Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Re: Expats in Chania. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. 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. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. 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. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Access to these is comforting you age. Language can be a barrier at any age. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. If you dont fancy a dip in the sold sea, its a great spectator event, and youll have a great time with all the food, wine, and music. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. Greece operates . Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. 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. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. . and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. 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. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. . 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. "Living in Crete. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. 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. 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 interview, Gabi shares her experiences and practical tips for anyone who is moving to Crete or is simply interested in knowing more about life in Crete. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. These are particularly popular with expat families. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. 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. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. I have read the basics. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. 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.. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. 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. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? 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. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. Greece Expat Forum for Expats Living in Greece, Australia Expat Forum for Expats Living in AU, Britain Expat Forum for Expats Living in the UK, Dubai Expat Forum for Expats Living in Dubai, Spain Expat Forum for Expats Living in Spain, France Expat Forum for Expats Living in France. 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. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. All Rights Reserved. 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. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. Your email address will not be published. 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. Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. Laidback way of living Although summer can be delightful with lots happening, plenty of people, and an enjoyable atmosphere, there remains that calm, relaxed vibe of life on an island. 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. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Providing youre willing to adjust to a Greeks pace of life and arent in a rush to get anything done, youll be pleasantly surprised about how good this actually feels. sign up for my newsletter
By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. There will be a lot of paperwork to be sorted, but I am sure this will not hinder those who want to settle in Greece. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. 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. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. These cookies do not store any personal information. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. 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. 2 years ago. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. 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. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. Where are the best places to live in Greece? 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. 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. 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. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. 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. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. The basic requirements for a residence permit . Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. In January, we have some days when the temperatures can go as high as 25 degrees Celsius, and night temperatures are between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. really helpful guide thanks so much. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. 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. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. 1.10%. I wonder if you can help me. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. But what is life in Crete like? If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. 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. Required fields are marked *. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events.
The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. 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. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. Im really confused what I need to do!! There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. 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. 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. iI went out for a holiday when I was 18 years old and just never really came home again.i have been backwards and forwards a few times over the years but I always end up going back.If you stay longer than 6 months then you will need a residence permit which you can obtain from your local police station.you will need to open a bank account and have enough money to live on if you are not working.The life in greece is fantastic but wages are a lot lower than in the UK.Good luck! Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. 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. 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. For UK citizens planning to relocate to Greece, it can make sense to take advantage of the three-month visa-free travel period to visit different areas of the country. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. This is the best way to get in touch with the locals, learn about their lives on the island, and discover incredible places that not everyone knows about. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism.
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