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. We have some friends who long term renters. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. So keep it in mind. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. The expat community here is very interlinked, and although there is less of a sense of community than in other areas of Crete, the expats here will help you find anything from a job or a place to live to a date, or even a new dishwasher. 1. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. As more tourists head to the island, incidences of petty crimes like this do arise, but they generally target tourists who carry around larger amounts of cash for holiday spending. You can join that to ask any questions you may have about life here including finding housing, getting a visa, etc., Also Read: A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. Moving to Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! 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. 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. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Anything over 40,001 is counted as the highest bracket of 45%. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. 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. 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. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Name: Gabi Ancarola Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. Similarly, food is generally less expensive. 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. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Visit the About Me page for more info. 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 will be a lot of paperwork to be sorted, but I am sure this will not hinder those who want to settle in Greece. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. 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. Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. 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. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. we really like Chania but from the research weve done, Heraklion is the only area with the schooling we need? After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Pros and cons of moving to Greece | Expat Arrivals Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . Greece Expat Forum: Living/Working in Crete | Expat Exchange Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? Living in Greece: The Ultimate Guide | GoVisaFree 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. 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. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. 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. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. 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. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. 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. Can you help please? 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. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Your email address will not be published. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. 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. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. . You simply make your choice and proceed from there. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. 47,401 posts. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. All legal residents are entitled to state-run healthcare. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? Your email address will not be published. Hello. These cookies do not store any personal information. So thank you for all the information. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. 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 a one-word answer, the answer is yes. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . 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). Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. 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. kind regards EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. 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. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. sign up for my newsletter In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. 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. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. This will depend on which country has the lower tax rate, but be aware that youll be subject to the tax laws of the country in which your tax is paid. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. The pros of living in Santorini 1. 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. 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. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. Don't leave home without it! Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). The people are cool. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? Expats in Chania - Chania Town Forum - Tripadvisor Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. Great informative story/interview. 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. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. You can check your options in our Living In Greece guide: https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/ in Residency for non-EU citizens section. 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. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Cyprus is also larger. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 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. 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. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. Also buying fresh produce from the local farmers saves you a lot of money and you get fresh great quality products like organic eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and things like honey. 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. 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. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. If you want to brush shoulders with celebrities and live the high life on the island, the northeastern village of Elounda is a charming fishing village turned playground of the rich and famous. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. 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. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. 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. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. Non-EU citizens do not have automatic rights to settle down in the EU. Some of the main tourist attractions are closed for work in winter so there are few tourists and its a great time to explore the island, eat out and go shopping without being surrounded by tourists. Some links on this website are affiliate links. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. Required fields are marked *. 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. We currently live in Australia. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Taxation of such kind is a highly complex matter and its best to consult a qualified tax advisor who understands international taxation rules and tax residency. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. 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. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. 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. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! 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. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? 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. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. 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. In Athens, you can expect to pay around 9.50 per square metre, but only 5.25 per square metre in somewhere like rural Thessaloniki. 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. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. hope that helps! 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 Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. 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. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Thank you for the comment. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. Many expats opt for an international health plan. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. 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. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A minimum of six months is required. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. 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. This is a good way to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. 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. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. 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. 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. 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. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing.