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. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. 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 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. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. 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. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. God bless. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. Name: Gabi Ancarola What is the best area in Crete to live in? This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. 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. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. 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. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. Depending on where in the country expats decide to live, the range of choices may differ. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. 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. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Excellent education, quality of life, welcoming communities and stunning outdoor scenery are just some of the main reasons why people choose to live in Canada as an expat. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. Subscribe. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. 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. Nothing is wrong; it just takes a while. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Greece currently has an overall falling crime rate when charted over the last 10 years, with levels sitting lower than the UK or the USA. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. 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. 47,401 posts. 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. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. So keep it in mind. Laidback way of living Although summer can be delightful with lots happening, plenty of people, and an enjoyable atmosphere, there remains that calm, relaxed vibe of life on an island. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. The people are so friendly. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. Most things are very similar to other European countries. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. 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. 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. 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. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. 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. Your email address will not be published. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. Language can be a barrier at any age. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. You wont be short of medical care. 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. Hello. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Cyprus is also larger. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. 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. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. 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. 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. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. 1.15%. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. These cookies do not store any personal information. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Here things move at a slow pace (siga siga) also someone who enjoys the outdoors, taking long walks, or hiking, Crete is blessed with beautiful beaches, gorges, and mountains. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. 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. We have some friends who long term renters. JavaScript is disabled. But youll also find plenty of support. Life in Crete, Greece Name: Gabi Ancarola Age: 48 Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina Her Story: "I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. A budget-conscious expat can live comfortably in Greece for no more than $2,000 a month. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. 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. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. 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. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. 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. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. 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. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? 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. We currently live in Australia. To be honest, I did not use any resources. Living on either island is the dream for many. Most rental properties in the smaller villages are for short holiday lets in the summer, so you might find a reasonable price for the winter months but would have to move before tourists arrive. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. To learn more, read our guide How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad all you need to know about your post-Brexit healthcare options in Europe. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Many expats have already taken the plunge and headed to the stunning Greek island of Crete. 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. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Greece has some pretty amazing food. These are particularly popular with expat families. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. 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. Now because of the current situation of Britain leaving the EU, Brits might have it rough when it comes to retiring in Crete and Greece at large. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. If you have questions or need more information about your Golden Visa options, we have a complete guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and you can also contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. 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. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. 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. 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. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. If you plan to study or work in Crete, you will need to apply for an additional permit, but this is less urgent than securing your residency. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. Your email address will not be published. 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. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. So thank you for all the information. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? 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. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . 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. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. A minimum of six months is required. 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. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Your email address will not be published. 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. For UK citizens planning to relocate to Greece, it can make sense to take advantage of the three-month visa-free travel period to visit different areas of the country. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Save. It rains very little in Crete. Rose. sign up for my newsletter Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. 1. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) 470 reviews. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. 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. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. Hi there, you can also check out the visa hunter blog, which has loads of useful links about moving somewhere, paperwork, useful contacts and stuff you have to consider before going in a foreign country (for each country separately). we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? kind regards Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. However, a lawyer might offer some kind of solution. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. 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. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. 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 border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. But what is life in Crete like? After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. Access to these is comforting you age. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. Report inappropriate content. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The pros of living in Santorini 1. 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. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here.