- For Companies
- Hiring
What is the earliest Start Date for employees?
Horizons, as your Employer of Record (EOR), ensures compliant and seamless hiring processes for global employment. One critical factor in this process is determining the earliest possible start date for your employees. Since each country has unique regulations and processes, start dates can vary significantly depending on local labor laws.
To ensure compliance, our platform is designed to allow only future start dates, as backdating employment is permitted in very few countries globally. Below, we outline the logic behind selecting start dates and the key considerations for onboarding timelines.
Start Date Selection Rules
For dates from the 1st to the 14th of a month: The earliest start date you can select is one day after the current date.
For dates from the 15th to the end of the month: The earliest start date you can select is the 1st of the following month.
Example: Pictured below a hiring request being raised on the 14th of November, 2024, allowing only future start dates to be selected. 
These guidelines are in place to maintain compliance with country-specific labor laws and ensure smooth onboarding for your employees.
Global Cutoff for Payroll Inclusion
To include an employee in the same month's payroll, the onboarding process must be fully completed by the 15th of the month. Onboarding finalized after this date will result in the employee’s inclusion in the payroll for the following month.
Making Changes to Start Dates
If adjustments to start dates are needed, these must be addressed during the onboarding process with your regional onboarding specialist. They will work with you to manage any necessary changes while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
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