Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. The quality of services offered is of high standards, and my husband who is from Denmark says that the doctors here are very thorough and very attentive. 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. 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. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? 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. Report inappropriate content. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. Cyprus is also larger. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. 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. However, you might want to consider professional help. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. It rains very little in Crete. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. Our historic center is really charming, with romantic cobblestone alleys, a magical Venetian harbor, and dozens of little bars and taverns serving fantastic local wines and tasty Greek food. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Crete; It's the biggest island in the country, and it offers a laid-back pace of life, a warm climate, and wonderful sandy beaches. 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. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. 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 . I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. 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. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. 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. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. 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. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Why You Shouldnt Buy Seashells or Take Them, A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad, Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Things to Concider Before Moving to Another Country. 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. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. kind regards The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. 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. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. 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. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Expats in Chania - Chania Town Forum - Tripadvisor 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. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. 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. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. 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. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. 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. The people are so friendly. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. Im really confused what I need to do!! Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. Crete offers a perfect retirement place, because of the all year round living, online other Greek islands, Crete is not just a tourist destination, its also an ideal place to settle especially for pensioners. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. 1.10%. 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. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Most things are very similar to other European countries. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. Your email address will not be published. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. So thank you for all the information. International health insurance can be quite expensive. In fact, in some areas such as Hora Sfakion and Souda, plenty of people head out to the local market or pop to their neighbours for coffee without locking up. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. If you havent already fallen in love with one part of the island, wed recommend travelling around a bit until you find the place that steals your heart. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Greece Expat Forum: Crete| Expat Exchange 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. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. Don't leave home without it! We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . 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. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. 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. The pros of living in Santorini 1. . Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Although there are some beaches, gorges, and cities that everyone wants to visit, it is always a good idea to explore places that most tourists do not visit. God bless. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. 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. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Any specific sites we can check? Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida.