There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. 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. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. 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. 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. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. And, with such a big island, there are many unexplored roads to discover. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. Required fields are marked *. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. 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. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. 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. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. 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. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? 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. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. However, you might want to consider professional help. and impressive gorges. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. If you dont take that job offer I would. 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. 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. 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. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. 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. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? 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. . And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Re: Expats in Chania. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. sign up for my newsletter
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. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. 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. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. All Rights Reserved. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Nobody seems to know. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. So thank you for all the information. 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. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. 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. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. We use cookies to enhance your experience. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. When it comes to pubs and drinks, I would have to say that Synagogi Open Bar, in the old Jewish quarter is just the best place with the best music and delicious drinks. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. 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. We currently live in Australia. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. 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. 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. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. Greece currently has an overall falling crime rate when charted over the last 10 years, with levels sitting lower than the UK or the USA. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). 4,923 helpful votes. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. 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 advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. Here things move at a slow pace (siga siga) also someone who enjoys the outdoors, taking long walks, or hiking, Crete is blessed with beautiful beaches, gorges, and mountains. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. 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. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Where are the best places to live in Greece? If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. Report inappropriate content. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. 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. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. kindest regards. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. 470 reviews. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. These are particularly popular with expat families. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Most things are very similar to other European countries. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. 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. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. 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. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. 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. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. 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. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. 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. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). The visa will allow you to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, and that way, you can live in the country for the duration of the application process. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. For example, we had a friend who felt dizzy and fell in her kitchen and when she was taken to the hospital, apart from treating her injuries, they also did lots of tests to determine the cause of her fall. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. 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. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) But youll also find plenty of support. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. 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. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. . In January, we have some days when the temperatures can go as high as 25 degrees Celsius, and night temperatures are between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius. 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. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. 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. To be honest, I did not use any resources. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. 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). 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. 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. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. 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. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. 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. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. the people where very welcoming and warm, I worked in the tourist industry which was a lot of fun but it does die down in the winter and this is the hardest part but there is work and there are alot of English people stay all year round. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. So if youre thinking of setting up a business in Greece, it only makes sense if their corporation tax rate is lower. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. 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. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. 1.10%. This shouldnt be a problem for expats looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, but if speed and efficiency are your top priorities, itll be worth relocating to a larger city like Athens. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. 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. 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. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. 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. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. Im really confused what I need to do!! Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. It really depends on your preferences. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. You can also find me on YouTube. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. Among the things I enjoy the most about life in Crete is the healthy and tasty Cretan diet. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. we have been to Crete a couple of time and have noticed that agios nikolaos seems to be very popular with expats and has many shops, it is beautiful! However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. Cons: In Greece, the closer you are to popular tourist centers, the higher the prices will be especially for prime accommodation, restaurant meals, and entertainment.