Copyright 2018-2022. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. 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. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. It rains very little in Crete. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. I am hoping to move to Greece in the near future on a FIP visa. 2 years ago. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. For example, youll have much better facilities (both public and private) in urban areas, so if you already have health issues, this can be an important factor. The people are cool. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. 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. I have lost my beneficy status. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. We currently live in Australia. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Re: Expats in Chania. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. Lynne Evans: The unvarnished truth about living in Greece And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. 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. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. Do you want city living or countryside living? Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. 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.. These cookies do not store any personal information. It's a good place to come if you're determined to learn the local lingo and get involved with the local community, because there's not such an international crowd as elsewhere. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. 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. Access to these is comforting you age. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! 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. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. I'm new here. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. 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. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. 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. 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. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. 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. Later Crete was ruled by Rome, then by the Byzantine Empire, the Andalusian Arabs, the Venetian Republic, and the Ottoman Empire. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? 4,923 helpful votes. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. Like this article about living in Crete? It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. kindest regards. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. 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. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. The weather is among the best in Europe. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Save. Cost is around $2.20. 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. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Internet Speed In Crete, Can You Work Remotely? You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. For example, we had a friend who felt dizzy and fell in her kitchen and when she was taken to the hospital, apart from treating her injuries, they also did lots of tests to determine the cause of her fall. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. Living in Crete - Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. In my opinion, its best to find a lawyer to advise you on the legal matters, and an accountant to advise you on the financial matters. 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! 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. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. 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. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. 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. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. Moving to Greece as a US Expat - Sunset International Shipping This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. 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. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Living the Ultimate Greek Lifestyle in Heraklion, Crete Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. Im 74 and retired with a pension and social security in the USA. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. 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. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. 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 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. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. 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. I have read the basics. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece?