How to pay international contractors
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Hiring contractors abroad is the fastest way to build a remote team. Paying them well means a clear contract, the right tax paperwork and a payment route that doesn't eat their pay.
1. Put it in a contract
Agree the scope, rate, currency, payment schedule and who owns the work (intellectual property). A written contract also protects you if the relationship looks like employment later; see employer of record vs contractor.
2. Collect the right tax form
Rules depend on where your company is. A US company paying a non-US individual for work done outside the US usually collects Form W-8BEN instead of issuing a 1099. Other countries have their own rules; contractor platforms collect the forms for you.
3. Choose how to pay
Contractor platforms handle contracts, invoices, tax forms and payouts in many currencies for a fee per contractor:
| Product | Price today | Free plan | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oyster Contractors | From USD 29 per contractor per month | No | Pricing |
| Remote Contractor Management | From USD 29 per contractor per month | No | Pricing |
| Deel Contractors | From USD 49 per contractor per month | No | Pricing |
| Multiplier Contractors | From USD 40 per contractor per month, annual | No | Pricing |
| Ontop | From USD 49 per contractor per month (from) | No | Pricing |
Prices from vendor websites, checked 2026-10-12; they update automatically.
Direct transfers from a multi-currency account are cheaper for a few contractors, but you handle the paperwork yourself:
| Product | Price today | Free plan | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airwallex | Free plan, then USD 12 per user per month + platform fee | Yes | Pricing |
| Payoneer | Free plan, then USD 29.95 per year if under USD 6,000 | Yes | Pricing |
| Mercury | Free plan, then USD 29.90 per month | Yes | Pricing |
| Revolut Business | From GBP 10 per month (≈ USD 13.23) | No | Pricing |
| Wise Business | From USD 31 one-time | No | Pricing |
Prices from vendor websites, checked 2026-10-12; they update automatically.
Estimate a platform's monthly cost for your team with the contractor payroll cost calculator.
4. Pay on time, every time
Late or short payments are the main reason good contractors leave. Agree who pays the transfer fees, and check what arrives at their end with the international payment calculator.
Questions
Do I need to withhold tax for a foreign contractor?
A US company paying a non-US individual for services performed entirely outside the US generally does not withhold US tax, provided it has a valid W-8BEN. Check your own country's rules.