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

You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. 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? House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. Laidback way of living Although summer can be delightful with lots happening, plenty of people, and an enjoyable atmosphere, there remains that calm, relaxed vibe of life on an island. 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. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. Once granted, you only need to renew it if your circumstances change, and you must fill out versions for both you and your children (if applicable). 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. 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! 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. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. 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? Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. After you have applied for the alternative tax regime, the 7% tax rate will become effective the following tax year and will last for 15 years. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. After his parents emigrated to France in January 2020, Jacob has a special interest in all things expat related and even plans to retire abroad himself someday. . 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. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. 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. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. 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. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. 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. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. In Athens, you can expect to pay around 9.50 per square metre, but only 5.25 per square metre in somewhere like rural Thessaloniki. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. 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. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. 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. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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.. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. 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. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: Each CNA and Med Aide, regardless of title, enhances the living experience for Tabitha's Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, "Seniors/clients") by . Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Greece operates . Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. There are different kinds of residency permits available depending on your purpose for moving to Greece, the most popular are: financially independent persons (FIP), Golden Visa and digital nomad. Required fields are marked *. 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. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. Expats living here won't have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of tourist footfall as in other parts of Greece. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. Crete has an amazing gastronomic tradition, so much so that there are people coming back to Crete year after year just for the sake of a small tavern, or even a certain dish., Also Read: Hidden Gems in Greece You Should Visit and Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. If you live in Crete all year and dont need to find everything into a two-week holiday window, youll find yourself enjoying the temperate winter months as much, if not more, than summer. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. Nobody seems to know. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Like this article about living in Crete? I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. 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. 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. The people are so friendly. In my next article, I am going to go deeper in the cost of living in Crete, but I will mission that there are some measures that you can take to save money while living in Crete. 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. 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). After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Later Crete was ruled by Rome, then by the Byzantine Empire, the Andalusian Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. Like most of Europe, locals on the island generally speak English for tourists and are more than happy to help out if you try to speak in Greek, to begin with. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. hope that helps! However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. Up to 20,000 youll pay 22% tax, up to 30,000 youll pay 29% tax, and up to 40,000 youll pay 37% tax. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. 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. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Greece is a fantastic country. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. 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. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. 47,401 posts. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. 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. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete 470 reviews. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Access to these is comforting you age. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. 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. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? All Rights Reserved. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. 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. I know that locals arent always the best drivers in the world, however, the impressive beauty of the mountain and sea landscapes around Crete really makes up for that. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. 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. What is the best area in Crete to live in? However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling Canada home. We have some friends who long term renters. The other main concern of expats is healthcare. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. Groups of expats can help provide practical support, such as finding a job and emotional support over coffee when the Greek bureaucracy gets too much. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. 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. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. Language can be a barrier at any age. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. Life on Crete moves at a slower pace than on mainland Greece or much of Europe, which can be very enjoyable and perfect for retirement. Your email address will not be published. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. 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. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? 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. These are particularly popular with expat families. 1.10%. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. Where are the best places to live in Greece? 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. The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. 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. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. 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. Over 2 million. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. and impressive gorges. You wont be short of medical care. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. 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. Hello. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. 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. Ferry companies that connect mainland Greece to Crete: Crete schools with addresses and contact details , Crete hospitals, health centres, regional clinics and other information on healthcare . I have lived here for 6 years now and I have not heard of any serious crimes, just some pick pocketing in Chania which happens a lot during the tourist season. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. 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. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. 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. However, you might want to consider professional help. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece.