This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. Greece Expat Forum: Living/Working in Crete | Expat Exchange After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. Shes written for Greek Reporter, published several travel guides about Greece, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person would be able to handle. 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. Language can be a barrier at any age. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. Subscribe. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. 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. I wonder if you can help me. 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. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Emily always takes the scenic route to get to the heart of a country and when she isn't writing, she can be found outside with her two dogs Hugo and Suzette. 1.10%. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. 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. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. Living the Ultimate Greek Lifestyle in Heraklion, Crete Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. Expats living here won't have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of tourist footfall as in other parts of Greece. Report inappropriate content. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. Like this article about living in Crete? 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. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. 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. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. Qualified UK citizens can apply for the S1 form which will grant them access to the Greece public healthcare system paid by the UK. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. 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. Thanks. Everything you need to know about living in Crete as an expat - the pros and cons, the cost of living, the best places to live, how to integrate better and much more. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420, Greece offers a wide range of destinations for expats, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. So keep it in mind. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. 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. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. 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. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. These are particularly popular with expat families. The pros of living in Santorini 1. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. Your email address will not be published. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. 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. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. Although no simple list of pros and cons will ever be enough for making a decision about something like residency, it at least helps you get an idea of what its like to live in the country. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. 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. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. I spend most of my time living and working abroad and use this website to share "the good, the bad and the ugly" of traveling and living abroad. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. 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. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. But youll also find plenty of support. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad 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. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 4,923 helpful votes. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. 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. 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. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. If you dont take that job offer I would. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. 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. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. 2 years ago. Rose. The cons of living in Greece 1. 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. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Greece currently has an overall falling crime rate when charted over the last 10 years, with levels sitting lower than the UK or the USA. 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. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. Many expats opt for an international health plan. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete many thanks 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. kind regards My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. Your email address will not be published. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. Don't leave home without it! You have to follow non-EU application procedures. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. . 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. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Greece Expat Forum for Expats Living in Greece, Australia Expat Forum for Expats Living in AU, Britain Expat Forum for Expats Living in the UK, Dubai Expat Forum for Expats Living in Dubai, Spain Expat Forum for Expats Living in Spain, France Expat Forum for Expats Living in France. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? JavaScript is disabled. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Do you want city living or countryside living? 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. 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. Age: 48 To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. 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. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. 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. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. It rains very little in Crete. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. To be honest, I did not use any resources. The 9 Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats In 2023 Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. Thanks for the interesting article. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. Living on either island is the dream for many. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. 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. Living in Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. I'm new here. Living in Crete, Greece - Interview With an Expat - Spend Life Traveling Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? So I need a long term residency permit. We use cookies to enhance your experience. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. The people are cool. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. These cookies do not store any personal information. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. Great informative story/interview. Living and working in Greece as an expat - Lingocruit Nov 10, 2014. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. 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. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. 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. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. If you choose to live outside the major towns of Heraklion and Rethymnon, you will find winter a great time to explore the local area. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. 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. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 Cost of living in Crete (Greece) In the last decade, Crete has become the most favoured place of residence among Western expats, even more popular than Athens and Thessaloniki, especially among those who choose to retire in this country with a golden visa. 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. As a small island, Crete has a very strong sense of community and can often feel like a very large town where most people know each other. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. 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. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Cyprus is also seeing more expensive fancy restaurants such as La Maison Fleurie pop up to cater to tourists while Crete restaurants focus on good, fresh, cheap food. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. So thank you for all the information. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. 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. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly.