living in crete as an expat10 marca 2023
If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Re: Expats in Chania. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? So if youre thinking of setting up a business in Greece, it only makes sense if their corporation tax rate is lower. 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. But what is life in Crete like? There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. 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. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Don't leave home without it! Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . If you are from an EU country then you do not need a work permit.The best thing to do is to go over for a holiday and if you find a job ,stay and if you dont, go back! However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. International health insurance can be quite expensive. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. Can you help please? Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. Like this article about living in Crete? If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. 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.. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. You wont be short of medical care. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. 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. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? However, you might want to consider professional help. 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. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. Your email address will not be published. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. Save. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. Your email address will not be published. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. For UK citizens planning to relocate to Greece, it can make sense to take advantage of the three-month visa-free travel period to visit different areas of the country. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Visit the About Me page for more info. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420, Greece offers a wide range of destinations for expats, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. 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. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 4,923 helpful votes. 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. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . Thanks for the interesting article. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. hope that helps! For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. 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. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. In my next article, I am going to go deeper in the cost of living in Crete, but I will mission that there are some measures that you can take to save money while living in Crete. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? 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.. 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 police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. kindest regards. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. 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. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. 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. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. 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. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. 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. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. 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. 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. Thank you for the comment. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. It's a good place to come if you're determined to learn the local lingo and get involved with the local community, because there's not such an international crowd as elsewhere. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. Groups of expats can help provide practical support, such as finding a job and emotional support over coffee when the Greek bureaucracy gets too much. and impressive gorges. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. All Rights Reserved. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. 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. 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. Some links on this website are affiliate links. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. 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. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. 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. Cost is around $2.20. You can, of course, find online forums and ask for the advice of other expats, but if you want to meet up, join a community and take advantage of the network of expats living on Crete, you might want to be in an area with a higher percentage of expats. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. 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. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. Greece has some pretty amazing food. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. Evia, Greece's second largest island after Crete, is also open for business in winter, with many people going to its spas in towns like Aedipsos. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. Your email address will not be published. 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. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. Some of the main tourist attractions are closed for work in winter so there are few tourists and its a great time to explore the island, eat out and go shopping without being surrounded by tourists. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. . The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. 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. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. 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. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. It really depends on your preferences. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. In mainland Greece, earthquakes up to seven in magnitude have been recorded in the past, rising to up to 7.2 in islands like Crete. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. Laidback way of living Although summer can be delightful with lots happening, plenty of people, and an enjoyable atmosphere, there remains that calm, relaxed vibe of life on an island. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? 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 . Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. Most things are very similar to other European countries. 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. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. 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. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. But youll also find plenty of support. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. This is the best way to get in touch with the locals, learn about their lives on the island, and discover incredible places that not everyone knows about. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. What is the best resource to find an honest real estate broker in Greece to work with an ex-pat on options to buy a home in Crete? 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. Apart from that, if you spend more than 50% of the year in Greece or have a permanent residential address in the country, you will be considered a Greek resident, and you will have to pay taxes from your income abroad too. For example, youll have much better facilities (both public and private) in urban areas, so if you already have health issues, this can be an important factor. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Hello. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. 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. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. 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. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. 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. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. Im really confused what I need to do!! So thank you for all the information. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Access to these is comforting you age. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. 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. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Subscribe. We use cookies to enhance your experience. Also many Americans complain that they want to get back to the US it takes a certain kind of person to appreciate what Greece has to offer. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Around coastal areas it can get quite humid at times, and snowfall is common on the mountains between November and May, but rare in the low-lying areas. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. If you dont take that job offer I would. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications.