If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. Most of these villages are within half an hour's drive of Chania where you can find all the services you need year round, including good local supermarket chains called Marinopoulos and INKA, and also branches of LIDL. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. If you have questions or need more information, see our complete Guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and options, or contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Obviously, the warm weather is one of the reasons why Crete is a favorite of many retirees from Europe, the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. 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. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. 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. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. You wont be short of medical care. 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. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. 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. 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 Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. After years of putting up with Milans rainy winters, I moved to Crete, Greece with my two kids where I write about the island for different media. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. 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. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Even if the weather is not the best to swim in winter, theres something magical about visiting the pink sand beach of Elafonisi without the crowds, enjoying the uniqueness of the southern coast of Crete all alone.. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. But with such a great outdoor lifestyle and so much fresh Mediterranean food on offer, chances are youll remain healthy and feel younger than your years. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. 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. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. 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. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. 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. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. To be honest, I did not use any resources. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. 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. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. 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. 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. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. Visit the About Me page for more info. Your email address will not be published. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. 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. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. Many expats opt for an international health plan. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. 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. Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. A minimum of six months is required. 1.10%. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. 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. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. 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. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. 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. So I need a long term residency permit. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Copyright 2018-2022. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! 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. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. The tourists usually go to the big beaches because they are not familiar with the island, expats who live here, know the small hidden spots, where they can go and have a swim and a picnic. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. 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. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. The basic requirements for a residence permit . If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. The people are cool. 4,923 helpful votes. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. Your email address will not be published. Qualified UK citizens can apply for the S1 form which will grant them access to the Greece public healthcare system paid by the UK. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. 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. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. 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. 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. 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. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. 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.. really helpful guide thanks so much. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. kind regards Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather.
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