Dubai has taken the lead in the 2023 Savills Executive Nomad Index, launched as part of the firm’s Impacts programme, knocking last year’s top location, Lisbon, to fifth place. The Savills Executive Nomad Index ranks 20 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. Newly, the Czech government has approved the Digital Nomad programme, which will open up job opportunities for digital nomads from several countries from outside the EU. Until now, no similar permissions existed in the Czech Republic.
“Dubai’s fast growing fintech and financial services sectors, along with a tax-free environment and high quality of life, are proving powerful magnets for executive nomads”, comments Swapnil Pillai, associate director, Savills Middle East Research.
“Most are Dinkies (Dual-income, no kids) and they favour high residential buildings in Downtown Dubai, close to the DIFC, the financial hub, or in Dubai Marina for proximity to Media City and Internet City.”
Dubai also scores highly on both types of connectivity. Dubai International, its main airport, is the world’s busiest for international passenger traffic. Meanwhile, Dubai continues to invest in its digital infrastructure – with the UAE now home to the fastest mobile speeds in the world.
Malaga, a new entrant in the Savills Index, takes second place. The beach city’s culture, gastronomy and comparatively more affordable cost of renting, along with the launch of Spain’s digital nomad visa in 2022, have attracted executives able to work remotely. Miami, Abu Dhabi (another new entrant) and Lisbon complete the top five.
Paul Tostevin, director of Savills World Research, concludes, “Connectivity matters to an executive nomad, so cities dominate the top list, taking the first five spots. The leading centres offer good transport and communications infrastructure, business networks, together with favourable climates, beaches and a high quality of life.”
The Czech Republic will also open up to digital nomads. At the end of June, the Czech government approved the Digital Nomad programme, which will make it easier for IT specialists from chosen non-EU countries to stay in the Czech Republic. IT specialists from Australia, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, the UK, the USA and Taiwan will be able to apply for a residence permit within 45 days of submitting their application. No similar permissions have existed in the Czech Republic so far.