摘要:This article aims to verify why skilled migrants choose to locate in Minas Gerais’ cities. A specific indicator of skilled migration is elaborated, coined as “index of net skilled migration”. The paper presents, first, the ranking of cities with higher net migration of skilled workers. Next, exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) is employed. Spatial econometrics models are carried out to verify the main cities’ characteristics that matter to attract skilled migrants. Labor market dynamics, less social and educational inequalities and less crime are important factors behind the skilled migrants’ choices to locate in a city in Minas Gerais state.