The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Greece operates . Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. 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. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. 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. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. 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. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. 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. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. 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. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. 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. Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. 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. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. 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 are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Your email address will not be published. Visit the About Me page for more info. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. 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. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. 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. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. I spend most of my time living and working abroad and use this website to share "the good, the bad and the ugly" of traveling and living abroad. International health insurance can be quite expensive. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. 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. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. The basic requirements for a residence permit . But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. 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. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. Some links on this website are affiliate links. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Similarly, you can only be evicted for not paying rent, so renters generally have more rights in Greece than in countries like the UK or the USA. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. Later Crete was ruled by Rome, then by the Byzantine Empire, the Andalusian Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Qualified UK citizens can apply for the S1 form which will grant them access to the Greece public healthcare system paid by the UK. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. Cretes slow pace also applies to the bureaucracy system, so if you suffer from high blood pressure or are looking to get away from stressful paperwork, perhaps take up meditation or yoga while filling in all your official forms. 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. 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. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. Can you help please? Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. As a small island, Crete has a very strong sense of community and can often feel like a very large town where most people know each other. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. 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. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. . Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420, Greece offers a wide range of destinations for expats, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. 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. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. 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. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate.
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