No. An Agent of Record (AOR) manages the relationship between your business and your independent contractors, handling compliance, contracts, tax documents, and payments while workers remain self-employed. An Employer of Record (EOR) actually becomes the legal employer of workers on your behalf — making it the right fit for hiring full-time employees abroad. Use an AOR for freelancers and contractors; use an EOR for employees. Confusing the two can lead to costly worker misclassification issues.

AOR services are typically priced on a per-contractor, per-month basis, with costs varying by provider, number of contractors, and the geographies involved. International engagements generally carry higher fees due to added compliance complexity. While it's an extra line in your budget, the cost is usually offset by the time saved and the legal risks avoided. Always check for hidden fees or steep cancellation terms before signing.