Outsourcing, both onshore and offshore, has become a routine process for many businesses as the benefits it provides beat any risks. The global outsourcing market is forecast to reach USD 588.38 billion in 2025, expanding to USD 806.55 billion by 2030, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.51%. This tremendous growth is for a reason. BPO teams delivering high-quality service at low rates are attractive not only to large businesses but also to the modest budgets of SMEs. And not only that. The outsourcing industry is evolving, implementing cutting-edge technologies to deliver even more efficient services. AI tools empowering agents to work faster and better are the new norm in global call centers, and we expect them to develop further, pushing the boundaries of how customers can be served.
Top Outsourcing Countries Worth Considering in 2026
The Philippines
The Philippines is among the top countries for outsourcing in Southeast Asia, proudly holding the title of ‘The BPO Capital of the World’. Major international companies such as Microsoft, Facebook, American Express, and UnitedHealth Group choose to outsource their operations to the Philippines.
The Philippine IT-BPM sector is growing by leaps and bounds and refuses to slow down. It targets 42 billion dollars in revenue by 2026 (according to IBPAP), which is a truly impressive figure for the BPO sector. In 2025 alone the BPO sector delivered around 5% revenue growth, comfortably outpacing the global average. It’s also possible to predict a growing trend on the job market with an optimistic forecast of 1.97 million by 2026. The Philippines is pushing confidently into technological, high-value services, which creates demand from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others. They are knocking on the door with serious intent.
Among the wide array of services outsourced to this Asian country, the most popular are AI operations, data services, customer support, technical support, data entry, back office, financial and accounting, and more.
Main reasons to outsource to the Philippines:
- Filipinos stand out in the global outsourcing market because of their English proficiency, making them ideal for businesses targeting English-speaking clients.
- The country offers competitive labor costs starting at $10 per hour, ensuring cost savings while keeping the service quality consistently high.
- With round-the-clock support and minimal time zone differences, businesses can rely on uninterrupted service from BPO companies in the Philippines.
- The Philippine government established the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), providing tax exemptions and benefits.
- PEZA registration is available for various outsourcing activities, such as software development, BPO services, and IT outsourcing, among others.
Mexico
Recognized historically for its strength in manufacturing, Mexico is now one of the most strategic nearshore outsourcing destinations in the Americas, becoming a go-to hub for companies seeking affordable solutions, skilled, bilingual talent (Mexico boasts around 800,000 tech-skilled professionals), a business-friendly environment, and tight collaboration across time zones. Global companies find Mexico’s proximity to the United States its major competitive advantage, which they use with enthusiasm. The country’s IT-BPM sector has been gaining serious traction, expanding into advanced services such as software development, cybersecurity, data operations, AI training, cloud support, and specialized customer experience management. The Mexico IT services outsourcing market USD 34,296.1 million in revenue by 2030. The BPO sector sees strong government support and a booming tech ecosystem in cities like Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City. Mexico is fast becoming an innovation bridge between North America and Latin America.
Main reasons to outsource to Mexico:
- Mexico’s potential in the international outsourcing market remains largely untapped, resulting in a higher employee retention rate compared to more saturated BPO destinations.
- With a strong digital presence, Mexico ranks 58th among the 139 economies featured in the Global Innovation Index 2025.
- This ranking reflects its diverse population, innovative culture, and access to cheap labor.
- Mexico and the US share the same time zone; therefore, it is a preferred destination for American companies and global organizations that wish to outsource their operations.
- Great cost savings for businesses as Mexicans expect salaries up to 47% lower than in the US.
The USA
The United States boasts a successful domestic outsourcing industry. According to the industry report presented by IbisWorld, the USA had notable 3.5% growth in BPO services in 2022. As of that year, the country is home to over 260,000 BPO service companies, solidifying its position in the outsourcing market. This demonstrates that businesses in the US have the advantage of business process outsourcing within their own country, eliminating the need to search elsewhere.
Helpware, a global BPO company in the USA, holds a position in the top 10 list. Headquartered in Lexington, KY, with additional offices in Kentucky, Virginia, and California, Helpware specializes in creating tailor-made teams to deliver top-notch customer service and back-office support.
Main reasons to outsource:
- Effective information security protocols and privacy regulations.
- Diverse cost options for assisting different business sizes and service requirements.
- Exceptional language skills, tech proficiency, and motivated in-house and remote teams.
- Agile staffing and impressive scalability capabilities.
Puerto Rico
US companies now have the opportunity to use BPO services by partnering with nearby Caribbean and Pacific vendors, eliminating cultural incompatibility and remote management challenges. One such promising nearshoring destination is Puerto Rico, widely regarded as an ideal choice for businesses seeking strategic outsourcing solutions. Key industries for outsourcing call services remain healthcare, technology, banking, education, etc. With Puerto Rico’s exceptional services and skilled talent pool, it is possible to save up to 30% on outsourcing costs for your business operations. Our San Juan office in Puerto Rico, situated in the capital city, provides US companies with a secure and protected environment for their outsourcing business needs. With access to a highly skilled team, Helpware is committed to delivering exceptional results and a seamless CX.
Main reasons to outsource to Puerto Rico:
- With operations mirroring US culture, this country is a very attractive option for American companies.
- Puerto Rico promotes economic growth by investing heavily in its call center industry, infrastructure, high-speed internet, and advanced telecommunication.
- Puerto Rico houses a skilled labor force of bilingual BPO agents fluent in both Spanish and English. While Spanish is dominant, over 80% of the population is proficient in English.
Georgia
Seeking nearshore outsourcing at a low cost? Explore the benefits of partnering with a BPO vendor in Georgia. Emerging as a dynamic force in the European business scene, Georgia excels in voice and non-voice business process services, along with IT.
Georgia has a robust digital infrastructure and advanced communications technology. Many global and local firms thrive in Georgia, supported by new incentives for IT and Business Process Outsourcing. Key service hubs for the BPO sectors are Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi.
Main reasons to outsource to Georgia:
- Multilingual talent pool with technical abilities and excellent command of English and Asian languages.
- Favorable time zone alignment with the Western markets.
- A business-friendly environment with reduced trade barriers and favorable conditions for international trade.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a leading European hub for BPO services, showcasing rapid growth and a vast talent pool of skilled workforce. The country is widely known as one of Europe’s tech hubs. Although Ukraine is going through a rough patch, and the ongoing military conflict might be a dealbreaker for many global companies looking to outsource services but surprisingly, Ukrainian IT/BPO teams have turned adversity into an edge. Software developers are doing a great job, often in areas linked to defense and cybersecurity, and BPO teams keep delivering despite harsh conditions, because for Ukraine, it’s a matter of survival. With over 300 000 skilled professionals and thousands of tech companies, Ukraine continues to attract global giants like Helpware. EPAM, GlobalLogic, Luxoft, SoftServe, all trusting local teams with critical projects in advanced digital solutions, AI, cybersecurity, and product engineering. Ukrainian teams keep raising the bar in the quality of service.
Main reasons to outsource to Ukraine:
- Skilled and hardworking talent with technical knowledge.
- Government support and initiatives are driving Ukraine towards IT leadership in software development outsourcing.
- Convenient time zone alignment with Europe.
Uganda
Africa’s BPO market, a part of which is Uganda, is developing very fast, with a projection to reach $ 14.75 billion by 2033. Uganda is a rising star on the global outsourcing stage and is one of Africa’s more promising outsourcing destinations. It’s a hidden gem for businesses looking for cost‑effective, English‑proficient talent (Uganda ranks 2nd in Africa and 63rd globally in the EF English Proficiency Index), an increasingly business‑supportive environment, and improving digital infrastructure. The country is backing that potential with governmental strategies: in early 2025, the government launched a formal Uganda National Business Process Outsourcing Policy aiming to shape Uganda into a regional hub for digital services. Under this policy, the government has ambitious plans to create 150,000 BPO jobs by 2030. Kampala and other cities are massively investing in digital infrastructure, providing reliable connectivity in the region.
Main reasons to outsource to Uganda:
- Uganda isn’t yet a “mature outsourcing powerhouse” — but it’s on the map, and for forward‑looking companies, it represents a high‑upside, lower‑cost alternative.
- As internet access expands and workforce skills catch up, there’s real potential for scalable, tech‑enabled services, especially remote IT support, data services, and outsourcing operations.
- For companies open to pioneering partnerships, Uganda offers a blend of fresh talent, cost efficiency, and room for growth — a bit like being early into an emerging market before everyone else notices.
Albania
Riding the wave of exponential growth in digitization and technological advancements, Albania is emerging as a disruptor in the outsourcing industry. Albania’s EU candidate status makes it an attractive nearshore outsourcing destination for European companies. European businesses make up the lion’s share of their clientele at 85%. The capital city, Tirana, serves as a significant hub for this industry, followed by Durrës, Shkodër and Vlorë. There are more than 3000 companies working ICT/BPO sector.
Main reasons to outsource to Albania:
- Albania provides cost-effective outsourcing with lower living costs and competitive salaries.
- Albania talent’s excellent language proficiency in English, Italian, French, German, and Albanian ensures efficient delivery of various outsourcing services such as customer support, content development, and more, catering to businesses targeting a European audience, including the USA.
- Government policies attract businesses, for instance, a low 5% profit tax for software development.
Poland
Economy-wise, Poland is one of Europe’s heavyweights. As of 2025, the IT services market in Poland is valued at roughly US $11.3 billion. Around US$4.1 billion of that comes from IT outsourcing alone. That means outsourcing accounts for a major slice of the pie. According to market forecasts, the IT‑outsourcing segment in Poland is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~7–8% between 2025 and 2030. What’s driving this boom? First of all, it’s talent. Approximately 550,000–650,000 professionals are working in the IT industry in Poland, with thousands of fresh graduates entering the labor market each year. Outsourcing hubs such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and Poznań remain the biggest magnets for global and local outsourcing companies.
Main reasons to outsource to Poland:
- A vast, skilled, constantly refreshed talent pool
- Outsourcing‑friendly rates and cost‑effectiveness compared to many Western European markets
- A stable regulatory, language (English proficiency), and infrastructure environment.
Germany
Germany, the EU’s most populous country, is a prime outsourcing destination for businesses. Its position as Europe’s leading industrial nation and the world’s fourth-largest economy speaks to its financial attractiveness. The nation’s unique dual professional education system combines hands-on job training with classroom lessons, producing a skilled and competitive workforce. With its large, multilingual talent pool having international exposure, Germany shows great results in catering to global outsourcing needs.
Main reasons to outsource:
- Robust telecommunications infrastructure and network.
- Considerable government support for streamlined outsourcing.
- Scalable BPO operations in multiple metropolitan areas with large populations.
- Competitive salaries and quality compared to regional BPO industry competitors.
Outsourcing Distribution Among the Best BPO Destinations
What locations U.S. and European companies trust to outsource their operations to largely depends on practical priorities. U.S. businesses give preference to onshore outsourcing and nearshore locations such as Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Philippines is valued as a scalable offshore destination. All these countries meet tough security and compliance requirements and boast a high level of service. European companies, on the other hand, lean strongly toward Poland and Ukraine because of proximity, overlapping time zones, and large technical talent pools. Georgia and the Balkans attract cost-focused projects.
Market Size Across the Top Outsourcing Countries
Infrastructure, innovations, talent pool, tax laws, and other economic aspects of each outsourcing location influence the number of IT and BPO firms there. Due to substantial demand, significant investment, and a strong tech ecosystem, hundreds of thousands of IT/BPO enterprises take root in developed countries like the United States. Other well-liked outsourcing destinations, including Poland, Ukraine, and Albania, are distinguished by quickly growing IT industries supported by robust technical education. Additionally, many companies, both large and small, find these outsourcing hubs appealing due to their cheap labor costs and government incentives. Smaller markets such as Georgia and Uganda have moderate numbers for understandable reasons: population size, market maturity, and government support programs.
Hourly Rates Across the Top Countries for Outsourcing
The average pay from country to country also depends on a variety of factors. The most important, perhaps, is the cost of living and labor laws. In emerging markets such as Uganda and the Philippines, labor costs are pretty affordable, whereas in mature economic ecosystems with stricter laws and higher taxes, the average wages are considerably higher. Mid-range locations like Poland, Georgia, Ukraine, and Mexico continue to draw clients from around the world because they offer competitive pricing and strong skill levels.
Global English Proficiency Ranking for the Prime BPO Countries
English proficiency rankings play a huge role when evaluating outsourcing destinations. Why? Because English remains the dominant language in the global outsourcing industry. In most countries, alongside local-language support, companies expect the option of English-speaking support as well. This means the bar for candidates—especially support agents—is set very high. So, if a location demonstrateі strong English skills across its workforce, it can confidently position itself among the top outsourcing destinations.
Choosing the Best Outsourcing Countries in the Global BPO Landscape
It’s wise to approach the choice of outsourcing partners and outsourcing countries seriously and thoughtfully. Why? Because you’re entrusting this company with your processes and your customers. Your partner will be the one communicating with your clients on your behalf, so it’s essential that they’re aligned with you—not only meeting your requirements but also sharing your values. And there are many important criteria to consider. It’s not just about pricing, time zones, most obvious factors that come to mind when choosing a location, but culture, communication style, and empathy, which play a major role as well. These elements directly influence how your customers will feel when interacting with your support team, so they should be part of your decision from the start.
That’s why your first step should be to outline the criteria that matter most to you: what you want to see in a BPO partner and how you envision working together. Only then should you begin your search.
We can highlight a few key points worth considering, though of course it’s impossible to cover everything. Still, the following recommendations should be a helpful starting point.
Financial planning is crucial
Before hiring a BPO company, take a sober look at your budget. Opt for outsourcing partners offering quality services at fair rates. Be cautious of deals that seem too attractive because there might be some underwater stones that can come as a disappointment to you. Consider the top BPO destinations where you can find a perfect balance between price and quality.
Discover more about the company’s services
Find more information about various companies that interest you. Compare their service offerings to find the ideal match for your needs. The bigger the range of services, the better, because you won’t need to look for another provider in case you start growing and require additional solutions. The adoption of AI tools is a new norm in modern contact centers, so don’t miss this option as well.
Expand your search for a variety of outsourcing companies
Start your search for the right outsourcing partner by exploring listings of top providers in your region. These lists are usually compiled using criteria such as pricing, team size, client portfolio, and overall rankings. Taking this kind of helicopter view can make it much easier to identify companies that fit your needs. Just make sure you rely on trustworthy sources — and always double-check the information.
Check reviews about the BPO companies on trusted platforms
When researching potential partners, don’t rely on a single source of information. Check reviews on platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot to understand how satisfied a company’s clients really are. Watch for recurring complaints about hidden fees — they can be a red flag. If you see consistent reports of poor agent performance on sites like Indeed, Comparably, or Glassdoor, it’s worth questioning the overall service quality of those vendors or destinations. The last thing you want is to risk customer dissatisfaction because of issues with an outsourced team.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Top Countries for Outsourcing
Which country is the leader today in the global BPO market?
When it comes to choosing the best outsourcing destination, different rankings highlight different leaders because they prioritize different criteria, such as pricing, time zone compatibility, talent availability, language, or infrastructure. But if you look across most reputable listings, the most popular outsourcing countries include the Philippines, Mexico, India, Poland, Ukraine, and Georgia.
In Europe specifically, Poland, Ukraine, and Georgia frequently appear at the top thanks to strong technical education, multilingual talent, and competitive rates.
What are the top outsourced services worldwide?
The most frequently outsourced services remain fairly consistent worldwide:
- Customer experience includes call centers, contact centers, customer service, and omnichannel support dominate the market.
- Back-office operations include data entry, finance and accounting, HR, AI data training, etc.
- IT and software development include cloud solutions, DevOps, engineering teams, and AI implementation.
- Digital services include marketing, design, content, and UX work.
Which country is currently the leader in the global BPO market?
Today, the Philippines is widely recognized as the leading outsourcing destination, especially for customer support and voice-based services. For nearly a decade, it has held this reputation thanks to its highly skilled and empathetic workforce, excellent English proficiency, and strong work ethic. It’s considered the go-to country for customer-facing roles.
What are the top software outsourcing countries?
It depends on the region you’re targeting. The USA is a top destination for high-end software development due to its innovation hubs, strong engineering culture, and investment-friendly environment. Poland, Romania, and Ukraine are among the strongest choices on the European continent due to deep technical expertise, high-quality STEM education, and rapidly growing tech ecosystems.
India vs. Philippines — how do they compare in cost, skill, and delivery?
These two countries are often compared because both dominate the outsourcing landscape. In terms of cost, India is generally more cost-effective for many back-office and non-voice roles. India also shines in IT, technical support, and complex back-office processes. However, the Philippines typically outperforms India in customer-facing roles, especially voice support, thanks to its neutral English accent, cultural affinity with Western markets, and strong customer-care culture.
How do Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia compare for outsourcing costs and talent?
- Asia offers the lowest costs and the largest talent pools, ideal for customer support, IT, and back-office work.
- Eastern Europe provides top-tier engineering talent with strong education and EU time-zone alignment, at mid-range prices.
- Latin America is perfect for U.S. clients needing nearshore time zones, bilingual talent, and solid tech or support teams.
- Africa is an emerging market with competitive pricing and growing English-speaking talent, showing strong potential for future scaling.
