Cities across Europe are vying for a new generation of mobile professionals drawn by opportunity, eclectic culture, and global connectivity. Recent rankings reveal some surprising contenders, highlighting the shifting dynamics of where executive nomads are choosing to call home.
What is the Savills Executive Nomad Index?
The Savills Executive Nomad Index is an annual ranking that evaluates global destinations based on their appeal and accessibility for long-term remote workers, particularly targeting high-earning professionals and entrepreneurs. The index is produced by Savills, a leading international real estate consultancy, and its 2025 edition assesses 30 cities worldwide. Each location is scored according to several core factors: internet speed, air connectivity, climate stability, prime residential property rental prices, and overall quality of life.
Málaga’s top position in the Savills Executive Nomad Index
In the 2025 Savills Executive Nomad Index, Málaga takes the top-ranked European city for executive nomads and secures third place globally, trailing only behind Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Málaga’s Mediterranean climate, strong flight connections and variety of educational opportunities have helped place the city on the map for internationally mobile professionals. Its calm rhythm of life, paired with reliable infrastructure, continues to attract those who value both productive working conditions and a sense of personal wellbeing.
Beyond lifestyle benefits, Málaga’s affordability—especially when compared to Madrid, Barcelona, and other major European capitals—continues to attract both companies and individuals in the remote and tech sectors. Initiatives like the Málaga TechPark have supported the city’s development as a hub for international talent and innovation. As a result, Málaga now surpasses traditional hotspots such as Miami and Lisbon in the Savills ranking.
Palma and Barcelona: Spain’s other leading executive nomad destinations
Palma’s strengths for executive nomads
Palma, in Mallorca, is sixth on the nomad index for 2025, earning recognition as a major European destination for executive nomads.
The city’s Mediterranean setting, combined with consistently pleasant weather and excellent air connectivity, makes it a practical base for internationally remote professionals. Many are drawn by Palma’s relaxed pace and access to quality housing, as well as the presence of international schools and a growing number of coworking spaces.
Palma’s continued investment in digital infrastructure means remote workers benefit from consistently reliable high-speed internet. The city’s lively arts scene, historic streets, and celebrated culinary traditions also contribute to an environment where professionals can balance demanding work schedules with the pleasures of Mediterranean life.
Why Barcelona stands out in the index
Barcelona also features prominently in the Savills Executive Nomad Index, ranked seventh globally and securing its status as a leading city for remote-working professionals.
The factors behind Barcelona’s ranking include a well-established tech ecosystem and a cosmopolitan atmosphere nurtured by its international community. The city’s modern transport links and premium coworking spaces underpin its attractiveness for executive talent and as a top global city for a workcation. Barcelona’s urban environment offers a diverse range of opportunities in technology, creative industries, and business services, as well as a vibrant lifestyle shaped by regeneration projects and cultural activity.
Spain’s rise in the global digital nomad market
Spain has emerged as one of Europe’s leading destinations for nomads, reflecting a shift seen across major cities worldwide. With increased flexibility around remote work, cities such as Málaga, Palma and Barcelona are now prominent on the international map, competing alongside the likes of Dubai and Miami for mobile professionals.
Improvements to visa pathways, the expansion of co-working spaces, and digital nomad grants like the remote work incentive in Extremadura have reinforced Spain’s appeal for non-EU talent and established professionals. Notably, the roll-out of Spain's digital nomad visa has enabled more remote workers and entrepreneurs to settle in Spain.
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