Algarve Joins Lisbon in Savills Top 10 Ranking for Executive Nomads
Portugal now boasts two locations in the global top 10 for executive nomads, with the Algarve region entering the prestigious list for the first time, joining the capital, Lisbon. According to the 2025 edition of the Savills Executive Nomad Index, Lisbon has retained its 5th position, while the Algarve's new entry at number 10 solidifies Portugal's status as a leading destination for high-level remote workers.
The index, which is published annually in the firm's Impacts magazine, evaluates global destinations based on a range of factors critical for mobile executives. The criteria include the speed and reliability of digital infrastructure, quality of life, climate, air connectivity, and the prime residential real estate market. The strong performance of both Portuguese locations underscores their appeal to this discerning demographic.
The ranking is led by Dubai for the third consecutive year, with Abu Dhabi, Málaga, and Miami also ranking in the top five. The Savills report highlights that Lisbon's consistent high ranking is due to its favorable climate, high levels of security, diverse cultural offerings, and a competitive residential property market. These elements combine to create an attractive environment for long-term stays.
The ascent of the Algarve into the top 10 is a notable development for 2025. The southern region is recognized in the report for its “greater affordability in terms of cost of life and an attractive climate.” This indicates a growing trend of nomads looking beyond capital cities for destinations that offer a high quality of life combined with more accessible living expenses. The presence of both a capital city and a leisure destination in the top 10 showcases the depth of Portugal's appeal.
The global landscape for attracting remote talent is becoming increasingly competitive. The 2025 index includes several new entrants, such as Auckland (9th), Tokyo (11th), and Vancouver (18th). Kelcie Sellers, an Associate Director at Savills World Research, commented on this evolution, stating, “The executive nomad landscape is changing. Markets are developing new strategies to attract digital nomads and executives.”
Sellers also noted that some countries are adapting their visa policies to accommodate this trend. “Two new countries in our index, Canada and New Zealand, do not offer specific digital nomad visas but offer long-term visitor visas adapted to allow remote work during their stay,” she explained. This reflects a broader move by governments to facilitate the entry of skilled professionals who can contribute to the local economy without being tied to a local employer.
Portugal's success in this index is a positive indicator for its real estate and tourism sectors. The demand from digital nomads often translates into a robust rental market, particularly for high-quality, well-equipped properties. The recognition of both Lisbon and the Algarve suggests that this demand is distributed across different types of locations within the country, from urban centers to coastal resorts.
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