Prime lettings for executive nomads 

In this age of increasingly borderless careers, a new class of professional – executive nomads – are reaping the benefits of being able to live and work wherever in the world they choose. 

There are now estimated to be up to 80 million digital nomads worldwide who benefit from the remote-working visas offered by 67 countries. Among their ever-growing number is a senior-ranking subset seeking a longer-term base in locations that offer optimal lifestyle, connectivity, business networking and education opportunities for themselves and for their families. 

Dubai
Topping the Savills Executive Nomad Index 2025 for the third consecutive year is Dubai. Like the peripatetic professionals it attracts, the emirate is not one to stand still, with the new $35 billion Al Maktoum airport, expected to open by 2032, a prime example of its continued investment in infrastructure.

“Over the past two years, Dubai has evolved from being a post-pandemic relocation hub into a global base for senior professionals and entrepreneurs – its appeal has become as much about opportunity and stability as it is about lifestyle,” says Andrew Cummings, head of residential at Savills Middle East. 

Guaranteed sunshine is part of the emirate’s appeal, as are the strong global community and international schools, including familiar British names such as North London Collegiate School, Brighton College and Repton. Well-established communities such as Dubai Hills Estate and Jumeirah Golf Estates, which combine privacy, convenience and leisure amenities, have always been high on the radar, but interest is spreading to communities such as Tilal Al Ghaf and District One. “In many cases, these individuals rent villas or apartments, then buy once they see the long-term potential of living in Dubai,” says Cummings. 

Mallorca
Coastal locations that offer sun and business opportunities are prized destinations for executive nomads. Mallorca – home to Spain’s third busiest airport, with frequent flights to European and US cities – is an easy base for business and an attractive spot for those seeking Mediterranean island life. 

There is stiff competition for high-quality short-term lettings in Mallorca’s beachfront capital, Palma, which comes in sixth in the Savills Executive Nomad Index 2025. “In the old town, you’ll find 15 clients seeing the same property in a day,” says Iris Grünewald, head of Savills associate Balearic Properties. The island’s most sought-after locations, however, are within an hour’s drive of the city, including historic Pollença and neighbouring Port de Pollença – both popular choices for executive nomads seeking peace, privacy and culture. 

“People come here for the lifestyle,” Grünewald says. “They typically pay €10,000 a month for a rental villa in a location that offers the whole package. Sometimes, one parent works elsewhere during the week, while the other stays here all year round with the children.” There are 19 international schools on the island, most in or near Palma. Fees here are lower than in the UK and, unsurprisingly, places are in high demand.

Rome
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but it has done an impressive job of transforming its hotel scene in the past few years. Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental hotels are  due to launch imminently, joining Nobu, W, Six Senses and Bvlgari. This shifting hospitality scene enhances Rome’s allure for executive nomads, according to Danilo Orlando, head of residential at Savills Italy. “People come on holiday, then realise the city’s appeal as a place to live. Rome has more services, more infrastructure, more five-star hotels and better restaurants now,” he says. “The food, culture and scenery are great, and it has better weather than Milan.”

Few need convincing about the romance of Rome. But executive nomads in the Eternal City – who broadly divide into two types: those working for big companies and moving for Italy’s flat rate tax, and tech entrepreneurs attracted by the lifestyle – also need to tick the practical boxes.

“There are lots of international schools and it’s a sociable environment with an international community, good for making connections,” Orlando says. 

High-quality, fully furnished apartments in the city centre are hard to find – “People can be looking for months,” says Orlando. To facilitate the process, he and his team have moved into managing buildings, including one near the Spanish Steps where six apartments are available for €5,000-€9,000 a month. “They have outdoor space, the best interior designers and home automation,” says Orlando. “We’re creating a condo app so renters can book babysitters, personal trainers or private chefs directly.

“There’s a huge gap between supply and demand in Italy’s prime lettings sector, and the future lies not just in the product itself, but in the services you provide.” 

ANDREW CUMMINGS, HEAD OF RESIDENTIAL AGENCY, SAVILLS MIDDLE EAST andrew.cummings@savills.me

IRIS GRUNEWALD, HEAD, BALEARIC PROPERTIES
gruenewald@balearic-properties.com

DANILO ORLANDO, HEAD OF RESIDENTIAL, SAVILLS ITALY
danilo.orlando@savills.it