Expats survey ranks Greece as one of the worst places to live as Expat 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. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. 4,923 helpful votes. 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. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. Like this article about living in Crete? Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Name: Gabi Ancarola many thanks Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. Greece Expat Forum: Crete| Expat Exchange However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. 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! Agios Nikolaos General hospital, Sitia General Hospital, Rethimno General Hospital just to name a few, there are also small clinics all around the island and many Private hospitals. 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! The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. Im really confused what I need to do!! We have some friends who long term renters. 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. I live in the western end near Chania and there are a number of big hotels and holiday concerns which are hiring at the moment for the 2009 summer season. Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. After his parents emigrated to France in January 2020, Jacob has a special interest in all things expat related and even plans to retire abroad himself someday. So keep it in mind. Living in Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Taxation of such kind is a highly complex matter and its best to consult a qualified tax advisor who understands international taxation rules and tax residency. The best way to do this is with the Golden Visa as it brings a lot of advantages, but not everyone has the spare cash to invest. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Living in Greece : A Guide to Moving to Greece as an Expat : Expat Info If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Age: 48 If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Also if you like swimming and sunbathing, you are going to enjoy your retirement here on Crete because there are so many beaches, some big and some small, as you familiarize yourself with the island, you are going to find some really nice spots where you can enjoy swimming and relaxing even at the height of the tourist season. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. 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. 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. 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. kind regards I have lived here for 6 years now and I have not heard of any serious crimes, just some pick pocketing in Chania which happens a lot during the tourist season. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. hope that helps! If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. 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. Expats living here won't have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of tourist footfall as in other parts of Greece. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. Don't leave home without it! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. God bless. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. I wonder if you can help me. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. I know that locals arent always the best drivers in the world, however, the impressive beauty of the mountain and sea landscapes around Crete really makes up for that. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. These are particularly popular with expat families. Healthcare and health insurance 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. 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. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. 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. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. You wont be short of medical care. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. 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. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. Living and working in Greece as an expat - Lingocruit 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. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. American in Crete | Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 - Residence-Greece hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. Nobody seems to know. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. 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. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. 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. 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. Living in Greece: The Ultimate Guide | GoVisaFree However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. Ferry companies that connect mainland Greece to Crete: Crete schools with addresses and contact details , Crete hospitals, health centres, regional clinics and other information on healthcare . Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. 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. Emily always takes the scenic route to get to the heart of a country and when she isn't writing, she can be found outside with her two dogs Hugo and Suzette. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. 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. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. 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. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. Cyprus is also larger. 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. 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. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Why You Shouldnt Buy Seashells or Take Them, A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad, Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Things to Concider Before Moving to Another Country. 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 people are cool. 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. kindest regards. 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. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Later Crete was ruled by Rome, then by the Byzantine Empire, the Andalusian Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. Living in Crete Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. 2 years ago. 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. Excellent education, quality of life, welcoming communities and stunning outdoor scenery are just some of the main reasons why people choose to live in Canada as an expat. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. 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. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. 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. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. Most people who decide to retire in Crete prefer purchasing a property rather than renting one, although there are some who go for long term rent. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. 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. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. Save. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. 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. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. 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. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. Some links on this website are affiliate links. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. Greece offers many different atmospheres for living, and which is best will depend on your personal needs and goals. We use cookies to enhance your experience. If you havent already fallen in love with one part of the island, wed recommend travelling around a bit until you find the place that steals your heart. 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. If you are looking to move to Crete to enjoy the peace and quiet of your retirement years, then there is plenty to look forward to. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. 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. 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. 1.10%. 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 Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. 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. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. All Rights Reserved. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Thank you for the comment. 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. 1.15%. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. Do you want city living or countryside living? I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. 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. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. I have read the basics. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. 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. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. 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. Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with expats in Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Greece written, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year.