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 check your options in our Living In Greece guide: https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/ in Residency for non-EU citizens section. Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with expats in Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Greece written, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Yes, indeed, Greece is a seismically active country, as the mainland and the islands are located along a boundary zone in the eastern Mediterranean, between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. 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. Expatriates in Greece: Quality and Cost of Living Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. 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. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. sign up for my newsletter 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. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. Where are the best places to live in Greece? Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Rose. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. 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). The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. 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. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. Your email address will not be published. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Doing so can make sense if youre planning on splitting money between countries, but youll still need a specifically Greek account for things like paying tax and purchasing property. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. hope that helps! Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. The 9 Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats In 2023 You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. 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 everyone! Living In Italy: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. If you are from an EU country then you do not need a work permit.The best thing to do is to go over for a holiday and if you find a job ,stay and if you dont, go back! Greece operates . I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. The people are so friendly. Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. 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. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. 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! But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Thank you for the comment. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. I have lost my beneficy status. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I have read the basics. We currently live in Australia. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. If you choose to live outside the major towns of Heraklion and Rethymnon, you will find winter a great time to explore the local area. 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, How do I become a resident of Crete non-EU citizens. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. 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.. 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. Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. 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. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. A minimum of six months is required. 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. 470 reviews. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra 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. As a small island, Crete has a very strong sense of community and can often feel like a very large town where most people know each other. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. But youll also find plenty of support. 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. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. 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 other main concern of expats is healthcare. Moving to Greece as a US Expat - Sunset International Shipping 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. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 Cost of living in Crete (Greece) In the last decade, Crete has become the most favoured place of residence among Western expats, even more popular than Athens and Thessaloniki, especially among those who choose to retire in this country with a golden visa. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. Expats In Crete, Greece If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. 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. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Expats survey ranks Greece as one of the worst places to live as Expat 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. 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. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. 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. 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. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling Canada home. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. Honestly, every part of Crete is an excellent place to live, but depending on what sort of lifestyle you want, you will want to choose a part of the island that matches your lifestyle. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. really helpful guide thanks so much. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. 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. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Access to these is comforting you age. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Visit the About Me page for more info. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. 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. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda.

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