Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Greece Country Guide - Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2023 Required fields are marked *. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. Your email address will not be published. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. 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. Don't leave home without it! But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. Moving to Greece as a US Expat - Sunset International Shipping Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. 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. 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. Lynne Evans: The unvarnished truth about living in Greece Your email address will not be published. Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. Expatriates in Greece: Quality and Cost of Living Many expats opt for an international health plan. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. 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. Rose. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. 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. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. 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 like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. 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.. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. To be honest, I did not use any resources. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. 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. 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. 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. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. 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. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad God bless. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. really helpful guide thanks so much. Later Crete was ruled by Rome, then by the Byzantine Empire, the Andalusian Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? "Living in Crete. The quality of services offered is of high standards, and my husband who is from Denmark says that the doctors here are very thorough and very attentive. Living in Greece : A Guide to Moving to Greece as an Expat : Expat Info Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. But youll also find plenty of support. Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra Living in Crete, Greece - Interview With an Expat - Spend Life Traveling That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. The people are so friendly. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Age: 48 Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. Do you want city living or countryside living? I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. The best way to do this is with the Golden Visa as it brings a lot of advantages, but not everyone has the spare cash to invest. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. 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. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. 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. kind regards I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. Expat Places: Let's Move to Crete - TorFX The expat community here is very interlinked, and although there is less of a sense of community than in other areas of Crete, the expats here will help you find anything from a job or a place to live to a date, or even a new dishwasher. Required fields are marked *. 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. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. 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. Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. It really depends on your preferences. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. If you havent already fallen in love with one part of the island, wed recommend travelling around a bit until you find the place that steals your heart. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. If you dont take that job offer I would. However, you might want to consider professional help. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. 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. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. 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. 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. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? 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. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. 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. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. 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. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. 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. Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. 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. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 1. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? If you have questions or need more information about your Golden Visa options, we have a complete guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and you can also contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Subscribe. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. International health insurance can be quite expensive. I'm new here. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Living on either island is the dream for many. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. The 9 Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats In 2023 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). Its small enough to have a real sense of identity and community but large enough to have everything you could need- although some things come at a price. The people are cool. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. Your email address will not be published. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra The west part of the island, especially the northwest near Chania, is stunningly beautiful, has the best beaches, and is thriving and bustling all year round. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. If your propertys cadastral value is 2000,000 and over, there are additional rates from 0.10% to 1.15%, depending on the property price. But what is life in Crete like? 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. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. Hi there, you can also check out the visa hunter blog, which has loads of useful links about moving somewhere, paperwork, useful contacts and stuff you have to consider before going in a foreign country (for each country separately). 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. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living Job Crete Nebraska USA,Healthcare 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. 4,923 helpful votes. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. You can join that to ask any questions you may have about life here including finding housing, getting a visa, etc., Also Read: A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad. Thank you for the comment. 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. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. 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. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete 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. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Im really confused what I need to do!! 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. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Visit the About Me page for more info. 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. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany 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. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. Like this article about living in Crete? The weather is among the best in Europe. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. 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.
