Crete has an amazing gastronomic tradition, so much so that there are people coming back to Crete year after year just for the sake of a small tavern, or even a certain dish., Also Read: Hidden Gems in Greece You Should Visit and Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece. You can also find me on YouTube. Where are the best places to live in Greece? In fact, in some areas such as Hora Sfakion and Souda, plenty of people head out to the local market or pop to their neighbours for coffee without locking up. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. Don't leave home without it! It rains very little in Crete. Well, one of the things that you will find frustrating is the paperwork, Bureaucracy is something that you will deal with and you will have to be very patient. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. 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. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. 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.. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete Your email address will not be published. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. 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. 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. Greece offers many different atmospheres for living, and which is best will depend on your personal needs and goals. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Around coastal areas it can get quite humid at times, and snowfall is common on the mountains between November and May, but rare in the low-lying areas. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. 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. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. 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. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? Hi everyone! I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. 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. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. 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. 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. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. Your email address will not be published. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. Also many Americans complain that they want to get back to the US it takes a certain kind of person to appreciate what Greece has to offer. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. What is the best area in Crete to live in? The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. The weather is among the best in Europe. After his parents emigrated to France in January 2020, Jacob has a special interest in all things expat related and even plans to retire abroad himself someday. Living and working in Greece as an expat - Lingocruit 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. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. 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. 10 Best Places to Live as an Expat | WorldRemit The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. Lynne Evans: The unvarnished truth about living in Greece Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. I have lost my beneficy status. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. Rose. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. Save. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. many thanks 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. . For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. 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. Nothing is wrong; it just takes a while. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. Your email address will not be published. 470 reviews. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. 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. 4,923 helpful votes. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Moving to Greece as a US Expat - Sunset International Shipping Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. 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. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. 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. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. 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. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete.
To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. 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. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. 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. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. kindest regards. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. The island is home to many expats from all across Europe and the rest of the world, meaning anyone looking to move to Crete in the future will find a warm welcome and plenty of support. Living In Crete: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. What are some pros and cons about living in Chania, Crete, Greece as an I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . Required fields are marked *. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. 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. But youll also find plenty of support. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. Can you help please? 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. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. Yes, the island is very safe all year round.