The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. 1.15%. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. Greece is not known for having a fast bureaucratic system, so youll want to allow as much time as possible to get the paperwork sorted. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. 1. Any specific sites we can check? Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. 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. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Your email address will not be published. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. If your propertys cadastral value is 2000,000 and over, there are additional rates from 0.10% to 1.15%, depending on the property price. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Subscribe. 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. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? 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. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Pin it! Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. Can you help please? Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Re: Expats in Chania. 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. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. 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. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 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.. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. If you choose to live outside the major towns of Heraklion and Rethymnon, you will find winter a great time to explore the local area. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. 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. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. 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. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. 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. Cyprus is also larger. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. When it comes to pubs and drinks, I would have to say that Synagogi Open Bar, in the old Jewish quarter is just the best place with the best music and delicious drinks. But what is life in Crete like? The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. the people where very welcoming and warm, I worked in the tourist industry which was a lot of fun but it does die down in the winter and this is the hardest part but there is work and there are alot of English people stay all year round. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. 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. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. It really depends on your preferences. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. The people are cool. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. If youre looking for all the amenities you currently enjoy in life then youll need to live in or near a major city, which also means the cost of living will be higher. 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. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. 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. The other main concern of expats is healthcare. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. Im really confused what I need to do!! A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. 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. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. 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. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. 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. God bless. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? So keep it in mind. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. Its small enough to have a real sense of identity and community but large enough to have everything you could need- although some things come at a price. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. If you are looking to move to Crete to enjoy the peace and quiet of your retirement years, then there is plenty to look forward to. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! 4,923 helpful votes. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. Crete offers a perfect retirement place, because of the all year round living, online other Greek islands, Crete is not just a tourist destination, its also an ideal place to settle especially for pensioners. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. If you have questions or need more information, see our complete Guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and options, or contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. Great informative story/interview. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. 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. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and 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. 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. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. 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. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. The pros of living in Santorini 1. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. In January, we have some days when the temperatures can go as high as 25 degrees Celsius, and night temperatures are between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius. 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. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. 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. Cons: In Greece, the closer you are to popular tourist centers, the higher the prices will be especially for prime accommodation, restaurant meals, and entertainment. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. It rains very little in Crete. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Crete has a large number of expats who live on the island all year round alongside the local population, so although the months between November and May are quieter, there is still plenty to do. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. Nov 10, 2014. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. . Your email address will not be published. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. 470 reviews. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . 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. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. 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. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Most people who decide to retire in Crete prefer purchasing a property rather than renting one, although there are some who go for long term rent. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? We use cookies to enhance your experience. 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. You can check your options in our Living In Greece guide: https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/ in Residency for non-EU citizens section. Even if the weather is not the best to swim in winter, theres something magical about visiting the pink sand beach of Elafonisi without the crowds, enjoying the uniqueness of the southern coast of Crete all alone.. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. For example, youll have much better facilities (both public and private) in urban areas, so if you already have health issues, this can be an important factor. Of course, like all places, there are some slightly less-safe parts, but in general, Crete is the type of place you can spend an afternoon in your garden and not worry about locking your front door. You can also find me on YouTube. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. kindest regards. and impressive gorges. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Qualified UK citizens can apply for the S1 form which will grant them access to the Greece public healthcare system paid by the UK. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. A minimum of six months is required. 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. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. . Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. What is the best resource to find an honest real estate broker in Greece to work with an ex-pat on options to buy a home in Crete? The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. Some links on this website are affiliate links. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. As more tourists head to the island, incidences of petty crimes like this do arise, but they generally target tourists who carry around larger amounts of cash for holiday spending. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. Among the things I enjoy the most about life in Crete is the healthy and tasty Cretan diet. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. Report inappropriate content. Save. 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. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. 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. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Whether you choose to live in the most famous Blue Zone of the world, Ikaria, or in the capital, Athens, you will be surrounded by fantastic nature, mouth-watering dishes, unbelievable culture, tradition, and friendly people. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. Like this article about living in Crete? hope that helps! Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. Hello. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. 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). Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Language can be a barrier at any age. 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 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. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. The people are so friendly. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. So if youre thinking of setting up a business in Greece, it only makes sense if their corporation tax rate is lower. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? There is a big US community thanks to the US military base in the Port of Souda, which is the biggest natural port in the Eastern Mediterranean. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. With the mountains of Crete protecting the southern coast, it is more difficult to access here and therefore is quieter, more traditional, and life is much slower. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. 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. If you havent already fallen in love with one part of the island, wed recommend travelling around a bit until you find the place that steals your heart. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Depending on where in the country expats decide to live, the range of choices may differ. This shouldnt be a problem for expats looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, but if speed and efficiency are your top priorities, itll be worth relocating to a larger city like Athens. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing.
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