Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. 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. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. I have lost my beneficy status. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. 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.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Nothing is wrong; it just takes a while. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. 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. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. 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 anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. 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. I wonder if you can help me. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. 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. 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. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Nobody seems to know. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Copyright 2018-2022. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. 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. 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. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. 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 of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. 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. Language can be a barrier at any age. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. 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. 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.. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. 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. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. 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. 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. 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. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. Do you want city living or countryside living? Greece is an extremely vibrant country that is famed throughout the world for its year-round good climate, detailed history, beautiful architecture, and unique culture. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. 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. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Required fields are marked *. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. The basic requirements for a residence permit . 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. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. In my opinion, its best to find a lawyer to advise you on the legal matters, and an accountant to advise you on the financial matters. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. The other main concern of expats is healthcare. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 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. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. 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. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. 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. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece 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. Name: Gabi Ancarola It rains very little in Crete. 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. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. Depending on where in the country expats decide to live, the range of choices may differ. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. 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. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. Required fields are marked *. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? We have some friends who long term renters. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. 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. However, you might want to consider professional help. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. 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! When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Hi everyone! Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. The weather is among the best in Europe. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. sign up for my newsletter 1. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. 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. 2 years ago. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? Many expats opt for an international health plan. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. The people are so friendly. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. A minimum of six months is required. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. 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. kind regards Thank you for the comment. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Hello. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. 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. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. 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. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. 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. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. 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. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. 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. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . really helpful guide thanks so much. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. Expats living here won't have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of tourist footfall as in other parts of Greece. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. So if youre thinking of setting up a business in Greece, it only makes sense if their corporation tax rate is lower. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal.
