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. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. 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. 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. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Nobody seems to know. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. These are particularly popular with expat families. 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. After you have applied for the alternative tax regime, the 7% tax rate will become effective the following tax year and will last for 15 years. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. When it comes to pubs and drinks, I would have to say that Synagogi Open Bar, in the old Jewish quarter is just the best place with the best music and delicious drinks. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. But youll also find plenty of support. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. 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. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. 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. God bless. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Lynne Evans: The unvarnished truth about living in Greece Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. 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. Where are the best places to live in Greece? An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. To learn more, read our guide How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad all you need to know about your post-Brexit healthcare options in Europe. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. So I need a long term residency permit. It really depends on your preferences. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 - Residence-Greece With the mountains of Crete protecting the southern coast, it is more difficult to access here and therefore is quieter, more traditional, and life is much slower. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Why You Shouldnt Buy Seashells or Take Them, A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad, Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Things to Concider Before Moving to Another Country. 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.. Don't leave home without it! Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. Expat Places: Let's Move to Crete - TorFX As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. Greece Expat Forum: Crete| Expat Exchange Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. 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. Most of these villages are within half an hour's drive of Chania where you can find all the services you need year round, including good local supermarket chains called Marinopoulos and INKA, and also branches of LIDL. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. 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. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. hope that helps! The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Hello. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. 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. 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. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. 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. International health insurance can be quite expensive. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Some links on this website are affiliate links. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. 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. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. I currently live in France, however as far as I am aware since 2005 Residence Permits are no longer required for any EU citizen living in any EU cousntry. 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. Living in Greece: The Ultimate Guide | GoVisaFree Living in Crete, Greece - Interview With an Expat - Spend Life Traveling Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. All Rights Reserved. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Once granted, you only need to renew it if your circumstances change, and you must fill out versions for both you and your children (if applicable). Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. Required fields are marked *. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. 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. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. 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. Greece operates . 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. kindest regards. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. As more tourists head to the island, incidences of petty crimes like this do arise, but they generally target tourists who carry around larger amounts of cash for holiday spending. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. Your email address will not be published. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. 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. 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. If you plan to study or work in Crete, you will need to apply for an additional permit, but this is less urgent than securing your residency. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. "Living in Crete. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Providing youre willing to adjust to a Greeks pace of life and arent in a rush to get anything done, youll be pleasantly surprised about how good this actually feels. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. 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. 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. 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. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. I found all this very interesting .I actually live in Cyprus do found your comparison very useful.life is good in Cyprus but in 14 years has changed s lot..There are new buildings everywhere and lots of people from third world countries, in addition to the Filipino and Sri Lankan maids. kind regards But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. Any specific sites we can check? Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. 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. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Thanks for the interesting article. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. 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. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. 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. 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. 1.10%. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. 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. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. 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. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Although major cities and tourist hubs generally work on a more British pattern of standardised hours, more rural areas often march to the beat of their own drum. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. 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. What are some pros and cons about living in Chania, Crete, Greece as an The area known as Apokoronas, situated between the major towns of Chania and Rethymnon, is home to the highest density of expats on the island. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. Moving to Greece as a US Expat - Sunset International Shipping and impressive gorges. British citizens who had lived in the EU pre-Brexit had a certain time window to settle their status and it looks like you missed it. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. 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. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Want To Move To Greece? Read This First | British Expat Guide Similarly, food is generally less expensive. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. 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. 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. Can you help at all? The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? 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. Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living Job Crete Nebraska USA,Healthcare To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Living in Crete 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! If you plan on getting a car, which is recommended as public transport is good in the town but unreliable elsewhere, be ready for some strange driving. 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. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. 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. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. American in Crete | Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide.