In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. 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. This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. Hello. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. However, you might want to consider professional help. Old buildings and village walls are the ones that get damaged, as the majority of the new builds are designed to withstand earthquakes, meaning that Greek cities and towns are less likely to experience serious structural damage. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? 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. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). It really depends on your preferences. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. 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. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. 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 . The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. What is the best area in Crete to live in? Nestled in the foothills of Mount Taygetos, residents can enjoy the lush countryside, quiet living and close proximity to the sea. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. 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. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. 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! Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. 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. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Greece is a fantastic country. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. 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. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Nobody seems to know. 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. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. We currently live in Australia. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. 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. 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 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.. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. 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. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. 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. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. really helpful guide thanks so much. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. 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. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. The other main concern of expats is healthcare. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. 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. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. Obviously, the warm weather is one of the reasons why Crete is a favorite of many retirees from Europe, the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. 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. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. I'm new here. Im really confused what I need to do!! 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. The pros of living in Santorini 1. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) 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. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Copyright 2018-2022. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. 4,923 helpful votes. I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. 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 . There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. Another thing that you will find frustrating and I have mentioned this in my other article about moving to Crete, its the slow pace at what things are done, and the laid back attitude of the Greek people, although its a good thing, and that is one of the reasons you want to settle in Crete, it can get very frustrating when you have a leaking sink that needs to be fixed. The average cost per square meter in Crete is $1,900 per square meter which means you can likely find a comfortable two-bedroom apartment in a good area for under $156,000.You can learn more about purchasing real estate in Greece here. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. 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. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Required fields are marked *. . The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. 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. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. This shouldnt be a problem for expats looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, but if speed and efficiency are your top priorities, itll be worth relocating to a larger city like Athens. 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. 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. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. If you are looking to move to Crete to enjoy the peace and quiet of your retirement years, then there is plenty to look forward to. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. 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. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. Age: 48 Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? The cons of living in Greece 1. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. 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. Greece offers many different atmospheres for living, and which is best will depend on your personal needs and goals. 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. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Pin it! There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. The closest airport is in Volos, around 90 minutes away, meaning you still have good international connections but can enjoy some peace and quiet too. Your email address will not be published. Shes written for Greek Reporter, published several travel guides about Greece, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person would be able to handle. So keep it in mind. 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. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. 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. In mainland Greece, earthquakes up to seven in magnitude have been recorded in the past, rising to up to 7.2 in islands like Crete. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. 47,401 posts. The island is packed with tiny villages and really feels like a Greek island. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. 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). Do you want city living or countryside living? My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. 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. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. For example, rent on an inner-city apartment in Greece will set you back about 335 (300), while rural rent on an apartment of the same size will be around 280 (250). If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. You can also find me on YouTube. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. 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.
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