So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. Pros and cons of moving to Greece | Expat Arrivals Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. 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. 1.15%. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. These are particularly popular with expat families. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Cost of living in Crete in 2023 - Residence-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. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Im really confused what I need to do!! Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. If you want to check it out more closely, visiting hours are 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in winter and 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer, every day except Mondays. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. Life in Crete, Greece Name: Gabi Ancarola Age: 48 Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina Her Story: "I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. 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 . Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. 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. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Your email address will not be published. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. 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. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. Cost is around $2.20. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. Many expats opt for an international health plan. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. 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. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. 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. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. 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. 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. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. Evia, Greece's second largest island after Crete, is also open for business in winter, with many people going to its spas in towns like Aedipsos. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. The average cost per square meter in Crete is $1,900 per square meter which means you can likely find a comfortable two-bedroom apartment in a good area for under $156,000.You can learn more about purchasing real estate in Greece here. 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. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. 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. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. I have lost my beneficy status. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. Living in Crete, Greece - Interview With an Expat - Spend Life Traveling Living and working in Greece as an expat - Lingocruit This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. Report inappropriate content. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. Expatriates in Greece: Quality and Cost of Living Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. 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. The island is home to many expats from all across Europe and the rest of the world, meaning anyone looking to move to Crete in the future will find a warm welcome and plenty of support. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. 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 . Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. 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. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Re: Expats in Chania. Greece Expat Forum: Living/Working in Crete | Expat Exchange Hello. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. What are some pros and cons about living in Chania, Crete, Greece as an You can also find me on YouTube. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. I wonder if you can help me. The pros of living in Santorini 1. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. 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. kind regards 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. What is the best area in Crete to live in? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. 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. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. 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. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. 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. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece 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. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. 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. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. 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. "Living in Crete. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! 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. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Nov 10, 2014. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . . Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Living the Ultimate Greek Lifestyle in Heraklion, Crete There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra 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. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. 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. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. 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. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. 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. Over 2 million. 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. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. 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. Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. 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 am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. 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. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. International health insurance can be quite expensive. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. Doing so can make sense if youre planning on splitting money between countries, but youll still need a specifically Greek account for things like paying tax and purchasing property. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. 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. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete Any specific sites we can check? 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. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. All Rights Reserved. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. 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 overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. When applying for a residents Visa , do we again have to provide financial details to forfil the financial independent persons criteria or is it transferred from the Type-D application. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. Language can be a barrier at any age. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Cyprus is also larger. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. This is the best way to get in touch with the locals, learn about their lives on the island, and discover incredible places that not everyone knows about. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. We currently live in Australia. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. 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. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. 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. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. Lynne Evans: The unvarnished truth about living in Greece Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. Your email address will not be published. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. 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. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros?
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