from
the foreign location is a complicated process, riddled with wide-ranging tax and employment
laws. For instance, there are regulations regarding vacations, holidays, employee benefits,
maternity leave, non-compete agreements, and acceptable termination practices, all of which
may differ according to each foreign country. All too often, these laws and guidelines make
foreign expansion extremely difficult and risky. For many businesses, hiring a professional
consultant with foreign expansion expertise is extremely valuable.
US companies may find it necessary to form separate subsidiaries for each country in order to
better navigate international tax regulations. In many situations, countries have formal
agreements designating the amount of employee tax withholdings and to which country these
payments go. Another issue is the Foreign Corrupt Practices Policy, prohibiting US companies
from paying bribes to foreign officials for business purposes. Some countries also enforce strict
privacy laws regarding personal information, which makes creating a simple employee directory
for an international company a legal risk.
Aside from the myriad legal implications, expanding businesses must learn the cultural norms of
new countries. For example, how much are workers normally paid for this job and what benefits
are typically granted? A consultant will be of immense assistance, not only by explaining
acceptable compensation packages, but also the differences in business culture. How do
people in this foreign country communicate in a business setting, and how do they view
leadership?
Finally, when hiring foreign employees it is vital that any expanding business take the time
necessary to properly implement the various steps. Hiring foreign employees can be a difficult
process, complicated even further by the logistics of working with people overseas. Different
languages, time zones, and communication styles must be considered to ensure that working
together is productive. Attempting to rush the process increases the risk of encountering
obstacles. And while business expansion is a huge step, taking appropriate time and strategic
steps will ensure the best chance for success.
By Larissa Miller – International Journalism Intern
HOW DO I HIRE
FOREIGN EMPLOYEES?
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