This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? 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. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. 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. 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. 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. Moving to Greece as a US Expat - Sunset International Shipping 4,923 helpful votes. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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.. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. 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. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. 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. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. sign up for my newsletter The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. In this interview, Gabi shares her experiences and practical tips for anyone who is moving to Crete or is simply interested in knowing more about life in Crete. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Similarly, food is generally less expensive. Im really confused what I need to do!! Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. 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. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. But with such a great outdoor lifestyle and so much fresh Mediterranean food on offer, chances are youll remain healthy and feel younger than your years. 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. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. 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). However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. 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. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. 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. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. The basic requirements for a residence permit . As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. 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. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. 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. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. I spend most of my time living and working abroad and use this website to share "the good, the bad and the ugly" of traveling and living abroad. There is a robust public healthcare system, but many expats opt for local private healthcare or for international health insurance simply to guarantee a higher standard. Expats survey ranks Greece as one of the worst places to live as Expat Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. I wonder if you can help me. The quality of services offered is of high standards, and my husband who is from Denmark says that the doctors here are very thorough and very attentive. 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.. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. All legal residents are entitled to state-run healthcare. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. 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. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. Hi everyone! International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. 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. 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. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. . At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? If you want to brush shoulders with celebrities and live the high life on the island, the northeastern village of Elounda is a charming fishing village turned playground of the rich and famous. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Yes, the island is very safe all year round. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Of course, like all places, there are some slightly less-safe parts, but in general, Crete is the type of place you can spend an afternoon in your garden and not worry about locking your front door. The pros of living in Santorini 1. The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. The 9 Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats In 2023 Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. But youll also find plenty of support. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. In Athens, you can expect to pay around 9.50 per square metre, but only 5.25 per square metre in somewhere like rural Thessaloniki. Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. If you live in Crete all year and dont need to find everything into a two-week holiday window, youll find yourself enjoying the temperate winter months as much, if not more, than summer. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. 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. Don't leave home without it! here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. Your email address will not be published. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. If your propertys cadastral value is 2000,000 and over, there are additional rates from 0.10% to 1.15%, depending on the property price. I am sure one of the things that you will have on your mind as you consider retiring in Crete Greece, is the medical facility and the quality of the services offered. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. 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. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living Job Crete Nebraska USA,Healthcare Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Many expats opt for an international health plan. 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. 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. Re: Expats in Chania. There are few major towns in the mountains, so youll get lots of peace and quiet and can descend into the hustle and bustle of the coast when you need to. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. There are different kinds of residency permits available depending on your purpose for moving to Greece, the most popular are: financially independent persons (FIP), Golden Visa and digital nomad. 470 reviews. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. hope that helps! 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! Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. 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. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Crete has a large number of expats who live on the island all year round alongside the local population, so although the months between November and May are quieter, there is still plenty to do. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Later Crete was ruled by Rome, then by the Byzantine Empire, the Andalusian Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. 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. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. These cookies do not store any personal information. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. 2 years ago. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. 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. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. JavaScript is disabled. 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. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Living in Crete, Greece - Interview With an Expat - Spend Life Traveling Can you help at all? 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. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit.