According to the latest Savills Executive Nomad Index, Dubai has retained its lead position as the most sought-after destination for executive nomads, for the second consecutive year. Meanwhile, UAE capital Abu Dhabi is hot on its heels, moving from fourth place to second this year, with the UAE taking the top two spots on the index. Additionally, six Caribbean island nations have made it into the TOP 25, along with the newly included Palermo in Sicily.
“Dubai and Abu Dhabi are incredibly appealing to executive nomads, because they offer everything you need to thrive both personally and professionally, from modern infrastructure to high quality of life,” says Andrew Cummings, Head of Residential Agency Middle East at Savills.
The Savills Executive Nomad Index ranks 25 destinations for long-term remote workers. All either have a digital nomad visa programme, or equivalent, or in the case of the US and European countries, are already part of a large economic bloc that allows free movement of people for living or work. They offer favourable climates year-round, a high quality of life and have established prime residential markets.
Thanks to the government program "Digital Nomad," the Czech Republic has also become accessible to digital nomads from selected non-EU countries. The program targets a group of highly qualified and top-tier professionals in the IT field – so-called digital nomads. The processing of residence permit applications will be ensured within 45 days of submission for IT specialists from Australia, Japan, Canada, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA, and Taiwan. Until now, none of the existing economic migration programs have applied to the group of digital nomads.
New entrants to the 2024 index include Palermo (22nd) and Cape Town (17th). The Sicilian capital has a rich heritage and a long history. It is the most affordable major prime rental market in Italy, with prime rents up to 70% lower than Florence, for example. “The past two decades have brought significant public and private investments to Palermo and the city is now benefiting from a cultural and economic regeneration,” says Danilo Orlando, Head of residential, Savills Italy. “This also presents opportunities for scaling startups in the city’s commercial spaces, which typically have lower rents than other Italian locations.”
South Africa introduced its Digital Nomad Visa programme in May 2024 and Cape Town stands to benefit as a key destination for these travellers and business people in the global south.
Also new to the 2024 Index are, the Caribbean islands of Grenada (11th), Bali (12th) and Costa Rican capital San José, the first Central American destination to be included in the Savills Index taking 13th place.
Savills Executive Nomad Index available here.