Expats in Chania - Chania Town Forum - Tripadvisor At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. However, you might want to consider professional help. Living on either island is the dream for many. Your email address will not be published. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. 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. 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. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. 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. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. 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. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. We have some friends who long term renters. Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023 | Expatra While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. 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. International health insurance can be quite expensive. 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. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Pros and cons of moving to Greece | Expat Arrivals Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . 47,401 posts. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Whether you choose to live in the most famous Blue Zone of the world, Ikaria, or in the capital, Athens, you will be surrounded by fantastic nature, mouth-watering dishes, unbelievable culture, tradition, and friendly people. 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. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Greece Expat Forum: Crete| Expat Exchange As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. 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. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. Re: Expats in Chania. 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. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Living in Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad 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. 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. Living in Crete The people are cool. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. 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. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. What is the best resource to find an honest real estate broker in Greece to work with an ex-pat on options to buy a home in Crete? And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. The visa will allow you to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, and that way, you can live in the country for the duration of the application process. Age: 48 As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. Nothing is wrong; it just takes a while. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. 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. Crete has a large number of expats who live on the island all year round alongside the local population, so although the months between November and May are quieter, there is still plenty to do. The pros of living in Santorini 1. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. Like most of Europe, locals on the island generally speak English for tourists and are more than happy to help out if you try to speak in Greek, to begin with. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. 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. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Although major cities and tourist hubs generally work on a more British pattern of standardised hours, more rural areas often march to the beat of their own drum. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. For things such as white goods for your kitchen, it is often cheaper to buy in mainland Greece and bring them back yourself on a car ferry than it is to buy them on the island. 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! If you havent already fallen in love with one part of the island, wed recommend travelling around a bit until you find the place that steals your heart. Apart from that, if you spend more than 50% of the year in Greece or have a permanent residential address in the country, you will be considered a Greek resident, and you will have to pay taxes from your income abroad too. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. "Living in Crete. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? Many expats opt for an international health plan. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. The island is home to many expats from all across Europe and the rest of the world, meaning anyone looking to move to Crete in the future will find a warm welcome and plenty of support. Most things are very similar to other European countries. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. 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. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Where are the best places to live in Greece? Do you want city living or countryside living? If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. In fact, most people say the only problem walking after dark is the lumps and bumps on the road, which might cause you to trip. 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. 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. Ferry companies that connect mainland Greece to Crete: Crete schools with addresses and contact details , Crete hospitals, health centres, regional clinics and other information on healthcare . 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. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. You can also find me on YouTube. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. Required fields are marked *. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. 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. Life on Crete moves at a slower pace than on mainland Greece or much of Europe, which can be very enjoyable and perfect for retirement. 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. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. I currently live in France, however as far as I am aware since 2005 Residence Permits are no longer required for any EU citizen living in any EU cousntry. 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. In fact, in some areas such as Hora Sfakion and Souda, plenty of people head out to the local market or pop to their neighbours for coffee without locking up. Cons: In Greece, the closer you are to popular tourist centers, the higher the prices will be especially for prime accommodation, restaurant meals, and entertainment. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. Hi everyone! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. A minimum of six months is required. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. 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. Living in Greece: The Ultimate Guide | GoVisaFree The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. So thank you for all the information. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. 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 has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. 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. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. Cyprus is also larger. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) All Rights Reserved. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. 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. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Over 2 million. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. 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. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. 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. 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. It rains very little in Crete. If youre looking for all the amenities you currently enjoy in life then youll need to live in or near a major city, which also means the cost of living will be higher. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. 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. 2 years ago. English Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with English expats in Crete, Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Crete written by English bloggers, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. 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. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. 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. Lynne Evans: The unvarnished truth about living in Greece The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. What are some pros and cons about living in Chania, Crete, Greece as an 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.. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. 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. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. 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. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. 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. The cons of living in Greece 1. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Yes, the island is very safe all year round. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. Im really confused what I need to do!! 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. 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.. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? I have read the basics. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. So I need a long term residency permit. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. 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. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. 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. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? These are particularly popular with expat families. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. 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. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful.