living in crete as an expat living in crete as an expat

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. We use cookies to enhance your experience. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. 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. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. 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. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. 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. 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. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. 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. 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. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. And that is why as a tourist you should not make it so obvious that you are tourists, just dress like one of the locals. 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. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. But youll also find plenty of support. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. Over 2 million. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. 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. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. 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. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. 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. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. 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. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. 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. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Nothing is wrong; it just takes a while. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. Language can be a barrier at any age. Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. Your email address will not be published. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. 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. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. Rose. Living on either island is the dream for many. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. 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. Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Your email address will not be published. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. 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! When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. Re: Expats in Chania. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. So if youre thinking of setting up a business in Greece, it only makes sense if their corporation tax rate is lower. kindest regards. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. 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. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? 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. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Your email address will not be published. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. We currently live in Australia. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. 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. The Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats, Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023, Greece: Visa & Residency Options For Non-EU Nationals, Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide, How do I become a resident of Crete non-EU citizens. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 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. I have read the basics. Don't leave home without it! My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with expats in Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Greece written, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. 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. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. Yes, the island is very safe all year round. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. 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. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. 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. 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. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Many expats opt for an international health plan. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. 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. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. You can also find me on YouTube. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. 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.. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. 470 reviews. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The weather is among the best in Europe. Your email address will not be published. Greece operates . Thanks for the interesting article. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. Copyright 2018-2022. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. Another thing that you will find frustrating and I have mentioned this in my other article about moving to Crete, its the slow pace at what things are done, and the laid back attitude of the Greek people, although its a good thing, and that is one of the reasons you want to settle in Crete, it can get very frustrating when you have a leaking sink that needs to be fixed. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more 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. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? All legal residents are entitled to state-run healthcare. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. 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. Any specific sites we can check? 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. 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. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. 47,401 posts. 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. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. Greece currently has an overall falling crime rate when charted over the last 10 years, with levels sitting lower than the UK or the USA. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea.