Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. Some of the main tourist attractions are closed for work in winter so there are few tourists and its a great time to explore the island, eat out and go shopping without being surrounded by tourists. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. Age: 48 Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. Save. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. That said, there are plenty of opportunities for vegetarians too, although Greece hasnt been subject to the same surge in vegetarianism as more cosmopolitan countries. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. Living on either island is the dream for many. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. kind regards I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. I hope there might be a long-term American resident in Crete who would be willing to discuss various aspects of relocation there for a non-EU expat. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Re: Expats in Chania. For things such as white goods for your kitchen, it is often cheaper to buy in mainland Greece and bring them back yourself on a car ferry than it is to buy them on the island. Great informative story/interview. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. Old buildings and village walls are the ones that get damaged, as the majority of the new builds are designed to withstand earthquakes, meaning that Greek cities and towns are less likely to experience serious structural damage. You can join that to ask any questions you may have about life here including finding housing, getting a visa, etc., Also Read: A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. Providing youre willing to adjust to a Greeks pace of life and arent in a rush to get anything done, youll be pleasantly surprised about how good this actually feels. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. The closest airport is in Volos, around 90 minutes away, meaning you still have good international connections but can enjoy some peace and quiet too. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. 2 years ago. You can also find me on YouTube. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. Although no simple list of pros and cons will ever be enough for making a decision about something like residency, it at least helps you get an idea of what its like to live in the country. Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. Chania in recent years has become kind of a hotspot for expats and digital nomads, which makes the atmosphere of the town feel alive and vibrant all year round.. To learn more, read our guide How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad all you need to know about your post-Brexit healthcare options in Europe. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. Access to these is comforting you age. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. If you know what you are in for and have done plenty of research, moving to Crete may just be the best thing you do. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. Most of these villages are within half an hour's drive of Chania where you can find all the services you need year round, including good local supermarket chains called Marinopoulos and INKA, and also branches of LIDL. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? This means that if you want to go to any shops or visit anyone between 12-2 PM, call in advance to check its okay, or you might find the stores are closed and your neighbour is taking a nap. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. So I need a long term residency permit. many thanks Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420, Greece offers a wide range of destinations for expats, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. The basic requirements for a residence permit . Driving on the island is another thing you will have to get used to, if you are the kind that screams at the driver next or in front of you, then I suggest you take some relaxation therapy before moving to Crete lol. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. JavaScript is disabled. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. 1.15%. Cost is around $2.20. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. There is a robust public healthcare system, but many expats opt for local private healthcare or for international health insurance simply to guarantee a higher standard. If you plan to study or work in Crete, you will need to apply for an additional permit, but this is less urgent than securing your residency. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. Also if you like swimming and sunbathing, you are going to enjoy your retirement here on Crete because there are so many beaches, some big and some small, as you familiarize yourself with the island, you are going to find some really nice spots where you can enjoy swimming and relaxing even at the height of the tourist season. The expat community here is very interlinked, and although there is less of a sense of community than in other areas of Crete, the expats here will help you find anything from a job or a place to live to a date, or even a new dishwasher. The Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats, Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023, Greece: Visa & Residency Options For Non-EU Nationals, Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide, How do I become a resident of Crete non-EU citizens. The tourists usually go to the big beaches because they are not familiar with the island, expats who live here, know the small hidden spots, where they can go and have a swim and a picnic. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. We have some friends who long term renters. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. I'm new here. It really depends on your preferences. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Greece operates . Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. Greece currently has an overall falling crime rate when charted over the last 10 years, with levels sitting lower than the UK or the USA. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. The area known as Apokoronas, situated between the major towns of Chania and Rethymnon, is home to the highest density of expats on the island. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. Greece is an extremely vibrant country that is famed throughout the world for its year-round good climate, detailed history, beautiful architecture, and unique culture. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. God bless. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. These are particularly popular with expat families. In fact, most people say the only problem walking after dark is the lumps and bumps on the road, which might cause you to trip. Your email address will not be published. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 Cost of living in Crete (Greece) In the last decade, Crete has become the most favoured place of residence among Western expats, even more popular than Athens and Thessaloniki, especially among those who choose to retire in this country with a golden visa. Cretes slow pace also applies to the bureaucracy system, so if you suffer from high blood pressure or are looking to get away from stressful paperwork, perhaps take up meditation or yoga while filling in all your official forms. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? Any specific sites we can check? Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. Many expats opt for an international health plan. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. Even though technically that is true, some of the bureaucrats here still ask you for one for certain things, like if you buy a car here you still have to get a residence permit. I spend most of my time living and working abroad and use this website to share "the good, the bad and the ugly" of traveling and living abroad. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. Cyprus is also seeing more expensive fancy restaurants such as La Maison Fleurie pop up to cater to tourists while Crete restaurants focus on good, fresh, cheap food. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. If you plan on getting a car, which is recommended as public transport is good in the town but unreliable elsewhere, be ready for some strange driving. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. The cons of living in Greece 1. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. The Living in Crete book The Living in Crete book is a valuable resource giving in-depth and detailed information - all that you need to know before and after a move to Crete or a property purchase - packed with information, advice, tips, useful local addresses, telephone numbers and links. Also unlike other European hospitals where you have to wait for a long time to be seen by a specialist, here the wait is not long at all. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . If you dont fancy a dip in the sold sea, its a great spectator event, and youll have a great time with all the food, wine, and music. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. Copyright 2018-2022. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. Report inappropriate content. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. You can, of course, find online forums and ask for the advice of other expats, but if you want to meet up, join a community and take advantage of the network of expats living on Crete, you might want to be in an area with a higher percentage of expats. 1.10%. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Why You Shouldnt Buy Seashells or Take Them, A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad, Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Things to Concider Before Moving to Another Country. There will be a lot of paperwork to be sorted, but I am sure this will not hinder those who want to settle in Greece. we have been to Crete a couple of time and have noticed that agios nikolaos seems to be very popular with expats and has many shops, it is beautiful! I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Required fields are marked *. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. There are few major towns in the mountains, so youll get lots of peace and quiet and can descend into the hustle and bustle of the coast when you need to. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. For example, utilities cost around 30% less, internet is 20% less, and renting an apartment in central Athens will set you back at around 670 compared to 3,150 in central London. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with expats in Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Greece written, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. After years of putting up with Milans rainy winters, I moved to Crete, Greece with my two kids where I write about the island for different media. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). The people are so friendly. Expats living here won't have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of tourist footfall as in other parts of Greece. the site of the Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education inCrete, administration of the 7th Ministry of Health of Crete, https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/, http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. really helpful guide thanks so much. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. For example, rent on an inner-city apartment in Greece will set you back about 335 (300), while rural rent on an apartment of the same size will be around 280 (250). We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. 1. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. British citizens who had lived in the EU pre-Brexit had a certain time window to settle their status and it looks like you missed it. Nobody seems to know. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. We plan to enroll her in the School of European Education of Heraklion and I was wondering if anyone has any impressions of them, as there is little info online. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. Can you help please? However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. English Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with English expats in Crete, Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Crete written by English bloggers, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete Your email address will not be published. Crete is known as the cradle of Western civilization and has tons of impressive ruins and sites dating from the Bronze age, when the Minoan civilization thrived on the island.