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

In my next article, I am going to go deeper in the cost of living in Crete, but I will mission that there are some measures that you can take to save money while living in Crete. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Greece Expat Forum: Crete| Expat Exchange The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. 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. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. 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. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. 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. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . kind regards 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. 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. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. All Rights Reserved. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. 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. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. 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. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. So keep it in mind. Also buying fresh produce from the local farmers saves you a lot of money and you get fresh great quality products like organic eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and things like honey. hope that helps! 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. Any specific sites we can check? Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. Expats survey ranks Greece as one of the worst places to live as Expat 4,923 helpful votes. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. 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. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? 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! A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. 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. Yes, the island is very safe all year round. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. International health insurance can be quite expensive. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. really helpful guide thanks so much. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. 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. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. Greece Country Guide - Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2023 Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. 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. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. 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. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. Age: 48 Pin it! Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany . Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. Save. 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. 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. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. This is a good way to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture. 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. We have some friends who long term renters. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. many thanks To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 1.10%. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. The best way to do this is with the Golden Visa as it brings a lot of advantages, but not everyone has the spare cash to invest. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. 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.. Thanks for the interesting article. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. 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. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. 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. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Living in Crete Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. Copyright 2018-2022. 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. 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. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Moving to Greece as a US Expat - Sunset International Shipping Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. American in Crete | Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Greece is not known for having a fast bureaucratic system, so youll want to allow as much time as possible to get the paperwork sorted. 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. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. After you have applied for the alternative tax regime, the 7% tax rate will become effective the following tax year and will last for 15 years. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. 470 reviews. The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. 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. As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. Greece Expat Forum for Expats Living in Greece, Australia Expat Forum for Expats Living in AU, Britain Expat Forum for Expats Living in the UK, Dubai Expat Forum for Expats Living in Dubai, Spain Expat Forum for Expats Living in Spain, France Expat Forum for Expats Living in France. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. 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. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Your email address will not be published. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! 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. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. 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. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL Access to these is comforting you age. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. Everything then fell into place little by little, with 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. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. The people are cool. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . 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. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, 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. These are particularly popular with expat families. The cons of living in Greece 1. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. 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. 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. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. 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. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. 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. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. Providing youre willing to adjust to a Greeks pace of life and arent in a rush to get anything done, youll be pleasantly surprised about how good this actually feels. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. 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. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. 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. 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. Once granted, you only need to renew it if your circumstances change, and you must fill out versions for both you and your children (if applicable). Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. 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. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. 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. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. 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 . Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. English Expats In Crete, Greece 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.. 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. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. 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. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. Living In Crete: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. 2 years ago. 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. Thank you for the comment. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete..