Hire Virtual Staff in the Philippines Without Full-Time Employee Commitments
Find the perfect support for your business—hire flexible virtual staff as independent contractors and get started today
What is an Independent Contractor?
When you hire virtual staff as independent contractors, you get skilled people to work for your business without having to pay their taxes, government contributions, or employee benefits
Here’s how it works:
The contractor handles their own taxes, health contributions, and social security payments.
You don’t need to provide government-mandated benefits like healthcare or holiday pay.
You stay focused on assigning tasks and managing their performance.
It’s perfect if you want flexibility without taking on the responsibilities that come with hiring full-time employees.
Choose the Right Plan for Hiring Virtual Staff
Independent Contractor Plan
Only$29/month per staff
Simple, Flexible Hiring—You Handle Compliance
What’s Included:
Legally Compliant Contracts & Onboarding – Hire Filipino staff with ready-to-use contract templates.- Full Flexibility – Hire staff part-time or full-time—pay them directly inside the platform.
- No Employer Tax Obligations – Your contractors handle their own taxes and benefits.
- Basic Payroll Management – Track payments and manage staff inside the platform.
- Attendance & Time-Off Tracking – Monitor work hours, absences, and leave requests.
No Compliance Protection – You assume all legal risks, tax responsibilities, and misclassification liability.
Best For:
- Entrepreneurs & small businesses hiring short-term or flexible virtual staff.
- Businesses that understand Philippines labor laws and can manage compliance on their own.
Important: This plan does not include protection against misclassification fines or legal liabilities.
Independent Contractor Plus Plan
Only$99/month per staff
The Smarter Way to Hire Staff as Independent Contractors — With Compliance & Legal Protection
What’s Included:
Everything in Basic, PLUS:
- Up to $100,000 in Misclassification Protection - Avoid fines, legal penalties, and tax risks.
- Dedicated Compliance Support - Our legal & HR team ensures your contracts stay updated with Philippine labor laws.
- Automated Contract & Document Management - Store, track, and update agreements inside the platform.
- Tax & Labor Compliance Support - We provide guidance on proper classification and local labor requirements.
Why Choose This Plan?
- Avoid costly legal risks — stay compliant when hiring independent contractors.
- Peace of mind knowing you’re protected from misclassification lawsuits.
- Ideal for businesses hiring for ongoing roles or key positions.
What's the Difference Between an Independent Contractor and a Full-Time Employee?
| Feature | Independent Contractor | Full-Time Employee (Via EOR) |
|---|---|---|
| Who handles taxes? | The contractor handles their own taxes and contributions. | We handle all payroll taxes, government contributions, and filings. |
| Benefits (health, leave, etc.) | Not required—you don't provide benefits. | We manage benefits like SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and paid leave. |
| Flexibility | The contractor handles their own taxes and contributions. | Full-time employment with set hours and agreements tailored to your business. |
| Legal risk protection | Only with Contractor Plus (up to $100K protection). | Full legal protection—VirtualStaff.ph assumes full responsibility under Philippine labor laws. |
| Perfect For | Short-term projects, flexible roles, and task-based work. | Long-term hires and building a committed, stable team. |
Downsides of Hiring Independent Contractors
(And Why Full-Time Employees May Be a Better Fit)
If your goal is to build a dedicated, long-term team that feels secure and valued, hiring employees through our Employer of Record (EOR) solution can be the smarter choice.
While hiring independent contractors gives you flexibility and lower costs, there are some things to consider:
No Benefits for Contractors: Independent contractors don’t receive health insurance, paid leaves, or the 13th-month bonus.
Less Loyalty and Stability: Contractors may treat the work as temporary and leave for other opportunities.
Legal Risks: If an independent contractor is misclassified, you could face fines and penalties (unless you choose Contractor Plus for protection).
No Control Over Contributions: You’re not paying government contributions like SSS, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG—but this also means you’re not building long-term stability for your team.
Which Option is Best for Your Business?
Independent Contractor Plan
Great if you want flexibility and only need part-time or short-term help
Independent Contractor Plus
Ideal if you want the flexibility of a contractor but with added legal protection
Full-Time Employee (via EOR)
Best if you’re building a team for the long haul and want to provide your virtual staff with full benefits, job security, and a stable working relationship
Why Choose an Employer of Record (EOR) for Full-Time Employees?
When you need dedicated full-time virtual staff, our Employer of Record (EOR) service takes care of everything
We handle payroll, taxes, and government contributions: You don’t need to worry about SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, or withholding taxes
We provide employee benefits: Full-time staff receive healthcare contributions, paid leave, and the 13th-month bonus—which improves job satisfaction
Full legal protection: We assume full responsibility under Philippine labor laws, so you’re protected from legal issues
With EOR, you focus on your team’s tasks and performance while we handle the legal and administrative complexities
Need Help Deciding?
We’re here to make it simple for you to build the right team structure in the Philippines. Book a free strategy call, and we’ll walk you through your options