Expats living here won't have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of tourist footfall as in other parts of Greece. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. I'm new here. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. American in Crete | Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living 4,923 helpful votes. So thank you for all the information. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. 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.. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. English Expats In Crete, Greece 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. Pros and cons of moving to Greece | Expat Arrivals All legal residents are entitled to state-run healthcare. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. 47,401 posts. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. 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. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. If you live in Crete all year and dont need to find everything into a two-week holiday window, youll find yourself enjoying the temperate winter months as much, if not more, than summer. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. 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. It rains very little in Crete. Thanks for the interesting article. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. The basic requirements for a residence permit . Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. 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. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. Living in Greece: The Ultimate Guide | GoVisaFree The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Many expats opt for an international health plan. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. Visit the About Me page for more info. 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. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Over 2 million. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. 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. 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. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. This means that if you want to go to any shops or visit anyone between 12-2 PM, call in advance to check its okay, or you might find the stores are closed and your neighbour is taking a nap. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. Evia, Greece's second largest island after Crete, is also open for business in winter, with many people going to its spas in towns like Aedipsos. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. Expats survey ranks Greece as one of the worst places to live as Expat If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. In my opinion, its best to find a lawyer to advise you on the legal matters, and an accountant to advise you on the financial matters. 2 years ago. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. 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. kindest regards. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. I wonder if you can help me. really helpful guide thanks so much. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. and impressive gorges. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. 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. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. 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. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. 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. Name: Gabi Ancarola House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. Your email address will not be published. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. 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. Some of the main tourist attractions are closed for work in winter so there are few tourists and its a great time to explore the island, eat out and go shopping without being surrounded by tourists. 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. Save. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. Living the Ultimate Greek Lifestyle in Heraklion, Crete Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. If you plan to study or work in Crete, you will need to apply for an additional permit, but this is less urgent than securing your residency. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. 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 weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Its good to know beforehand what to expect. Thanks. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. After years of putting up with Milans rainy winters, I moved to Crete, Greece with my two kids where I write about the island for different media. Do you want city living or countryside living? Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL 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. 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. Any specific sites we can check? If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. JavaScript is disabled. 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. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. I hope there might be a long-term American resident in Crete who would be willing to discuss various aspects of relocation there for a non-EU expat. Everything you need to know about living in Crete as an expat - the pros and cons, the cost of living, the best places to live, how to integrate better and much more. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Moving to Greece as a US Expat - Sunset International Shipping Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Doing so can make sense if youre planning on splitting money between countries, but youll still need a specifically Greek account for things like paying tax and purchasing property. 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. 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. Greece Country Guide - Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2023 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. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. 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 forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Cost is around $2.20. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange He lives with his partner and two dogs, Merlin and Matilda. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Crete has an amazing gastronomic tradition, so much so that there are people coming back to Crete year after year just for the sake of a small tavern, or even a certain dish., Also Read: Hidden Gems in Greece You Should Visit and Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. Nov 10, 2014. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. 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. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. . Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. 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. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. It's a good place to come if you're determined to learn the local lingo and get involved with the local community, because there's not such an international crowd as elsewhere. The 9 Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats In 2023