Belize: Nearshore Call Center Hub in LATAM to Watch in 2025
by King White, on Oct 13, 2025 7:00:00 AM
Belize is rapidly emerging as a compelling destination for North American call center operations. While the country is smaller than many Latin American alternatives, its unique mix of advantages—English as an official language, improving infrastructure, government support, and competitive labor costs—makes it an appealing option. For call center firms considering nearshore expansion, Belize offers a combination of stability, proximity, and growing scale.
Strengths / Advantages
Feature |
Why it Matters |
| English Proficiency (Native / Official Language) | Reduces training overhead and accent issues when serving U.S./Canadian customers. |
| Time Zone Alignment | Central Standard Time zone enables real-time support for North American markets. |
| Cost Competitiveness | Labor costs are lower than many Latin American alternatives. |
| Growing Ecosystem | Ecosystem effects are emerging with over 16,000 workers in the sector. |
| Government Support | Business-friendly initiatives are fostering BPO growth; however, recent reforms to tax incentive programs—such as changes under the Designated Processing Areas Act—may affect the financial assumptions for new entrants. |
Weaknesses / Risks / Considerations
- Talent Pool Depth: Limited pool for specialized or technical roles.
- Scale Constraints: Mid-sized operations thrive; very large footprints require careful planning.
- Infrastructure Redundancy: Needs continued investment in backup power and connectivity.
- Labor Law Rigidities: Flexibility in shift scheduling and overtime compliance may be more limited.
Nearshore BPO Outsourcing Rate Benchmark
According to Site Selection Group’s 2025 BPO Global Pricing Guide, nearshore outsourcing rates in the Latin America and Caribbean (LACA) region generally fall within the range of $12 to $19 per hour, with some countries reaching $22 to $25 per hour. Belize falls within the lower cost band, offering significant savings versus U.S. onshore rates of $32 to $45 per hour.
BPO Providers in the Country
Belize’s BPO sector has matured not just in size but in the quality and scale of leading operators. With 16,000 to 18,000 people employed in call centers, the industry is one of Belize’s largest private sector employers. There are 15+ BPO firms now operating in various cities across the country. Site Selection Group’s outsourcing advisors can help you evaluate these BPO vendors.
Outlook and Opportunity
Belize is transitioning from a niche market to a mainstream nearshore hub. Its focus on customer experience, language advantages, and scale make it increasingly viable. Public policy support is expected to remain favorable, and operators looking for cost control with quality can benefit from early or continued investment.
Conclusion
Companies considering nearshore expansion should evaluate Belize as part of their 2025 location strategy. Its English-speaking population, cultural alignment, time zone, and growing industry ecosystem make it a compelling option for small- to mid-sized call center operations.
