However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. 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. In mainland Greece, earthquakes up to seven in magnitude have been recorded in the past, rising to up to 7.2 in islands like Crete. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? 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. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. We use cookies to enhance your experience. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. 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. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. I am sure one of the things that you will have on your mind as you consider retiring in Crete Greece, is the medical facility and the quality of the services offered. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? Required fields are marked *. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. But what is life in Crete like? However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. 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. Greece has some pretty amazing food. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. 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. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Your email address will not be published. hope that helps! Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. 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. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. 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. 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. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. 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. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Pros and cons of moving to Greece | Expat Arrivals Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. 2 years ago. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. Many expats have already taken the plunge and headed to the stunning Greek island of Crete. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. 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. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. 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. 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. Living on either island is the dream for many. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? hi im wanting to retire from uk to sitia ,will i be able to get freeview and english tv, and will they come to install computor etc quickly lol. Cost is around $2.20. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. That said, there are plenty of opportunities for vegetarians too, although Greece hasnt been subject to the same surge in vegetarianism as more cosmopolitan countries. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. 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. Access to these is comforting you age. Can you help please? The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. 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. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Thank you for the comment. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. 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. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. and impressive gorges. 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. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Also many Americans complain that they want to get back to the US it takes a certain kind of person to appreciate what Greece has to offer. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. It really depends on your preferences. 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). wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. We have some friends who long term renters. 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. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. Your email address will not be published. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Crete; It's the biggest island in the country, and it offers a laid-back pace of life, a warm climate, and wonderful sandy beaches. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. . Living and working in Greece as an expat - Lingocruit 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.