Definitions and scope
Onshore refers to outsourcing within France. Nearshore covers geographically and culturally close destinations: Morocco, Tunisia, Portugal, Poland, Romania. Offshore covers more distant destinations: Senegal, Madagascar, Philippines, India. These three models serve very different needs and cannot be systematically substituted for one another.
Detailed comparison of the three models
- Onshore France — cost: high (€35–55/h); advantage: proximity, maximum compliance, no cultural barrier
- Nearshore Morocco/Portugal — cost: medium (€15–25/h); advantage: close time zone, high French level, GDPR adequacy decision
- Offshore sub-Saharan Africa — cost: low (€9–14/h); advantage: volume, availability, Francophone talent pool
- Offshore Philippines — cost: low (€10–16/h); advantage: native English, mature BPO, but GDPR SCCs needed
- Offshore India — cost: very low (€8–12/h); advantage: IT/tech only, language barrier for French
Which model for which use case?
The choice of model depends on several factors: the sensitivity of the data processed (regulated health or financial data often requires onshore or nearshore in a country with an adequacy decision), the linguistic complexity of the service (complex formal French interactions require nearshore profiles), and volume (large BPO transactional volumes favour African offshore).
The hybrid model: the 2026 solution
More and more French companies are adopting a hybrid model: complex, high-stakes interactions (VIP clients, sensitive complaints, sales) are handled by onshore or nearshore agents, while transactional volumes and off-hours are covered by offshore hubs. This model optimises both quality and costs, with average savings of 35–45% compared to a 100% onshore model.