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

But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. Most things are very similar to other European countries. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). Age: 48 Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . 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. There is a big US community thanks to the US military base in the Port of Souda, which is the biggest natural port in the Eastern Mediterranean. 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. When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. 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. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. kind regards We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . Any specific sites we can check? The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. Access to these is comforting you age. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. Like this article about living in Crete? 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. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. 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. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. Our historic center is really charming, with romantic cobblestone alleys, a magical Venetian harbor, and dozens of little bars and taverns serving fantastic local wines and tasty Greek food. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. We currently live in Australia. 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. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. Don't leave home without it! Yes, the island is very safe all year round. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. In mainland Greece, earthquakes up to seven in magnitude have been recorded in the past, rising to up to 7.2 in islands like Crete. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. Can you help please? Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. 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. Pin it! However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: Each CNA and Med Aide, regardless of title, enhances the living experience for Tabitha's Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, "Seniors/clients") by . Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. 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. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. I have lived here for 6 years now and I have not heard of any serious crimes, just some pick pocketing in Chania which happens a lot during the tourist season. 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. 1. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. Thanks for the interesting article. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. 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. and impressive gorges. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece Do you want city living or countryside living? The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. 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. So keep it in mind. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. Name: Gabi Ancarola Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. 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. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. You can join that to ask any questions you may have about life here including finding housing, getting a visa, etc., Also Read: A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. This means that if you want to go to any shops or visit anyone between 12-2 PM, call in advance to check its okay, or you might find the stores are closed and your neighbour is taking a nap. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling Canada home. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. 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. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. Old buildings and village walls are the ones that get damaged, as the majority of the new builds are designed to withstand earthquakes, meaning that Greek cities and towns are less likely to experience serious structural damage. 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. Re: Expats in Chania. The basic requirements for a residence permit . Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. 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. 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! Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. 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. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. The people are cool. 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. "Living in Crete. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. The weather is among the best in Europe. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. 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. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. For UK citizens planning to relocate to Greece, it can make sense to take advantage of the three-month visa-free travel period to visit different areas of the country. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. This is a good way to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. The cons of living in Greece 1. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. 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. It really depends on your preferences. Greece is not known for having a fast bureaucratic system, so youll want to allow as much time as possible to get the paperwork sorted. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. To be honest, I did not use any resources. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. Your email address will not be published. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? Greece has some pretty amazing food. 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.. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. Your email address will not be published. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. 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. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. Save. Some links on this website are affiliate links. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. Required fields are marked *. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. 1.10%. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. 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. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. 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. 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. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. 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. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. 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). At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. 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. Over 2 million. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. I have lost my beneficy status.