If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. So I need a long term residency permit. 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. 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. Greece Country Guide - Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2023 This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. Your email address will not be published. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. Living and working in Greece as an expat - Lingocruit If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. I have read the basics. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. The people are so friendly. 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. Our historic center is really charming, with romantic cobblestone alleys, a magical Venetian harbor, and dozens of little bars and taverns serving fantastic local wines and tasty Greek food. Great informative story/interview. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. 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. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! 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. 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. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. To be honest, I did not use any resources. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! 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. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? The weather is among the best in Europe. Providing youre willing to adjust to a Greeks pace of life and arent in a rush to get anything done, youll be pleasantly surprised about how good this actually feels. You can also find me on YouTube. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. We plan to enroll her in the School of European Education of Heraklion and I was wondering if anyone has any impressions of them, as there is little info online. It really depends on your preferences. Hello. You can find practical support and answers to any questions you might have and events and activities organised by expats such as Coffee dates and trips to other islands. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. 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? . If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. 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. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. 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, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. 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. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. 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. Expats In Crete, Greece The other main concern of expats is healthcare. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. All legal residents are entitled to state-run healthcare. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. Yes, the island is very safe all year round. Greece is a fantastic country. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. 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. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. But with such a great outdoor lifestyle and so much fresh Mediterranean food on offer, chances are youll remain healthy and feel younger than your years. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. After years of putting up with Milans rainy winters, I moved to Crete, Greece with my two kids where I write about the island for different media. What is the best area in Crete to live in? The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. Now because of the current situation of Britain leaving the EU, Brits might have it rough when it comes to retiring in Crete and Greece at large. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. All Rights Reserved. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Don't leave home without it! Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. 470 reviews. Crete is known as the cradle of Western civilization and has tons of impressive ruins and sites dating from the Bronze age, when the Minoan civilization thrived on the island. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. There is plenty of fresh food grown on the island, and the Greek diet is well-known for its fish, simple dishes, and fresh produce. 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. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling Canada home. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Here things move at a slow pace (siga siga) also someone who enjoys the outdoors, taking long walks, or hiking, Crete is blessed with beautiful beaches, gorges, and mountains. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. Honestly, every part of Crete is an excellent place to live, but depending on what sort of lifestyle you want, you will want to choose a part of the island that matches your lifestyle. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. 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. 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. 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. Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra 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. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. Copyright 2018-2022. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. Required fields are marked *. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Your email address will not be published. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. The basic requirements for a residence permit . However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. Living in Greece: The Ultimate Guide | GoVisaFree Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. 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. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. 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. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. 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 island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. 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. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. Living on either island is the dream for many. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. Although there are some beaches, gorges, and cities that everyone wants to visit, it is always a good idea to explore places that most tourists do not visit. Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL 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. 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.. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. Report inappropriate content. 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. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. Living in Crete Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. 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. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. It's a good place to come if you're determined to learn the local lingo and get involved with the local community, because there's not such an international crowd as elsewhere. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. 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. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. 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. 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. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? 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). Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. kindest regards. 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. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. 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. I found all this very interesting .I actually live in Cyprus do found your comparison very useful.life is good in Cyprus but in 14 years has changed s lot..There are new buildings everywhere and lots of people from third world countries, in addition to the Filipino and Sri Lankan maids. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) 1.15%. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. English Expats In Crete, Greece 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. However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. I currently live in France, however as far as I am aware since 2005 Residence Permits are no longer required for any EU citizen living in any EU cousntry. 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.