Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. 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. 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. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. You wont be short of medical care. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Can you help at all? However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. Living in Greece : A Guide to Moving to Greece as an Expat : Expat Info Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. 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. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. Language can be a barrier at any age. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. 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. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. 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. What is the best area in Crete to live in? The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. 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. Cretes slow pace also applies to the bureaucracy system, so if you suffer from high blood pressure or are looking to get away from stressful paperwork, perhaps take up meditation or yoga while filling in all your official forms. In fact, in some areas such as Hora Sfakion and Souda, plenty of people head out to the local market or pop to their neighbours for coffee without locking up. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. It really depends on your preferences. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. 1. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. Living in Crete, Greece - Interview With an Expat - Spend Life Traveling Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. 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. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. 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. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. If you dont take that job offer I would. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. Thanks for the interesting article. JavaScript is disabled. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. 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. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. . Age: 48 Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Rose. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. In my opinion, its best to find a lawyer to advise you on the legal matters, and an accountant to advise you on the financial matters. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. For example, utilities cost around 30% less, internet is 20% less, and renting an apartment in central Athens will set you back at around 670 compared to 3,150 in central London. . 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. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. 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. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. 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. kindest regards. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Crete; It's the biggest island in the country, and it offers a laid-back pace of life, a warm climate, and wonderful sandy beaches. 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! Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. These cookies do not store any personal information. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. 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. The weather is among the best in Europe. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. Thank you for the comment. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. We currently live in Australia. For example, utilities cost around 30% less, internet is 20% less, and renting an apartment in central Athens will set you back at around 670 compared to 3,150 in central London. Living on either island is the dream for many. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. The pros of living in Santorini 1. 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. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. 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. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. That said, there are plenty of opportunities for vegetarians too, although Greece hasnt been subject to the same surge in vegetarianism as more cosmopolitan countries. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. 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. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. Any specific sites we can check? We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. 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. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. 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. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. 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. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? 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. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. 47,401 posts. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). 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 . 4,923 helpful votes. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. Expats In Crete, Greece For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. 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. 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. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. Hello. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. Expats in Chania - Chania Town Forum - Tripadvisor Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. 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. Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece I live in the western end near Chania and there are a number of big hotels and holiday concerns which are hiring at the moment for the 2009 summer season. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. This will depend on which country has the lower tax rate, but be aware that youll be subject to the tax laws of the country in which your tax is paid. 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. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? Your email address will not be published. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. 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. Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Living in Crete You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. The basic requirements for a residence permit . Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. Can you help please? 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. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. 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. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. 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. 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. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. The main reason behind moving to Crete was that Greece has always been my dream place to live, and after visiting the island summer after summer, I couldnt resist I had to stay.. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Some links on this website are affiliate links. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. Greece operates . 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. 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. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling Canada home. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. Access to these is comforting you age. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. The visa will allow you to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, and that way, you can live in the country for the duration of the application process. 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.
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