Employer of Record (EOR) in Ecuador

An EOR in Ecuador allows businesses to enter the market quickly and helps maintain compliance with local laws, all while reducing the overhead costs of establishing a local entity. Atlas HXM offers a seamless EOR service that handles all aspects of employment for workers who have valid authorization to work in Ecuador, from payroll processing to compliant administration.

Partner with Atlas HXM for a cost-effective, compliant solution to hire and manage your workforce in Ecuador.

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Country InsightsEcuadorEmployer of Record

Quick Overview of EOR in Ecuador

Expanding into Ecuador doesn't have to mean drowning in paperwork or hefty setup costs. With an Employer of Record (EOR), you can bypass the complexities of local regulations and quickly hire employees, all while maintaining compliance with Ecuador's labor laws. From payroll processing and tax compliance to benefits management, an EOR takes care of the legal nitty-gritty like IESS contributions, so you can focus on growing your business without the need to set up a costly local entity.

The EOR model offers a low-risk, cost-effective alternative to setting up a subsidiary. Establishing a local entity in Ecuador can cost anywhere from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000 plus the cost of maintaining human resources (HR), legal assistance, accountants, and more. It can also become highly administrative. By partnering with an EOR, you can avoid these setup costs and enter the market faster, avoiding the overhead of a physical office. This is especially beneficial for startups, SMEs, and businesses testing new markets, who need to act quickly and comply with complex local regulations.

Disclaimer: The contents of this article is not legal advice and should be used for reference only. If in doubt, please seek independent legal advice from a lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

What You'll Learn Ahead

  • Looking to hire in Ecuador without the hassle and administrative burden of setting up a local entity? An EOR helps you onboard employees while maintaining compliance with payroll and local labor laws.

  • With a direct EOR, you gain control, faster onboarding, and stronger compliance. It is ideal for businesses aiming to scale quickly.

  • On the other hand, an indirect EOR may be more cost-effective but comes with slower processes and added complexity.

  • EOR service fees typically range from USD 400 to USD 800 per employee per month.

  • Atlas HXM offers a robust Direct EOR solution, providing smooth market entry, compliance, and seamless employee management: all in one platform.

How an EOR Works

At Atlas HXM, we provide EOR services that ensure your business remains compliant with Ecuador's labor laws while you focus on growing your operations, free from administrative and legal burdens.

Candidate Selection

Atlas HXM does not recruit candidates, but will check the employment setup for compliance around new hires, like validating right-to-work, reviewing contract terms against Ecuador rules, and configuring payroll and statutory obligations correctly. EOR providers in Ecuador, including Atlas HXM, can assist with work permit applications for eligible foreign nationals. Anyone hired via EOR must either hold valid work authorization or qualify for temporary residence visa sponsorship through proper documentation.

Employment Contracts

Atlas HXM drafts and administers employment contracts in compliance with the Ecuadorian Labor Code. In the contract, we clearly outline employment terms to reduce the risk of future disputes, such as:

  • Job title and responsibilities

  • Salary, benefits, and working hours (8 hours/day, 40 hours/week)

  • Leave entitlements and notice periods

Payroll & Benefits Management

Payroll is processed in US dollars (USD), including:

  • Accurate tax withholdings and IESS contributions

  • Statutory benefits such as 13th and 14th-month salaries

The EOR also helps maintain compliance with mandatory benefits, so employees are protected under Ecuador's laws.

Work Permit Compliance

In Ecuador, Atlas HXM can assist with temporary residence visa applications for foreign workers. Once a worker has valid authorization, Atlas HXM manages compliant employment, payroll, IESS, and statutory obligations in alignment with Ministry of Labor regulations.

Ongoing HR Support

Provides HR support, including: Leave management, employee relations and regulatory updates throughout the employee's tenure. This allows businesses to focus on core operations, while Atlas HXM handles ongoing compliance.

Costs & Pricing

EOR services in Ecuador are typically billed as a platform/service fee in the range of USD 400–800 per employee per month. This fee covers administration such as compliant contracts, payroll processing, statutory filings, and HR administration for workers who already hold valid work authorization. This service fee is separate from the employee's salary, benefits, taxes, and visa-related costs, which vary by role and jurisdiction. By using an EOR, companies avoid the cost and overhead of setting up an Ecuador entity, which can require USD 5,000–15,000 upfront before any operational spend.

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What to Choose: EOR vs PEO

EOR

Employer of Record

An EOR becomes the legal employer for your hires in a country where you do not have an entity. The EOR carries employer liability and handles compliant contracts, payroll, statutory benefits, tax filings, and labor law adherence. You still direct the employee's work. This model suits companies expanding into Ecuador without wanting to form a local entity or take on compliance risk.

PEO

Professional Employer Organization

A PEO provides outsourced HR services like payroll, benefits, and HR admin, but only when you already have a local entity. You remain the legal employer, and the PEO shares administrative tasks without taking on employer liability. Suitable when you are already established in the country and are only looking to offload HR administration.

What’s Best for You?

  • Choose an EOR when you want to hire in Ecuador without setting up an entity and want a partner who absorbs employer risk.

  • Choose a PEO when you already operate locally and just want HR support.

Work Life in Ecuador

Ecuador's employment framework is designed to balance operational needs with employee protections. Here's what you need to know:

Employment Types:

  • Permanent: Ongoing employment with full statutory benefits.

  • Fixed-Term: Hired for a specific project or defined duration (minimum 1 year).

  • Temporary: Short-term assignments; entitled to 35% salary premium and statutory benefits.

Probation Periods: The maximum probationary period is 90 days and must be outlined in the employment contract. No more than 15% of the workforce can be on probation simultaneously. These periods allow employers to assess employee suitability before offering permanent employment. Either party can terminate during probation without notice or compensation.

Working Hours & Overtime: In Ecuador, the standard workweek is 40 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Employees must receive a break after working 6 consecutive hours. Overtime cannot exceed 4 hours per day or 12 hours per week. Day overtime is paid at 50% premium, night overtime (12 AM-6 AM) at 100% premium, and weekend work at 100% premium.

Leave Entitlements

Leave Type

Eligibility / Duration

Payment / Notes

Annual Leave

15 days (18 days for under 18); +1 day per year after 5 years

Paid in advance; based on average salary

Maternity Leave

12 weeks + 10 days in case of multiple birth

2 weeks before, 10 weeks after delivery

Paternity Leave

10 days paid + 5 days in case of multiple births or caesarean.

Enhanced for premature birth or disabled children 8 more days

Sick Leave

After 6 months IESS contributions

First 3 days by employer, then 75% by IESS

Public Holidays

All statutory holidays

Paid; 100% premium if worked

Vacation Leave

As per the statutory minimum,

Paid in advance; unused leave is paid upon termination.

Payroll & Benefits: Wages must meet the unified basic salary of USD 470 per month minimum. Atlas HXM manages payroll in USD, IESS contributions (employer and employee), statutory benefits including 13th and 14th-month salaries, and supplemental benefits. The 13th-month salary equals one-twelfth of annual earnings, while the 14th-month salary equals one minimum wage.

Atlas HXM can help you manage these aspects and can help ensure that employees are supported and compliant with Ecuador's labor laws while businesses can focus on operations without administrative burdens.

More Reading

10 Best Employers of Record in Ecuador in 2026

Blogs26 Jan 2026

Workplace Health and Safety Compliance in Latin America: Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador

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What to Choose: Indirect vs Direct EOR

Direct EOR

The EOR owns the legal entities in the target country, coordinating all employment-related tasks directly. It offers faster onboarding, better compliance, and more control.

Best for: Businesses looking to scale quickly, expand long-term, or enter Ecuador with compliance.

Indirect EOR

The EOR provider acts as an intermediary between the business and a third-party local entity. While it can be cheaper, it may result in delays and compliance complexity.

Best for: Small teams or short-term hires with less urgent compliance needs.

What’s Best for You?

  • For Small Teams or Contractors: Indirect EOR could work, especially for temporary hires or testing a market.

  • For Scaling and Compliance: Direct EOR is the best choice. With Atlas HXM, you'll have control, faster entry, and streamlined compliance.

Taxes & Compliance

Ecuador operates on a calendar-year tax system, running from January 1 to December 31. Employers must submit monthly payroll tax returns by the 28th of the following month, IESS contributions by the 15th of the following month, and provide annual tax documentation. Personal income tax returns are due by March 31st of the following year.

Category

Details

Employer Payroll Tax

IESS contributions: IESS contributions are 12.15% of the gross salary. The total social security burden (including the employee's 9.45% share) totals approximately 21.6%. for certain industries Municipal taxes depending on location

Employee Payroll Tax

Residents: progressive income tax 5%–37% Non-residents: flat 25% for Ecuador-sourced income Employee IESS contributions: 9.45% of gross salary

Pension System (IESS)

Mandatory savings scheme for retirement, healthcare, and benefits Flexible retirement: any age with 40+ years contributions Pension based on average of 5 best years of contributions Additional Christmas bonus and 14th pension payments

VAT & EOR Costs: Ecuador applies a 15% VAT rate. EOR services may be subject to VAT, either included in quoted fees or added separately. Businesses may claim VAT credits if registered and meeting requirements.

Atlas HXM handles tax compliance, including progressive income tax calculations, IESS contributions, year-end filings, and expatriate tax arrangements, ensuring businesses remain compliant with local laws while minimizing administrative burden.

Termination

Employment contracts can be terminated without mandatory notice by paying a sudden dismissal bonus equal to 25% of monthly remuneration per year of service. Fixed-term contracts require 30 days' notice from employers and 15 days from employees. Severance benefits range from 3 months' remuneration (up to 3 years of service) to 1 month per year of service (maximum 25 months) for longer-term employees. The EOR helps ensure proper handling of terminations, including notice periods, final wages, and required documentation.

5 Things to Look for in an EOR Provider in Ecuador

  1. Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of Ecuador's Labor Code, IESS contribution requirements, and Ministry of Labor regulations

  2. Robust Technology: Advanced payroll processing, reporting systems, and HR platform integration capabilities

  3. Industry Experience: Proven track record handling work permits, visas, and sector-specific employment requirements

  4. Compliance Credibility: Strong relationships with government agencies, legal advisors, and established compliance record

  5. Global Standards: International security certifications (ISO 27001/27017/27018, GDPR) and multi-country expansion support

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Atlas HXM provides direct EOR services, managing payroll, compliance, and benefits efficiently. Our unified platform automates HR, payroll, and compliance tasks while offering premium employee support, global benefits, and access to 9,000+ learning courses. Recognized by Everest Group PEAK Matrix 2025 and NelsonHall NEAT Assessment 2025, Atlas HXM combines compliance, technology, and global expertise.

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FAQs

What is the minimum wage in Ecuador?

The unified basic salary in Ecuador is USD 470 per month, with sectoral minimum wages increasing by 2.174% in 2025.

What is the typical probation period?

Maximum 90 days and must be in the employment contract. No more than 15% of the workforce can be on probation simultaneously.

How much notice is required for termination?

No mandatory notice is required, but a sudden dismissal bonus of 25% monthly remuneration per year of service applies. Fixed-term contracts require 30 days' (employer) or 15 days' (employee) notice.

What are the IESS contribution rates for employers?

Employers contribute approximately 21.6% of gross salary to IESS for pension, healthcare, and social security benefits.

What are the standard working hours in Ecuador?

8 hours per day or 40 hours per week, with a mandatory 2 days of paid weekly rest.

How is overtime calculated in Ecuador?

Day overtime: 50% premium; night overtime (12 AM-6 AM): 100% premium; weekend work: 100% premium. Maximum 4 hours/day or 12 hours/week.

         

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