BambooHR is widely recognised as one of the most user-friendly human resources (HR) platforms on the market, primarily catering to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). While it originally focused on core HR functions like employee records and time-off management, BambooHR has gradually expanded its offering to include features that support businesses with international hiring and global workforce management. Below is our comprehensive review to help you determine if BambooHR is the right fit for your global hiring needs.
Review of BambooHR
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR software designed to streamline HR tasks such as:
- Employee records management
- Time-off tracking
- Onboarding and offboarding
- Performance management
- Reporting and analytics
For businesses hiring internationally, BambooHR integrates with third-party global payroll and compliance services, making it possible to manage international employees alongside domestic teams within a single system.
However, it is worth noting that BambooHR does not directly provide global Employer of Record (EOR) services or international payroll processing as part of its core platform.
Key features for international hiring
BambooHR can support international hiring strategies through several relevant features:
1. Employee self-service
International employees can access the BambooHR platform to update personal details, submit time-off requests, and complete onboarding paperwork, regardless of their location.
2. Document storage
BambooHR offers secure storage for international employment contracts, right-to-work documents, and tax forms, helping businesses maintain compliance across borders.
3. E-signatures
BambooHR’s e-signature feature simplifies the process of sending and signing contracts and documents globally, streamlining remote hiring.
4. Integration with global payroll providers
While BambooHR does not handle international payroll natively, it integrates with platforms like Deel, Papaya Global, and Remote.com—companies that specialise in global payroll, EOR, and contractor management.
5. Time-off management
BambooHR allows for country-specific holiday calendars and time-off policies, which can be customised to comply with different local labour laws.
6. Reporting and analytics
Custom reports can provide insights on global headcounts, turnover rates by region, and other international workforce metrics.
BambooHR pricing
BambooHR does not publicly display its pricing and instead offers custom quotes based on business size and needs. However, typical reports from users suggest:
- Core HR package (starting around £4–£6 per employee, per month): Includes employee records, time-off tracking, and basic reporting.
- Pro package (starting around £7–£9 per employee, per month): Adds features like performance management and advanced reporting.
- Add-ons: Integrations with payroll, time tracking, and international platforms usually involve extra fees, either through BambooHR or the third-party provider.
For businesses hiring internationally, the total cost often rises due to these third-party integrations, so budgeting carefully is essential.
Pros and cons of BambooHR for international hiring
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface suitable for global teams
- Customisable to meet country-specific employment laws
- Strong integration capabilities with major global payroll and compliance platforms
- Centralised employee data for a global workforce
- Reliable customer support and extensive online resources
Cons:
- No native international payroll or tax compliance features
- Requires third-party providers for full international employment capabilities
- Costs can increase significantly when adding integrations
- May be less suitable for larger enterprises with highly complex global structures
- Limited automation compared to some specialist global HR platforms
Review – Is BambooHR right for your international hiring needs?
BambooHR is best suited to businesses that:
- Already employ a mix of domestic and international workers and want to unify HR processes.
- Plan to scale internationally and need a centralised system to manage employee records, onboarding, and compliance documents.
- Are happy to manage global payroll and compliance via external partners while using BambooHR as the core HR platform.
However, if you need an all-in-one international employment solution—including EOR services, tax filings, global benefits administration, and in-country legal support—BambooHR alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, solutions like Deel, Remote.com, or Papaya Global might be more appropriate.
Final verdict
To conclude our review, BambooHR is a market-leading HR platform that works well as a central hub for managing an international workforce, provided you’re prepared to integrate it with specialist global payroll and compliance services.
Its ease of use, customisability, and reporting features make it a strong choice for SMBs expanding internationally.
However, for businesses looking for a fully comprehensive, hands-off global employment solution, BambooHR’s reliance on third-party integrations might be a limitation.
FAQ – BambooHR review
BambooHR is a cloud-based human resources (HR) software designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It helps manage employee records, time-off tracking, onboarding, performance, and reporting. While it is primarily focused on core HR functions, it also supports international teams through integrations with global payroll and compliance providers.
Yes, BambooHR can support businesses with international employees by centralising employee data, managing country-specific policies, and integrating with third-party international payroll and Employer of Record (EOR) services. However, BambooHR itself does not directly provide international payroll, tax compliance, or legal employment services.
Not directly. BambooHR does not process international payroll itself but integrates with global payroll providers such as Deel, Papaya Global, and Remote.com. These integrations allow businesses to manage employee information in BambooHR while processing payroll through specialist platforms.
No. BambooHR does not manage tax compliance, local employment law, or filings in other countries. You will need to rely on integrated third-party services or separate legal and accounting support for compliance in each country where you hire.
Yes, BambooHR allows you to set up country-specific policies, including holiday calendars, time-off entitlements, and document storage. This makes it easier to manage diverse compliance needs across multiple regions.
Pricing is customised based on the number of employees and the features you need. Reports suggest plans start at around £4–£6 per employee, per month for the basic package and £7–£9 per employee, per month for the Pro package. International capabilities often require additional costs for third-party integrations.
Yes. BambooHR’s onboarding tools can be used globally. New hires, regardless of location, can complete documents, sign contracts, and access company policies through the online platform.
No, BambooHR is not an EOR. It does not employ workers on your behalf in foreign countries. If you need EOR services, you will need to integrate BambooHR with a specialist provider such as Deel, Remote.com, or Papaya Global.
BambooHR takes data security seriously and is compliant with industry standards like GDPR, which is critical for handling employee data across multiple jurisdictions.
BambooHR works best for businesses that:
Are scaling internationally but want a centralised HR system.
Already use or are willing to use third-party services for global payroll and compliance.
Want an easy-to-use platform that supports both domestic and international employee management.