hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! 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. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. Living on either island is the dream for many. 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. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. . Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. 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. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. 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. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. You can also find me on YouTube. Thank you for the comment. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to 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. Nov 10, 2014. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. 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. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. Greece is not known for having a fast bureaucratic system, so youll want to allow as much time as possible to get the paperwork sorted. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. 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! Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. 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. 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. 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. Nobody seems to know. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. 1.10%. If you dont take that job offer I would. Similarly, you can only be evicted for not paying rent, so renters generally have more rights in Greece than in countries like the UK or the USA. 1.15%. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. I have read the basics. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. Living the Ultimate Greek Lifestyle in Heraklion, Crete My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Greece is one of the best places to move abroad if you seek sunshine, a slower pace of life and a good value for money destination. 4,923 helpful votes. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete 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. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. 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. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. 2 years ago. Although no simple list of pros and cons will ever be enough for making a decision about something like residency, it at least helps you get an idea of what its like to live in the country. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. So keep it in mind. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. 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. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. Like this article about living in Crete? The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. 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. There is plenty of fresh food grown on the island, and the Greek diet is well-known for its fish, simple dishes, and fresh produce. However, you might want to consider professional help. The 9 Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats In 2023 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. But what is life in Crete like? Greece has some pretty amazing food. 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. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. Save. Required fields are marked *. 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. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. The basic requirements for a residence permit . If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. 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. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. So thank you for all the information. Name: Gabi Ancarola But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? 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. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. Your email address will not be published. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. 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. 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. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! 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. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. 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. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. 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. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. A minimum of six months is required. 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. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. and impressive gorges. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Living in Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. 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. 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. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? 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. sign up for my newsletter 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. Driving on the island is another thing you will have to get used to, if you are the kind that screams at the driver next or in front of you, then I suggest you take some relaxation therapy before moving to Crete lol. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. 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. English Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with English expats in Crete, Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Crete written by English bloggers, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. Over 2 million. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. I'm new here. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Hello. 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. 10 Best Places to Live as an Expat | WorldRemit 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. 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. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. 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. 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. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. 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. 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.