Living in Cascais: A Guide for Foreigners

Cascais is often described as the gem of the Portuguese Riviera, and it’s not difficult to see why. Its close proximity to the capital, relaxed lifestyle, and paradisical atmosphere have made it a popular spot for expats of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of everything you need to know about living in Cascais. 

Where is Cascais?

Cascais is a coastal town located in the western region of Portugal, just a short distance (approximately 34 minutes by car) from the capital city of Lisbon. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque streets, and historical landmarks. Cascais is popular with expats and tourists, attracting people worldwide who come to enjoy its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and warm climate.

Warm weather

With a mild and pleasant climate, Cascais enjoys plenty of sunshine all year round, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Because of its location on the Atlantic coast, it can be breezy at times, but generally, you will enjoy warm summers and mild winters.

Low cost of living

Portugal is known to be one of the most affordable countries in western Europe, despite the cost-of-living crisis. Although Cascais is said to be one of the wealthiest municipalities in Portugal, this does not mean it is expensive to live there. The town and its amenities are well-maintained, but you won’t pay a premium price for everyday essentials.

The cost of living section below explores this topic in more detail. 

Relaxed lifestyle

Life in Cascais is relaxed and laid-back. It’s easy to think that every day is a vacation in this charming seaside and fishing town on the Portuguese Riviera. But there is still plenty to do. Cascais is an exceptional combination of a lively town and a dreamy seaside resort, with quaint and narrow streets and excellent golf courses.

Safe and tolerant

Portugal is renowned for being welcoming and hospitable to people from all over the world. In addition to this, the country has achieved a high ranking on the Global Peace Index 2022, where it secured sixth place. 

This achievement reflects the country’s peaceful nature, making it one of the safest places to live globally. By comparison, the UK ranked at number 34, while the USA was listed in the 129th position on the same index.

Property investment opportunities

Cascais has become a popular place for property investors in recent years. No matter your budget, Cascais caters to all demands: From a luxury villa with a swimming pool to more affordable apartments and houses of various sizes. The rental and real estate market is discussed in more detail in one of the following sections below.

Tax benefits

Portugal’s affordability is one of the many reasons why expats choose to relocate to the country. They may also be eligible for exclusive and attractive tax benefits through Portugal’s non-habitual tax regime (NHR tax regime).

The NHR tax regime provides tax exemptions for certain professions, and those who earn income from other countries do not have to pay tax in Portugal. If you want to know more about the Portugal NHR tax regime, including Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs), please refer to our comprehensive article about the Portugal NHR Program.

Quinta da Marinha

For luxury living and accommodation, Quinta da Marinha is the place to be. It is a private, gated area with extra security, making it one of the safest areas to live in Cascais. Although real estate is generally only in the upper price ranges, this neighborhood is worth its price, boasting golf courses, equestrian estates, and luxury hotels. Expect to pay around upwards of €5,600 per square meter for houses in this area.

Sao Joao do Estoril

Sao Joao do Estoril is well-known for its stunning ocean views and scenic seaside boardwalks, which can take you all the way to the heart of Cascais. For beach lovers, Praia da Poca is a must-visit spot with its peaceful waters. 

Sao Joao also has excellent transport links if commuting is your priority. Its train station has a ten-minute journey to central Cascais and a 40-minute connection to Lisbon. As a bonus, the train route runs along the coastline, so you’ll enjoy breathtaking views while traveling.

This neighborhood is also popular with families as it offers a variety of public and private schools and an abundance of restaurants, shops, and supermarkets.

Birre

Birre is a suburb of Cascais, only eight minutes by car from its center. It’s a great location for families and pensioners, as all amenities and facilities, such as shops, restaurants, and transport links, are nearby. It’s also a convenient place to live for Lisbon commuters. The A5 highway is close by and connects Birre to many other places. 

Carcavelos

Carcavelos is probably the most affordable area in Cascais and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Therefore, it’s also a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts, with some even comparing it to California in the USA. 

Carcavelos also has great transport links (it has its own train station) and is home to an international school, St Julian’s, and one of Nova University’s campuses, making it a popular relocation spot for families with children of all ages.

Buying or Renting a House in Cascais as a Foreigner

Whether you choose to rent or invest in real estate depends on your personal circumstances. Below, we’ll introduce Cascais’ real estate and rental market so that you can make an informed decision for your future expat life.

Buying a house in Cascais

If you want to buy property in Cascais, you are bound to the same rules for foreigners as in the rest of Portugal. Overall, buying real estate in Portugal is safe and unproblematic, but make sure you follow our tips and advice or enlist our help for a smooth process. We’d also recommend you seek legal advice in your native language to ensure there are no surprises when buying your new home. 

As outlined above, real estate prices in Cascais depend on the neighborhood, and you can find anything from smaller apartments to luxury properties. For more information, the following guides may be useful: 

• Three Key Essentials To Buying Property in Portugal
• A Guide to Cascais Property Real Estate
• Real Estate Agent in Cascais

Renting a house in Cascais

Cascais has plenty of rental solutions for those who are not ready to commit to buying property. Airbnb is a useful option for finding short-term rentals to get acquainted with your new surroundings. For long-term rentals, consult Idealista and Kyero, which give you options on various-sized apartments and properties. You may also want to check our local Facebook groups or nearby towns for rental properties.

Living in Cascais with the Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal’s Golden Visa program is one of the most popular visa programs of its kind and gives you permission to stay in the country for up to five years. Eligible candidates can obtain residency by investing in commercial real estate, business ventures or donations to scientific or cultural projects. The following investment options are available in Cascais:

• Commercial real estate investment anywhere in the country of €500,000 or €350,000 if investing in a rehabilitation project. This is further reduced to €250,000 if located in a low-density area
• Investment funds or a capital transfer (from €500,000)
• An investment of €250,000 in support of the arts or reconstruction of national heritage
• A contribution to scientific research (from €500,000)

For a full list and more details of Golden Visa options, you can consult our Portugal Golden Visa: Your Ultimate Guide 2023.

Living in Cascais with the D7 Visa

Not everyone can invest in real estate or donate a substantial sum of money, but the D7 Visa is an excellent alternative for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens to enjoy Portuguese life. If applicants can prove that they earn at least €760 per month, they are eligible to apply.

This monthly amount does not have to come from a current form of income. Retirement funds or passive sources of income are equally valid. For further information, read our article and guide on Portugal’s D7 Visa.  

Living in Cascais with the Digital Nomad Visa

There are plenty of reasons why Portugal is so popular with digital nomads: A great infrastructure, including access to high-speed internet, a relaxed lifestyle, a welcoming expat community, friendly locals, and a mild climate. 

The Digital Nomad Portugal Visa is available for remote workers from non-EU/ non-EEA countries who earn at least €2,800 per month. More detailed information can be found in our  ultimate guide on Portugal for Digital Nomads.

Food

Groceries are reasonably priced and are mostly cheaper than in Lisbon. The table below gives an overview of prices of basic food items:

*The above costs are from Numbeo as of February 2023.

Transportation

Cascais offers  excellent transport links, which are an affordable way to travel around the town or further afield, including to Lisbon. A monthly pass has an average price of  €40*, and a single fare for local transport is €1.75*.

You can find more details in the Getting Around section of this article below.

*The above costs are from Numbeo as of February 2023.

Schools

Cascais municipality is home to a number of excellent international schools for all ages and a variety of curriculums. You can find a comprehensive and detailed list in our International Schools in Cascais article, including the school’s fees and contact details.

Cascais and its surrounding area boasts an abundance of excellent public schools, so if you’re considering moving to Portugal with family, and would like to have your children educated through the Portuguese curriculum, this is a great place to consider. 

Cascais is also home to some higher education schools for tourism and healthcare, such as the Estoril Higher School of Hospitality and Tourism and the Higher School of Health of Alcoitão. 

Moreover, Lisbon is close enough for you to find other international schools and universities; you can learn more about those in our Lisbon Neighborhoods Close to International Schools guide.

Shopping

Shopping lovers will rejoice in what’s on offer in Cascais. The historical heart of the town is brimming with unique boutiques and bustling street markets, while two modern and expansive shopping centers cater to those who want to access modern high street brands. And, of course, Lisbon is just a short train ride away, so the choices are never exhaustive.

Healthcare

Portugal’s private and public healthcare services are considered to be amongst the best in Europe. As a legal resident, you’ll have full access to its national health service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), but many expats initially opt for private health insurance, which is cheaper than in other European countries.

Cascais has access to public and private hospitals and the average price for treatments is in line with national costs. For further information, read our article on Portugal Healthcare: All You Need to Know. 

Language

English is widely spoken in Cascais due to its popularity with international tourists. It’s strongly advisable to learn at least some Portuguese, as this not only makes for a more authentic experience of living in this charming town, but it’s also easier to navigate everyday life, travel, and entertainment.

Living in Cascais: Pros and Cons

Every town or city has pros and cons, and as long as you’re aware of them, you can weigh up your options.

Advantages

Cascais is a picturesque and lively seaside town that offers a lot to those who live there. Some of the most notable advantages are:

• Relaxed lifestyle
• Friendly and welcoming locals
• Affordable seaside town
• A safe and tolerant place
• Beautiful beaches
• Mild climate all year round
• Lots to do for everyone

Drawbacks

Some of the drawbacks to living in Cascais are as follows:

• Prices are similar to those of Lisbon
• Many tourists during peak season and a lot of touristy areas

The Bottom Line on Living in Cascais Portugal

Cascais is a stunning seaside town and a desirable location for many expats, whether to start a new life, to retire or whilst enjoying a digital nomad life. It’s a great place for those who are willing to spend a little more money, although it’s still more affordable than many other European towns and cities.

Cascais attracts many expats and rewards them with a Riviera lifestyle, scenic views across the ocean, and a vibrant community where you’ll always find something to do. For further information and to take the next steps to make your relocation dream a reality, contact us to schedule a non-binding call.