If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? The basic requirements for a residence permit . Popular Areas for Brits Athens. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. 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 . Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Thanks. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. 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? Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. Nobody seems to know. Expats In Crete, Greece 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. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. Many expats opt for an international health plan. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. It really depends on your preferences. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. 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. 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. Nov 10, 2014. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! 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 food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. JavaScript is disabled. If you dont take that job offer I would. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. 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. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. 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. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. 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. 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. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Copyright 2018-2022. Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL 47,401 posts. Life in Crete, Greece Name: Gabi Ancarola Age: 48 Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina Her Story: "I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. 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. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. 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. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. You wont be short of medical care. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. I hope there might be a long-term American resident in Crete who would be willing to discuss various aspects of relocation there for a non-EU expat. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Life on Crete moves at a slower pace than on mainland Greece or much of Europe, which can be very enjoyable and perfect for retirement. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. 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. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. Don't leave home without it! Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. Cost is around $2.20. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. I have 4 years left till I retire from the US Army and since you would be near the base you will be able to save alot of money. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). Im really confused what I need to do!! While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. 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. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. 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. In January, we have some days when the temperatures can go as high as 25 degrees Celsius, and night temperatures are between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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). I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. 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. 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. Most people who decide to retire in Crete prefer purchasing a property rather than renting one, although there are some who go for long term rent. . Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. 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. 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! Your email address will not be published. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Like most of Europe, locals on the island generally speak English for tourists and are more than happy to help out if you try to speak in Greek, to begin with. That said, there are plenty of opportunities for vegetarians too, although Greece hasnt been subject to the same surge in vegetarianism as more cosmopolitan countries. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Any specific sites we can check? Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. Groups of expats can help provide practical support, such as finding a job and emotional support over coffee when the Greek bureaucracy gets too much. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? 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. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . 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. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. Similarly, you can only be evicted for not paying rent, so renters generally have more rights in Greece than in countries like the UK or the USA. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Depending on where in the country expats decide to live, the range of choices may differ. the people where very welcoming and warm, I worked in the tourist industry which was a lot of fun but it does die down in the winter and this is the hardest part but there is work and there are alot of English people stay all year round. 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. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! Among the things I enjoy the most about life in Crete is the healthy and tasty Cretan diet. It rains very little in Crete. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. Hello. Your email address will not be published. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. So I need a long term residency permit. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living Job Crete Nebraska USA,Healthcare Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. iI went out for a holiday when I was 18 years old and just never really came home again.i have been backwards and forwards a few times over the years but I always end up going back.If you stay longer than 6 months then you will need a residence permit which you can obtain from your local police station.you will need to open a bank account and have enough money to live on if you are not working.The life in greece is fantastic but wages are a lot lower than in the UK.Good luck! On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Chania in recent years has become kind of a hotspot for expats and digital nomads, which makes the atmosphere of the town feel alive and vibrant all year round.. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. 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. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? 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. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. 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. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? Greece Country Guide - Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2023 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. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. 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. Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. 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. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. The other main concern of expats is healthcare. "Living in Crete. 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. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals.