Contractor vs employee calculator
Compare the cost of engaging someone as a contractor versus an employee through an EOR, with the country's misclassification notes.
| Option | Estimated annual cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Contractor | $69,588 | Cheapest on paper. No statutory benefits; reclassification risk in Japan if the relationship looks like employment. |
| Employee via EOR | $76,368 – $76,908 | Local contract, statutory benefits and payroll compliance handled by the EOR. |
Japan contractor risk: Independent contractors (gyomu itaku) are common, but Japanese courts and labour inspectors apply employee-likeness tests. The Freelance Act (2024) regulates payment to freelancers. Moderate risk. Not legal advice.
Want to hire this person in Japan?
Not professional advice. Rates, rules and prices change often. Figures here are researched estimates from the sources listed; anything marked “unverified” needs checking with the provider or a local adviser before you rely on it.