Key Takeaways:
- Cape Town Ranks 17th: Cape Town debuts at 17th on the Savills Executive Nomad Index, ranking global destinations for long-term remote workers
- Introduction of Digital Nomad Visa: South Africa’s new Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in May 2024, boosts Cape Town’s appeal as a key destination for international remote professionals.
- Property Market and Lifestyle: Cape Town’s property market is thriving, especially in the City Bowl area, with high demand for rentals among remote workers.
- Trending Beachside Cities: Cape Town’s ranking aligns with a trend in which digital nomads favor beachside cities like Dubai, Málaga, Miami, and Lisbon.
Cape Town has been ranked 17th on the Savills Executive Nomad Index, marking its debut among the world’s top destinations for long-term remote workers.
According to a report in Moneyweb, this comes as South Africa introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in May 2024, enhancing Cape Town’s attractiveness to international professionals.
The Savills Executive Nomad Index ranks 25 cities globally, focusing on those offering digital nomad visa programs or similar arrangements.
The report added that these cities are known for favorable climates, high quality of life, and strong residential markets, key factors for remote workers considering extended stays.
Cape Town’s entry into the index underscores its increasing popularity as a hub for remote work. According to Dr. Andrew Golding, CEO of Pam Golding Property Group, the city’s climate, quality of life, and real estate market make it an ideal location for digital nomads.
According to the report, the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live in South Africa while working for employers or businesses outside the country.
Cape Town’s ranking is part of a broader trend where beachside cities are becoming popular digital nomad destinations.
Dubai, which retained the top spot on the Savills index, and other coastal cities like Málaga, Miami, and Lisbon also rank highly, indicating the appeal of these locations.
The report highlighted that Cape Town’s property market is thriving, particularly in the City Bowl area, where there is strong demand for short-term rentals among remote workers.
Rental options include studios and one-bedroom apartments priced between R10,000 and R18,000 per month, with two-bedroom apartments ranging from R20,000 to R30,000 per month.
Cape Town’s rise on the Savills Executive Nomad Index reflects its growing status as a preferred destination for digital nomads.
The report stated that the city’s new Digital Nomad Visa and thriving property market make it a strong contender for remote professionals seeking a blend of lifestyle and work opportunities.
Read more in a report by Moneyweb.
