47,401 posts. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. Youll make social security contributions, usually around 10% of your declared income. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Hello. The Living in Crete book The Living in Crete book is a valuable resource giving in-depth and detailed information - all that you need to know before and after a move to Crete or a property purchase - packed with information, advice, tips, useful local addresses, telephone numbers and links. hi im wanting to retire from uk to sitia ,will i be able to get freeview and english tv, and will they come to install computor etc quickly lol. 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. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. 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.. 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. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. 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. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Like this article about living in Crete? Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. 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. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. This means that if you want to go to any shops or visit anyone between 12-2 PM, call in advance to check its okay, or you might find the stores are closed and your neighbour is taking a nap. 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 few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. . Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. 470 reviews. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. Over 2 million. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. 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. 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. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. Pin it! I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. Monthly payments will often be lower if you commit to a longer contract, however. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. 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 . EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. Living on either island is the dream for many. Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals, compare international health insurance options, The Expat Guide To UK Pensions Abroad: Understand Your Options, The Essential Guide To Cost-Effective International Removals, https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. 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. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. 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. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. 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. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. So I need a long term residency permit. Can you help at all? Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . I am sure one of the things that you will have on your mind as you consider retiring in Crete Greece, is the medical facility and the quality of the services offered. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. 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. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. Everything you need to know about living in Crete as an expat - the pros and cons, the cost of living, the best places to live, how to integrate better and much more. 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. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. The cons of living in Greece 1. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. 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. 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. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. If you are from an EU country then you do not need a work permit.The best thing to do is to go over for a holiday and if you find a job ,stay and if you dont, go back! So thank you for all the information. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Age: 48 Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. 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. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. Re: Expats in Chania. A minimum of six months is required. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. You wont be short of medical care. Chania in recent years has become kind of a hotspot for expats and digital nomads, which makes the atmosphere of the town feel alive and vibrant all year round.. 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. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. 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. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. Thanks for the interesting article. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. 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.. Although major cities and tourist hubs generally work on a more British pattern of standardised hours, more rural areas often march to the beat of their own drum. 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. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Greece is an extremely vibrant country that is famed throughout the world for its year-round good climate, detailed history, beautiful architecture, and unique culture. What is the best area in Crete to live in? Cyprus is also larger. However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. Your email address will not be published. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. 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). UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month.
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