Living in Cascais
Discover the sophistication and luxury of what it’s like living in Cascais. Is it better than Lisbon or the Algarve? Read to find out.
We don’t mean to gloat, but Portugal really does have something for everyone. From entrepreneurial hubs in Lisbon to the stunning islands in the Azores, it doesn’t end there. Living in Cascais is one of the most desired wishes for ex-pats looking for exceptional quality of life. It’s a popular destination for locals and ex-pats equally.
What makes it so special? We’re here to guide you through a virtual experience of what it’s like living in the Portuguese Riveria. Let’s dive right into how you can get your golden ticket to obtaining a residence permit in the beautiful Cascais!
What is living in Cascais like?
As many testify, every day in Cascais feels like a day from a long vacation.
Picture this: You wake up, and the beautiful Portuguese sunshine glints on your face. You think to yourself – what a magnificent day to walk alongside the Riveria with a cup of fresh Robusta coffee. Warm, clean, incredible, a true privilege to be living here. The gush of fresh breeze comforts your soul as you step outside in your calm neighbourhood.
You can hear the placid chatter from the urban centre nearby, enough to excite you for a day by yourself. It’s as if you’re getting the best of both worlds. The tranquillity you always craved, and the infrastructure of a developed European city.
That’s life in Cascais for you.
Who lives in Cascais?
The Portuguese Riveria is notorious for being home to wealthy families. This isn’t to say that only rich families reside in Cascais; you’ll see many successful entrepreneurs and digital nomads too.
Given its prime location near the Lisbon coastline, it attracts inhabitants who want some exclusivity and luxury.
The city of Cascais is a wonderful place to raise a family, especially one that loves to connect with nature. It has access to parks and beaches and is still close to the biggest urban centre.
Why are ex-pats moving to Cascais?
Portugal has a large ex-pat community overall, with more than 5.4% immigrants out of its 10.31 million residents. Within Cascais, 15.4% of its population in 2020 were foreigners with a resident permit, according to data from Pordata.
Here are some things ex-pats love about Cascais, and you will too:
Exquisite beauty all around
The Fourth-safest place to reside worldwide
The Standard of living is high
Expats enjoy Portugal’s cost of living
Sophistication and luxury
Healthcare and education are top-notch
Cascais is Lisbon’s cool neighbour
You may think Lisbon is Portugal’s finest city, and while you’re not entirely mistaken, Cascais has its own glorious vibe. Being only 40 minutes away from the country’s capital, Lisbon’s cool neighbour has been a magnet for many.
Don’t get us wrong, living in Lisbon is nothing short of a gratifying experience. There’s nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s tech hub. Nonetheless, Cascais has a unique charm and independence that you can only experience by spending time in the city.
The sun shines brighter in the Portuguese Riviera
The Portuguese sun warms your soul like a good cup of coffee on a Monday morning. If you’ve read any of our other articles, you would’ve probably come across knowing Portugal’s pleasant weather.
The country has almost 300 days of sunshine and moderate temperatures all year round. This is one of the biggest attractions for ex-pats who’ve lived in colder regions and wanted an escape. Paired with the stunning beaches in Cascais, it truly feels like a zen state of mind.
According to the Climate Data website, the average temperature of Cascais is warmer than in Lisbon. Temperatures go up to 20°C in the summers with cool winds blowing from the Riveria.
Cascais has long been a place of luxury
In the past century, Cascais has transformed from being a small fishing community to a destination with yachts and luxury. Known for its chic resorts and fancy hotels near the bay, Cascais has been the perfect summer getaway for decades.
For many years, even till today, it’s been a place where the affluent from Lisbon would spend summer. Nearby towns Estoril and Sintra are noble areas with a grand casino and excellent Portuguese restaurants that entice tourists.
Buying a property in Cascais
A truly savvy investor’s secret is exploring historical regions. Thanks to its history, the lavish real estate market in Cascais is very valuable.
Property in Lisbon is quite demanding, given its central location and numerous perks for businesses. So you can only expect Lisbon’s cool neighbour to be one of the most wanted locations in Portugal.
Living in Cascais and working in Lisbon
Expats who want to make the most of Portugal’s slow-paced life choose to work in Lisbon but reside in Cascais.
Many people are okay with spending around an hour commuting to and from Lisbon during traffic. Only to come back and experience the incredible serenity of Cascais when they come home. That’s quite telling of what a wonderful place this city is.
Is it better to live in Cascais or Lisbon?
Lisbon and Cascais are next to each other and equally fantastic; it’s more about personal preferences.
Cascais is great to spend more peaceful family time, de-stress, and relax in a place with luxury and status. It’s also an ideal location for retirees with passive income to support themselves.
Don’t be mistaken; we absolutely love Lisbon! It’s the reason behind Portugal’s thriving success. At the same time, the hustle and bustle can get overwhelming for some, especially if they prefer calmness.
Is living in Cascais better than living in the Algarve?
The Algarve has much to offer, similar to Cascais when it comes to the weather, beaches, and the sun. However, they’re simply different.
Both places are serene, but Cascais has way better infrastructure. Overall, it’s a more suitable option if you’re looking for a high standard of living for your family. There are also more business opportunities to explore while living in Cascai
What is the cost of living in Cascais?
The cost of living in Cascais is a bit higher than in Lisbon and Porto, and people honestly don’t mind! The economic power of its residents is also higher as it attracts affluent business owners and families with passive incomes.
Let’s take a look at some average expenditures you’re most likely to incur:
Safety living in Cascais
Did you know Portugal is the fourth-safest country out of 163 countries globally?
You’d best believe that Cascais is already part of a safe and secure region. Crime rates are low, friendly neighbours are a norm, and life is beautiful. Major natural disasters like earthquakes are also unheard of in Portugal.
Nonetheless, petty tourist thefts are unfortunately common anywhere in the world, so you should be vigilant.
Access to health care in Cascais
Cascais is no exception to Europe’s high esteemed healthcare facilities and services. With some of the best hospitals in Portugal, you’ve got nothing to worry about in times of emergency.
Public and private hospitals are equally available for all residents. You will only require a Número de Utente (a license number) before receiving healthcare. We have a complete guide on Healthcare in Portugal with listed Public Hospitals if you’re interested to know more.
Work labour in Cascais
Apart from being a renowned tourist destination during summer break, Cascais is a city full of movement! It’s home to many companies, thriving solopreneurs, and digital nomads. Lately, the D2 Business Visa has helped many ex-pats get a residence permit by starting a business anywhere in the country.
Numerous digital nomads with additional passive incomes from abroad find Cascais to be the ideal destination to enjoy Portugal’s lifestyle. As per official data from Pordata, the purchasing power of residents is above the average in Portugal. Tourist hubs like Cascais are excellent places to work and relax.
Education in Cascais
Portugal is home to some of the very best International Schools with exceptional education and extracurricular activities for children. Portuguese education has holistic curriculums that focus on nurturing growth and expanding aborning horizons.
Your child is in safe hands – whether that’s with private, International, or public schools. Cascais is one of the best places for families to live in.
How can a foreigner move to Cascais?
Whether you’re contemplating moving alone or with your loved ones, the city’s charm is exemplary. Ex-pats from within the European Union don’t require a residence visa or permit to benefit from all that Cascais offers. However, if you’re from outside of the EU, for example, America or the Middle East, you’d require a visa.
The Business Visa and the Passive Income Visa are increasingly popular among ex-pats. Long-term prospects include Portuguese Citizenship, along with the opportunity to invest in the best industries. Additionally, the Golden Visa is also a brilliant option if you can’t stay in Cascais for more than 6 months.
Confused about which one to go for? Get in touch with our team for customized professional guidance.
Is it worth living in Cascais?
As with any other city, living in Cascais is a personal decision. It all comes down to what environment you prefer and what your lifestyle can support. With that being said, Cascais is one of the expats’ favourite places in Portugal, whether that’s to explore or reside permanently.
You’ll find many ex-pat residents super happy with their decision and suggesting to other people that it’s worth it. We agree that Cascais is quite a privilege to live in; it’s not cheap, but definitely is worth it.
Article by Viv Europe - Official Legal and Relocation Partner to KipperTree.
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