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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. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. Most rental properties in the smaller villages are for short holiday lets in the summer, so you might find a reasonable price for the winter months but would have to move before tourists arrive. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. If youre looking for all the amenities you currently enjoy in life then youll need to live in or near a major city, which also means the cost of living will be higher. 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 are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. 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. Some links on this website are affiliate links. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. 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. People may indicate one way and then turn another, drive up the other side of the road, stop to have a chat, or even crash traffic lights. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. The weather is among the best in Europe. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. Most things are very similar to other European countries. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. 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. 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. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Thanks for the interesting article. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. This is a good way to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture. 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. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. sign up for my newsletter Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. 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. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and 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. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. I have lost my beneficy status. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. So I need a long term residency permit. 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. Many expats have already taken the plunge and headed to the stunning Greek island of Crete. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 Cost of living in Crete (Greece) In the last decade, Crete has become the most favoured place of residence among Western expats, even more popular than Athens and Thessaloniki, especially among those who choose to retire in this country with a golden visa. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. And that is why as a tourist you should not make it so obvious that you are tourists, just dress like one of the locals. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. Age: 48 I wonder if you can help me. 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. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. Nothing is wrong; it just takes a while. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. Nov 10, 2014. 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. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. In fact, most people say the only problem walking after dark is the lumps and bumps on the road, which might cause you to trip. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. kind regards Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. Like most of Europe, locals on the island generally speak English for tourists and are more than happy to help out if you try to speak in Greek, to begin with. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. 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. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. The Living in Crete book The Living in Crete book is a valuable resource giving in-depth and detailed information - all that you need to know before and after a move to Crete or a property purchase - packed with information, advice, tips, useful local addresses, telephone numbers and links. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. 2 years ago. 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. 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. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. We have some friends who long term renters. Up to 20,000 youll pay 22% tax, up to 30,000 youll pay 29% tax, and up to 40,000 youll pay 37% tax. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. All legal residents are entitled to state-run healthcare. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. 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. Name: Gabi Ancarola But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. These cookies do not store any personal information. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. JavaScript is disabled. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. For things such as white goods for your kitchen, it is often cheaper to buy in mainland Greece and bring them back yourself on a car ferry than it is to buy them on the island. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Yes, indeed, Greece is a seismically active country, as the mainland and the islands are located along a boundary zone in the eastern Mediterranean, between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. 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. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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). The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. Can you help please? Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. Where are the best places to live in Greece? Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Your email address will not be published. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. 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. Copyright 2018-2022. 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. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. 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. 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. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. Your email address will not be published. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. 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. 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. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. 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. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. 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. Cost is around $2.20. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. 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. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. Language can be a barrier at any age. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Subscribe. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. Cyprus is also seeing more expensive fancy restaurants such as La Maison Fleurie pop up to cater to tourists while Crete restaurants focus on good, fresh, cheap food. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. 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. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. 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. Cyprus is also larger. 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! There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. We currently live in Australia. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Hi there, you can also check out the visa hunter blog, which has loads of useful links about moving somewhere, paperwork, useful contacts and stuff you have to consider before going in a foreign country (for each country separately). 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. So if youre thinking of setting up a business in Greece, it only makes sense if their corporation tax rate is lower. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. 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. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany Cretes slow pace also applies to the bureaucracy system, so if you suffer from high blood pressure or are looking to get away from stressful paperwork, perhaps take up meditation or yoga while filling in all your official forms. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Expats living here won't have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of tourist footfall as in other parts of Greece.