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. 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. Pin it! Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. the site of the Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education inCrete, administration of the 7th Ministry of Health of Crete, https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/, http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. 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. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. 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. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. 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. The people are so friendly. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. When applying for a residents Visa , do we again have to provide financial details to forfil the financial independent persons criteria or is it transferred from the Type-D application. 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. Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. After years of putting up with Milans rainy winters, I moved to Crete, Greece with my two kids where I write about the island for different media. Required fields are marked *. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Required fields are marked *. 1. For example, utilities cost around 30% less, internet is 20% less, and renting an apartment in central Athens will set you back at around 670 compared to 3,150 in central London. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. Don't leave home without it! 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. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv 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. Copyright 2018-2022. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. 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. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. sign up for my newsletter . 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. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. kindest regards. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. Crete is known as the cradle of Western civilization and has tons of impressive ruins and sites dating from the Bronze age, when the Minoan civilization thrived on the island. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. 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. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. 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. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. The closest airport is in Volos, around 90 minutes away, meaning you still have good international connections but can enjoy some peace and quiet too. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. 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. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. In the survey Expat Insider asked respondents to rate and provide information about how it is to live as expat in 65 countries around the world that are considered as key destinations for expats. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. 1.15%. The other main concern of expats is healthcare. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. 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. Many expats opt for an international health plan. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? 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. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Your email address will not be published. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. 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.. . I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. 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. 470 reviews. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The main reason behind moving to Crete was that Greece has always been my dream place to live, and after visiting the island summer after summer, I couldnt resist I had to stay.. If you dont take that job offer I would. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . 1.10%. 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. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. Greece is a fantastic country. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 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. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. Crete offers a perfect retirement place, because of the all year round living, online other Greek islands, Crete is not just a tourist destination, its also an ideal place to settle especially for pensioners. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? 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. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. Nov 10, 2014. 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. 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 you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. The people are cool. 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. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Depending on where in the country expats decide to live, the range of choices may differ. Among the things I enjoy the most about life in Crete is the healthy and tasty Cretan diet. It rains very little in Crete. 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. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. 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. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Language can be a barrier at any age. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. hope that helps! Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete 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. 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. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. Greece is not known for having a fast bureaucratic system, so youll want to allow as much time as possible to get the paperwork sorted. If you are a non-EU national, the easiest way for you to secure a European residency is to buy a property worth 250,000 and over. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. 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). Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. 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. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. And, with such a big island, there are many unexplored roads to discover. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. 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 want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. 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. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. 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. Im really confused what I need to do!! If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . Old buildings and village walls are the ones that get damaged, as the majority of the new builds are designed to withstand earthquakes, meaning that Greek cities and towns are less likely to experience serious structural damage.