living in crete as an expat

Living in Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad You can also find me on YouTube. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. Groups of expats can help provide practical support, such as finding a job and emotional support over coffee when the Greek bureaucracy gets too much. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. 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. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Now because of the current situation of Britain leaving the EU, Brits might have it rough when it comes to retiring in Crete and Greece at large. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Your email address will not be published. If you want to brush shoulders with celebrities and live the high life on the island, the northeastern village of Elounda is a charming fishing village turned playground of the rich and famous. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Re: Expats in Chania. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? 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. Required fields are marked *. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. There are few major towns in the mountains, so youll get lots of peace and quiet and can descend into the hustle and bustle of the coast when you need to. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Everything you need to know about living in Crete as an expat - the pros and cons, the cost of living, the best places to live, how to integrate better and much more. Age: 48 Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. 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. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. 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. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. If you plan to study or work in Crete, you will need to apply for an additional permit, but this is less urgent than securing your residency. 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. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Nov 10, 2014. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. . Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Hello. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. 47,401 posts. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. 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.. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. Many expats have already taken the plunge and headed to the stunning Greek island of Crete. I have lost my beneficy status. Pros and cons of moving to Greece | Expat Arrivals So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? For example, rent on an inner-city apartment in Greece will set you back about 335 (300), while rural rent on an apartment of the same size will be around 280 (250). It really depends on your preferences. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . kind regards Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. The Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats, Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023, Greece: Visa & Residency Options For Non-EU Nationals, Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. 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. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. Name: Gabi Ancarola Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. 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. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. 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. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. There is a big US community thanks to the US military base in the Port of Souda, which is the biggest natural port in the Eastern Mediterranean. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. Thank you for the comment. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. 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. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. As a small island, Crete has a very strong sense of community and can often feel like a very large town where most people know each other. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. However, you might want to consider professional help. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. Around coastal areas it can get quite humid at times, and snowfall is common on the mountains between November and May, but rare in the low-lying areas. 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. Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: Each CNA and Med Aide, regardless of title, enhances the living experience for Tabitha's Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, "Seniors/clients") by . Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. If you dont fancy a dip in the sold sea, its a great spectator event, and youll have a great time with all the food, wine, and music. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. 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. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. Some links on this website are affiliate links. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. 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. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. If you have questions or need more information about your Golden Visa options, we have a complete guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and you can also contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. 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. 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. If your propertys cadastral value is 2000,000 and over, there are additional rates from 0.10% to 1.15%, depending on the property price. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. 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. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. 470 reviews. The expat community here is very interlinked, and although there is less of a sense of community than in other areas of Crete, the expats here will help you find anything from a job or a place to live to a date, or even a new dishwasher. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. 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. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Most things are very similar to other European countries. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. Over 2 million. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. 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. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. many thanks 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. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. This is a good way to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. 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. and impressive gorges. Greece offers many different atmospheres for living, and which is best will depend on your personal needs and goals. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. 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. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. 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. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. Greece has some pretty amazing food. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. These are particularly popular with expat families. Access to these is comforting you age. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Report inappropriate content. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. 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 . Chania in recent years has become kind of a hotspot for expats and digital nomads, which makes the atmosphere of the town feel alive and vibrant all year round.. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. 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. 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. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. But what is life in Crete like? 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. Nobody seems to know. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. 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. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. 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. Cost is around $2.20. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. 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. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. 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. 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. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange 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. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete Thanks. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. 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. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. Rose. I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. As more tourists head to the island, incidences of petty crimes like this do arise, but they generally target tourists who carry around larger amounts of cash for holiday spending. It rains very little in Crete. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. hope that helps! 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. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. To be honest, I did not use any resources. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. American in Crete | Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living 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. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. There will be a lot of paperwork to be sorted, but I am sure this will not hinder those who want to settle in Greece. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there.