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.. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. Great informative story/interview. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. If you are from an EU country then you do not need a work permit.The best thing to do is to go over for a holiday and if you find a job ,stay and if you dont, go back! Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. The pros of living in Santorini 1. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Don't leave home without it! I found all this very interesting .I actually live in Cyprus do found your comparison very useful.life is good in Cyprus but in 14 years has changed s lot..There are new buildings everywhere and lots of people from third world countries, in addition to the Filipino and Sri Lankan maids. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. 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. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. and impressive gorges. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. Greece is an extremely vibrant country that is famed throughout the world for its year-round good climate, detailed history, beautiful architecture, and unique culture. In the survey Expat Insider asked respondents to rate and provide information about how it is to live as expat in 65 countries around the world that are considered as key destinations for expats. 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. 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. So keep it in mind. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete 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. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of 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. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. 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. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. 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.. Access to these is comforting you age. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Thanks for the interesting article. 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. 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. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Quickly and easily find trusted moving, insurance, relocation and other providers with Expat Exchange's Moving Planner. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? 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. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). 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? 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.. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. These are particularly popular with expat families. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. Age: 48 Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. 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. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. 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. . 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. . Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Your email address will not be published. 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. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. 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 will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We use cookies to enhance your experience. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. You can check your options in our Living In Greece guide: https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/ in Residency for non-EU citizens section. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. Any specific sites we can check? "Living in Crete. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. 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. These cookies do not store any personal information. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. 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. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. 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 people are cool. 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. Depending on where in the country expats decide to live, the range of choices may differ. Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Your email address will not be published. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. 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. 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. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. Obviously, the warm weather is one of the reasons why Crete is a favorite of many retirees from Europe, the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. Most people who decide to retire in Crete prefer purchasing a property rather than renting one, although there are some who go for long term rent. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. 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. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Around coastal areas it can get quite humid at times, and snowfall is common on the mountains between November and May, but rare in the low-lying areas. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Excellent education, quality of life, welcoming communities and stunning outdoor scenery are just some of the main reasons why people choose to live in Canada as an expat. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Re: Expats in Chania. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. Nothing is wrong; it just takes a while. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. 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. 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. Also many Americans complain that they want to get back to the US it takes a certain kind of person to appreciate what Greece has to offer. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. 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. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. really helpful guide thanks so much. 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. 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. 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. 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. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). To register with a doctor in Greece, youll need to complete a form with your insurance information (if applicable), your personal details, and your tax information. Im really confused what I need to do!! 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. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days.