living in crete as an expat living in crete as an expat

I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. 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. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. 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. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. 47,401 posts. 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. Greece has some pretty amazing food. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. Language can be a barrier at any age. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. 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. 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. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. So thank you for all the information. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. 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. In my opinion, its best to find a lawyer to advise you on the legal matters, and an accountant to advise you on the financial matters. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. 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. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. 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. The people are so friendly. . 1.10%. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. Living the Ultimate Greek Lifestyle in Heraklion, Crete Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? 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. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. You can also find me on YouTube. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. 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. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. 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. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. 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. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. 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! Want To Move To Greece? Read This First | British Expat Guide Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . 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. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. 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. Hi everyone! Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? 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. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. 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. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. 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. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. 1.15%. So keep it in mind. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. Living and working in Greece as an expat - Lingocruit Theres not much that I dislike about the island. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. Cons: In Greece, the closer you are to popular tourist centers, the higher the prices will be especially for prime accommodation, restaurant meals, and entertainment. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. 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. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. 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. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. 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. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. 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. The cons of living in Greece 1. . Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. Crete; It's the biggest island in the country, and it offers a laid-back pace of life, a warm climate, and wonderful sandy beaches. Lynne Evans: The unvarnished truth about living in Greece The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. In fact, most people say the only problem walking after dark is the lumps and bumps on the road, which might cause you to trip. 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. 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. Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. 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. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. 2 years ago. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. If you are a non-EU national, the easiest way for you to secure a European residency is to buy a property worth 250,000 and over. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Nov 10, 2014. 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. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. Expats In Crete, Greece I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. 4,923 helpful votes. Required fields are marked *. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. There will be a lot of paperwork to be sorted, but I am sure this will not hinder those who want to settle in Greece. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. Great informative story/interview. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. 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. 1. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. 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. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Expats in Chania - Chania Town Forum - Tripadvisor Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. Living In Italy: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. Can you help at all? really helpful guide thanks so much. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Name: Gabi Ancarola 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. As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Re: Expats in Chania. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Yes, the island is very safe all year round. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. 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. Apart from that, if you spend more than 50% of the year in Greece or have a permanent residential address in the country, you will be considered a Greek resident, and you will have to pay taxes from your income abroad too. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. Like this article about living in Crete? There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). Where are the best places to live in Greece? Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. 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. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. English Expats In Crete, Greece Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. Obviously, the warm weather is one of the reasons why Crete is a favorite of many retirees from Europe, the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. 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. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. 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, you might want to consider professional help. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. Some links on this website are affiliate links. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. 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. 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. 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. Greece offers many different atmospheres for living, and which is best will depend on your personal needs and goals. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. The people are cool. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. We currently live in Australia. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. If you want to brush shoulders with celebrities and live the high life on the island, the northeastern village of Elounda is a charming fishing village turned playground of the rich and famous. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. 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. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Many expats have already taken the plunge and headed to the stunning Greek island of Crete. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently.