Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. Living in Crete, Greece - Interview With an Expat - Spend Life Traveling The other main concern of expats is healthcare. 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. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. How to Retire In Greece: Everything You Need to Know - SmartAsset Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. Expats survey ranks Greece as one of the worst places to live as Expat In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. 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. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. Greece Expat Forum: Living/Working in Crete | Expat Exchange An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. Thanks. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. 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. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. many thanks 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. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad 2 years ago. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. 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. Can you help at all? 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. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. 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. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. The closest airport is in Volos, around 90 minutes away, meaning you still have good international connections but can enjoy some peace and quiet too. Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. 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. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. Subscribe. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? 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. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. 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. The people are cool. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. 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.. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. 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. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. 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. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. 1. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. I have lived here for 6 years now and I have not heard of any serious crimes, just some pick pocketing in Chania which happens a lot during the tourist season. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. 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. However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. Many expats opt for an international health plan. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. 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. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. The 9 Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats In 2023 Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to 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. Greece operates . Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. Nobody seems to know. Nov 10, 2014. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. The area known as Apokoronas, situated between the major towns of Chania and Rethymnon, is home to the highest density of expats on the island. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. 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. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. 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 average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. 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). The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. And, with such a big island, there are many unexplored roads to discover. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. 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. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. The weather is among the best in Europe. 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. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. 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! 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. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. If you live in Crete all year and dont need to find everything into a two-week holiday window, youll find yourself enjoying the temperate winter months as much, if not more, than summer. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Access to these is comforting you age. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. If beaches are a deal-breaker for you, then youre more likely to find soft white sand on Cyprus, some of Cretes beaches can be a bit stony, so if you dont know the beach, you might get a nasty surprise. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. To register with a doctor in Greece, youll need to complete a form with your insurance information (if applicable), your personal details, and your tax information. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. 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. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. 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. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. 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. Crete is known as the cradle of Western civilization and has tons of impressive ruins and sites dating from the Bronze age, when the Minoan civilization thrived on the island. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Your email address will not be published. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. Greece is a fantastic country. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. People may indicate one way and then turn another, drive up the other side of the road, stop to have a chat, or even crash traffic lights. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. 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. Most rental properties in the smaller villages are for short holiday lets in the summer, so you might find a reasonable price for the winter months but would have to move before tourists arrive. 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. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. 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. 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. Expats in Chania - Chania Town Forum - Tripadvisor Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road.