living in crete as an expat living in crete as an expat

There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. Your email address will not be published. Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. Visit the About Me page for more info. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. A minimum of six months is required. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. I have 4 years left till I retire from the US Army and since you would be near the base you will be able to save alot of money. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. But with such a great outdoor lifestyle and so much fresh Mediterranean food on offer, chances are youll remain healthy and feel younger than your years. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. kindest regards. If you want to brush shoulders with celebrities and live the high life on the island, the northeastern village of Elounda is a charming fishing village turned playground of the rich and famous. For example, we had a friend who felt dizzy and fell in her kitchen and when she was taken to the hospital, apart from treating her injuries, they also did lots of tests to determine the cause of her fall. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. I have lost my beneficy status. 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. 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. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Greece Expat Forum for Expats Living in Greece, Australia Expat Forum for Expats Living in AU, Britain Expat Forum for Expats Living in the UK, Dubai Expat Forum for Expats Living in Dubai, Spain Expat Forum for Expats Living in Spain, France Expat Forum for Expats Living in France. Another thing that you will find frustrating and I have mentioned this in my other article about moving to Crete, its the slow pace at what things are done, and the laid back attitude of the Greek people, although its a good thing, and that is one of the reasons you want to settle in Crete, it can get very frustrating when you have a leaking sink that needs to be fixed. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. Want To Move To Greece? Read This First | British Expat Guide There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. Living in Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad The other main concern of expats is healthcare. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. The people are cool. Thanks. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. 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 youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? What is the best area in Crete to live in? 1.15%. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. 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. We currently live in Australia. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cyprus is also larger. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. I am sure one of the things that you will have on your mind as you consider retiring in Crete Greece, is the medical facility and the quality of the services offered. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? 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. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. Obviously, the warm weather is one of the reasons why Crete is a favorite of many retirees from Europe, the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. Living in Greece : A Guide to Moving to Greece as an Expat : Expat Info Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? International health insurance can be quite expensive. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. 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. But youll also find plenty of support. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. 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 a great place to retire to at any age. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. In the survey Expat Insider asked respondents to rate and provide information about how it is to live as expat in 65 countries around the world that are considered as key destinations for expats. Required fields are marked *. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. . This is a good way to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture. Greece operates . Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. Although major cities and tourist hubs generally work on a more British pattern of standardised hours, more rural areas often march to the beat of their own drum. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Rose. 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. All Rights Reserved. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Your email address will not be published. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. 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. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. Expatriates in Greece: Quality and Cost of Living But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. Yes, indeed, Greece is a seismically active country, as the mainland and the islands are located along a boundary zone in the eastern Mediterranean, between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Most rental properties in the smaller villages are for short holiday lets in the summer, so you might find a reasonable price for the winter months but would have to move before tourists arrive. People may indicate one way and then turn another, drive up the other side of the road, stop to have a chat, or even crash traffic lights. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. 4,923 helpful votes. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Agios Nikolaos General hospital, Sitia General Hospital, Rethimno General Hospital just to name a few, there are also small clinics all around the island and many Private hospitals. Greece has some pretty amazing food. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. To register with a doctor in Greece, youll need to complete a form with your insurance information (if applicable), your personal details, and your tax information. Im really confused what I need to do!! However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. I found all this very interesting .I actually live in Cyprus do found your comparison very useful.life is good in Cyprus but in 14 years has changed s lot..There are new buildings everywhere and lots of people from third world countries, in addition to the Filipino and Sri Lankan maids. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. I currently live in France, however as far as I am aware since 2005 Residence Permits are no longer required for any EU citizen living in any EU cousntry. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. 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. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. Apart from that, if you spend more than 50% of the year in Greece or have a permanent residential address in the country, you will be considered a Greek resident, and you will have to pay taxes from your income abroad too. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. Required fields are marked *. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. 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. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. Access to these is comforting you age. The people are so friendly. And that is why as a tourist you should not make it so obvious that you are tourists, just dress like one of the locals. You wont be short of medical care. hope that helps! Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. 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. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. Also buying fresh produce from the local farmers saves you a lot of money and you get fresh great quality products like organic eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and things like honey. If beaches are a deal-breaker for you, then youre more likely to find soft white sand on Cyprus, some of Cretes beaches can be a bit stony, so if you dont know the beach, you might get a nasty surprise. Also many Americans complain that they want to get back to the US it takes a certain kind of person to appreciate what Greece has to offer. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Expat Places: Let's Move to Crete - TorFX Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? The cons of living in Greece 1. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. Around coastal areas it can get quite humid at times, and snowfall is common on the mountains between November and May, but rare in the low-lying areas. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. hi im wanting to retire from uk to sitia ,will i be able to get freeview and english tv, and will they come to install computor etc quickly lol. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. really helpful guide thanks so much. Can you help please? Most things are very similar to other European countries. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . Save. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. 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. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Similarly, you can only be evicted for not paying rent, so renters generally have more rights in Greece than in countries like the UK or the USA. So if youre thinking of setting up a business in Greece, it only makes sense if their corporation tax rate is lower. You can also find me on YouTube. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. Greece is one of the best places to move abroad if you seek sunshine, a slower pace of life and a good value for money destination. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. If you are a non-EU national, the easiest way for you to secure a European residency is to buy a property worth 250,000 and over. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. The best way to do this is with the Golden Visa as it brings a lot of advantages, but not everyone has the spare cash to invest. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. In this interview, Gabi shares her experiences and practical tips for anyone who is moving to Crete or is simply interested in knowing more about life in Crete. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. English Expats In Crete, Greece Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals, compare international health insurance options, The Expat Guide To UK Pensions Abroad: Understand Your Options, The Essential Guide To Cost-Effective International Removals, https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. 1.10%. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. We have some friends who long term renters. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. Excellent education, quality of life, welcoming communities and stunning outdoor scenery are just some of the main reasons why people choose to live in Canada as an expat. Shes written for Greek Reporter, published several travel guides about Greece, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person would be able to handle.