This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. 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. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. 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. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. 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. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. Greece is a fantastic country. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? 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! But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. Any specific sites we can check? Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! Although there are some beaches, gorges, and cities that everyone wants to visit, it is always a good idea to explore places that most tourists do not visit. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Your email address will not be published. 1.15%. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. In Athens, you can expect to pay around 9.50 per square metre, but only 5.25 per square metre in somewhere like rural Thessaloniki. hope that helps! Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. 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. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Thanks. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. I wonder if you can help me. 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. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. 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. 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. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. 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. 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. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. If you want to check it out more closely, visiting hours are 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in winter and 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer, every day except Mondays. 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. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. 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. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany Theres not much that I dislike about the island. British citizens who had lived in the EU pre-Brexit had a certain time window to settle their status and it looks like you missed it. I live in the western end near Chania and there are a number of big hotels and holiday concerns which are hiring at the moment for the 2009 summer season. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. 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. The main reason behind moving to Crete was that Greece has always been my dream place to live, and after visiting the island summer after summer, I couldnt resist I had to stay.. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. Cost is around $2.20. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. Greece has some pretty amazing food. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. All Rights Reserved. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. 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. I have 4 years left till I retire from the US Army and since you would be near the base you will be able to save alot of money. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? The average cost per square meter in Crete is $1,900 per square meter which means you can likely find a comfortable two-bedroom apartment in a good area for under $156,000.You can learn more about purchasing real estate in Greece here. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. 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. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. 4,923 helpful votes. 47,401 posts. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. 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. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. Many expats opt for an international health plan. In my opinion, its best to find a lawyer to advise you on the legal matters, and an accountant to advise you on the financial matters. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. 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. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. 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). Where are the best places to live in Greece? As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Rose. sign up for my newsletter For example, we had a friend who felt dizzy and fell in her kitchen and when she was taken to the hospital, apart from treating her injuries, they also did lots of tests to determine the cause of her fall. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. 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. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: Each CNA and Med Aide, regardless of title, enhances the living experience for Tabitha's Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, "Seniors/clients") by . This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. 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. If you have questions or need more information, see our complete Guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and options, or contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Visit the About Me page for more info. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. the site of the Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education inCrete, administration of the 7th Ministry of Health of Crete, https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/, http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv. Living on either island is the dream for many. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. 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.. 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. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? We have some friends who long term renters. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. Name: Gabi Ancarola Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. We use cookies to enhance your experience. The Living in Crete book The Living in Crete book is a valuable resource giving in-depth and detailed information - all that you need to know before and after a move to Crete or a property purchase - packed with information, advice, tips, useful local addresses, telephone numbers and links. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. 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. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. We currently live in Australia. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. 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. 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. 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. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. The basic requirements for a residence permit . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . So I need a long term residency permit. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. 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. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. International health insurance can be quite expensive. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. Thank you for the comment. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. Save. Greece operates . 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, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. You wont be short of medical care. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece To be honest, I did not use any resources. 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. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. Its small enough to have a real sense of identity and community but large enough to have everything you could need- although some things come at a price. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. Do you want city living or countryside living? Don't leave home without it! many thanks have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. The cons of living in Greece 1. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. I spend most of my time living and working abroad and use this website to share "the good, the bad and the ugly" of traveling and living abroad. And, with such a big island, there are many unexplored roads to discover. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. Age: 48 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. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Qualified UK citizens can apply for the S1 form which will grant them access to the Greece public healthcare system paid by the UK. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete.