living in crete as an expat

Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. 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. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. Hello. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. Thank you for the comment. Do you want city living or countryside living? The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. 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. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. 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. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. You can find practical support and answers to any questions you might have and events and activities organised by expats such as Coffee dates and trips to other islands. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. sign up for my newsletter Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. In the survey Expat Insider asked respondents to rate and provide information about how it is to live as expat in 65 countries around the world that are considered as key destinations for expats. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. . 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. 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. 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. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. Many expats have already taken the plunge and headed to the stunning Greek island of Crete. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. 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. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. kindest regards. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Hi there, you can also check out the visa hunter blog, which has loads of useful links about moving somewhere, paperwork, useful contacts and stuff you have to consider before going in a foreign country (for each country separately). So thank you for all the information. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. A minimum of six months is required. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. The cons of living in Greece 1. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. 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. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Old buildings and village walls are the ones that get damaged, as the majority of the new builds are designed to withstand earthquakes, meaning that Greek cities and towns are less likely to experience serious structural damage. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. Hi everyone! Greece operates . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. 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. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. 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. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. 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. 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. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. If you dont take that job offer I would. 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. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. It really depends on your preferences. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Subscribe. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. 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. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. 2 years ago. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. 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. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. 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. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. 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. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. 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. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. Your email address will not be published. But what is life in Crete like? 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. 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. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). 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.. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. You wont be short of medical care. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. 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. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. "Living in Crete. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. 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. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. 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.. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. 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. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. 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. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. 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. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. The weather is among the best in Europe. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. 1.10%. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. Most things are very similar to other European countries. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. Greece has some pretty amazing food. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. 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. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency.