On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. 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? Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. International health insurance can be quite expensive. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . 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. 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. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? You wont be short of medical care. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. In this interview, Gabi shares her experiences and practical tips for anyone who is moving to Crete or is simply interested in knowing more about life in Crete. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. 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. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. 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. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. We plan to enroll her in the School of European Education of Heraklion and I was wondering if anyone has any impressions of them, as there is little info online. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. Required fields are marked *. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. It really depends on your preferences. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. 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. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. 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. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: Each CNA and Med Aide, regardless of title, enhances the living experience for Tabitha's Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, "Seniors/clients") by . Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Greece has some pretty amazing food. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. JavaScript is disabled. Greece operates . "Living in Crete. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. A minimum of six months is required. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. 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. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. Any specific sites we can check? Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. Thank you for the comment. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. If you plan on getting a car, which is recommended as public transport is good in the town but unreliable elsewhere, be ready for some strange driving. kindest regards. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. The island is home to many expats from all across Europe and the rest of the world, meaning anyone looking to move to Crete in the future will find a warm welcome and plenty of support. 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. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. 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. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. 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. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. 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. Do you want city living or countryside living? The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Rose. The cons of living in Greece 1. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. 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. If beaches are a deal-breaker for you, then youre more likely to find soft white sand on Cyprus, some of Cretes beaches can be a bit stony, so if you dont know the beach, you might get a nasty surprise. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. the people where very welcoming and warm, I worked in the tourist industry which was a lot of fun but it does die down in the winter and this is the hardest part but there is work and there are alot of English people stay all year round. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. The islands are large enough to grow some foods themselves which are always fresh and delicious. 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). 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 . Don't leave home without it! What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. 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. 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. 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. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . I wonder if you can help me. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. 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 advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. . Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. 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. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Hi everyone! Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. 1.10%. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. 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. 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. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. 2 years ago. 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. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. You can also find me on YouTube. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. 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. 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. 4,923 helpful votes. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. 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. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. 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. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. 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. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. Your email address will not be published. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. 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. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. 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. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. 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. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs 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! The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. 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. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Many expats opt for an international health plan. I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator.