Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. I have 4 years left till I retire from the US Army and since you would be near the base you will be able to save alot of money. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. 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. All Rights Reserved. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. 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. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. 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. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. The west part of the island, especially the northwest near Chania, is stunningly beautiful, has the best beaches, and is thriving and bustling all year round. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? And, with such a big island, there are many unexplored roads to discover. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Its small enough to have a real sense of identity and community but large enough to have everything you could need- although some things come at a price. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. 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. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. Also if you like swimming and sunbathing, you are going to enjoy your retirement here on Crete because there are so many beaches, some big and some small, as you familiarize yourself with the island, you are going to find some really nice spots where you can enjoy swimming and relaxing even at the height of the tourist season. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. Taxation of such kind is a highly complex matter and its best to consult a qualified tax advisor who understands international taxation rules and tax residency. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. 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. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. 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. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. I have lost my beneficy status. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. Your email address will not be published. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. 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 . Living on either island is the dream for many. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. 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. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Even though technically that is true, some of the bureaucrats here still ask you for one for certain things, like if you buy a car here you still have to get a residence permit. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. 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. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. 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. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. Most rental properties in the smaller villages are for short holiday lets in the summer, so you might find a reasonable price for the winter months but would have to move before tourists arrive. However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. 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. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. To register with a doctor in Greece, youll need to complete a form with your insurance information (if applicable), your personal details, and your tax information. Can you help please? Cost is around $2.20. 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. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. But what is life in Crete like? Hi everyone! Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Where are the best places to live in Greece? 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. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. sign up for my newsletter International health insurance can be quite expensive. The average cost per square meter in Crete is $1,900 per square meter which means you can likely find a comfortable two-bedroom apartment in a good area for under $156,000.You can learn more about purchasing real estate in Greece here. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. Many expats have already taken the plunge and headed to the stunning Greek island of Crete. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Whether you choose to live in the most famous Blue Zone of the world, Ikaria, or in the capital, Athens, you will be surrounded by fantastic nature, mouth-watering dishes, unbelievable culture, tradition, and friendly people. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. It really depends on your preferences. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. 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. Over 2 million. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. You can also find me on YouTube. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. 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. Like this article about living in Crete? Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. Similarly, you can only be evicted for not paying rent, so renters generally have more rights in Greece than in countries like the UK or the USA. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. 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. 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! 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. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. really helpful guide thanks so much. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. 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.. This is a good way to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. 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. Depending on where in the country expats decide to live, the range of choices may differ. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. 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. 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. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. Language can be a barrier at any age. Up to 20,000 youll pay 22% tax, up to 30,000 youll pay 29% tax, and up to 40,000 youll pay 37% tax. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. 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. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. But youll also find plenty of support. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Can you help at all? To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. 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. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling Canada home. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. 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. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. The people are cool. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. Do you want city living or countryside living? However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. 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. English Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with English expats in Crete, Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Crete written by English bloggers, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. 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. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. we have been to Crete a couple of time and have noticed that agios nikolaos seems to be very popular with expats and has many shops, it is beautiful! Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. Thanks for the interesting article. These are particularly popular with expat families. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. 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. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living.
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