Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. 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. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. 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. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. Do you want city living or countryside living? 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. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. 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. . The people are so friendly. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. The area known as Apokoronas, situated between the major towns of Chania and Rethymnon, is home to the highest density of expats on the island. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. You can join that to ask any questions you may have about life here including finding housing, getting a visa, etc., Also Read: A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. 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. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 - Residence-Greece Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Living in Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad Lynne Evans: The unvarnished truth about living in Greece Most rental properties in the smaller villages are for short holiday lets in the summer, so you might find a reasonable price for the winter months but would have to move before tourists arrive. Greece operates . Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. really helpful guide thanks so much. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. sign up for my newsletter 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. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. kind regards In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. The people are cool. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. These are particularly popular with expat families. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. 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. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Visit the About Me page for more info. It rains very little in Crete. Living in Crete, Greece - Interview With an Expat - Spend Life Traveling 4,923 helpful votes. 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. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. 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. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). 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. 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. Life in Crete, Greece Name: Gabi Ancarola Age: 48 Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina Her Story: "I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. The quality of services offered is of high standards, and my husband who is from Denmark says that the doctors here are very thorough and very attentive. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. 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.. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. 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. 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. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. 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. 1. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. 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. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. . 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. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. Name: Gabi Ancarola Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. I wonder if you can help me. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. You can also find me on YouTube. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? 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. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. 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). 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 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. Hello. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Qualified UK citizens can apply for the S1 form which will grant them access to the Greece public healthcare system paid by the UK. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. Even though technically that is true, some of the bureaucrats here still ask you for one for certain things, like if you buy a car here you still have to get a residence permit. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. 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! If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. 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. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. 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. 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. Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. Age: 48 The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. 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. Your email address will not be published. He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. Your email address will not be published. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. 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. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. If you are a non-EU national, the easiest way for you to secure a European residency is to buy a property worth 250,000 and over. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) We use cookies to enhance your experience. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. Living in Greece: The Ultimate Guide | GoVisaFree 10 Best Places to Live as an Expat | WorldRemit Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. 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. People may indicate one way and then turn another, drive up the other side of the road, stop to have a chat, or even crash traffic lights. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Most things are very similar to other European countries. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. Thanks. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. It really depends on your preferences. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. 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. Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. I am sure one of the things that you will have on your mind as you consider retiring in Crete Greece, is the medical facility and the quality of the services offered. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. 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. hope that helps! I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. Living the Ultimate Greek Lifestyle in Heraklion, Crete Living on either island is the dream for many. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. You wont be short of medical care. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. 1.10%. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. 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. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. There is plenty of fresh food grown on the island, and the Greek diet is well-known for its fish, simple dishes, and fresh produce. Subscribe. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. What are some pros and cons about living in Chania, Crete, Greece as an This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. American in Crete | Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. These cookies do not store any personal information. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! 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. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. Nobody seems to know. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. Our historic center is really charming, with romantic cobblestone alleys, a magical Venetian harbor, and dozens of little bars and taverns serving fantastic local wines and tasty Greek food. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. 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. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Living in Greece : A Guide to Moving to Greece as an Expat : Expat Info My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . Of course, like all places, there are some slightly less-safe parts, but in general, Crete is the type of place you can spend an afternoon in your garden and not worry about locking your front door. The cons of living in Greece 1. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. The 9 Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats In 2023 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. Some links on this website are affiliate links. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. Thanks for the interesting article. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here. English Expats In Crete, Greece Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. 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. Report inappropriate content. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. 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. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. 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. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Required fields are marked *. Thank you for the comment. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. There are different kinds of residency permits available depending on your purpose for moving to Greece, the most popular are: financially independent persons (FIP), Golden Visa and digital nomad. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. Im really confused what I need to do!! Can you help please? You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. 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.