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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. Hi everyone! Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. Any specific sites we can check? Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. Most of these villages are within half an hour's drive of Chania where you can find all the services you need year round, including good local supermarket chains called Marinopoulos and INKA, and also branches of LIDL. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. Agios Nikolaos General hospital, Sitia General Hospital, Rethimno General Hospital just to name a few, there are also small clinics all around the island and many Private hospitals. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Whether you choose to live in the most famous Blue Zone of the world, Ikaria, or in the capital, Athens, you will be surrounded by fantastic nature, mouth-watering dishes, unbelievable culture, tradition, and friendly people. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. Expatriates in Greece: Quality and Cost of Living Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. Can you help at all? 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. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. 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. 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. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? Do you want city living or countryside living? I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. 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. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? 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.. 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. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. Most people who decide to retire in Crete prefer purchasing a property rather than renting one, although there are some who go for long term rent. But with such a great outdoor lifestyle and so much fresh Mediterranean food on offer, chances are youll remain healthy and feel younger than your years. I'm new here. Greece offers many different atmospheres for living, and which is best will depend on your personal needs and goals. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. 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. Many expats have already taken the plunge and headed to the stunning Greek island of Crete. And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. 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. Greece Country Guide - Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2023 In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. The tourists usually go to the big beaches because they are not familiar with the island, expats who live here, know the small hidden spots, where they can go and have a swim and a picnic. Even though technically that is true, some of the bureaucrats here still ask you for one for certain things, like if you buy a car here you still have to get a residence permit. Living in Greece: The Ultimate Guide | GoVisaFree Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? 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. This is the best way to get in touch with the locals, learn about their lives on the island, and discover incredible places that not everyone knows about. 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. Nightlife here amounts to a good selection of bars and restaurants, but youd be pushed to find someone open for customers after 1 AM. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. sign up for my newsletter The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Its certainly not a bad place to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. Living on either island is the dream for many. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. Access to these is comforting you age. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. The people are cool. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. 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. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. 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. 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. 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. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. Many expats opt for an international health plan. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. Expats living here won't have to deal with anywhere near the same amount of tourist footfall as in other parts of Greece. 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. Visit the About Me page for more info. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. 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). What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. 1. 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 . Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. Expat Places: Let's Move to Crete - TorFX If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? kindest regards. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Living in Greece: What is it REALLY Like (2023 Expat Guide) Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. I have read the basics. . There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. 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. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. Most things are very similar to other European countries. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. 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. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? With the mountains of Crete protecting the southern coast, it is more difficult to access here and therefore is quieter, more traditional, and life is much slower. Re: Expats in Chania. I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. 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. And that is why as a tourist you should not make it so obvious that you are tourists, just dress like one of the locals. Great informative story/interview. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. The pros of living in Santorini 1. 2 years ago. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This is a good way to fully immerse yourself in Greek culture. 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. Pin it! Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. Living In Crete: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra After years of putting up with Milans rainy winters, I moved to Crete, Greece with my two kids where I write about the island for different media. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. Over 2 million. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. 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 people are so friendly. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. 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. Your email address will not be published. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. For a flat in a decent part of Chania, or any other major town, youre looking at 350 per month for one bedroom. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. 1.15%. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. The quality of services offered is of high standards, and my husband who is from Denmark says that the doctors here are very thorough and very attentive. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. 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. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. 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. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. 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. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. This is one of the Greek islands that I am considering for my retirement. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. hope that helps! I spend most of my time living and working abroad and use this website to share "the good, the bad and the ugly" of traveling and living abroad. 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. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Age: 48 1.10%. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. 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. Corfu doesn't completely close down in winter, especially Corfu town. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Hello. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? Cyprus is also larger. All legal residents are entitled to state-run healthcare. 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.. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. American in Crete | Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living 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. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. English Expats In Crete, Greece The Greeks are very big on respecting their elders. 10 Best Places to Live as an Expat | WorldRemit When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The other main concern of expats is healthcare. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. It rains very little in Crete. Report inappropriate content. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Theres not much that I dislike about the island. Your email address will not be published. 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. All Rights Reserved. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. I do however have in excess of 50,000 disposable savings ( and funds under the golden visa threshold to purchase a property ). I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. 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. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. Expats In Crete, Greece It really depends on your preferences. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. 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 . You simply make your choice and proceed from there. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. 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.. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. 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. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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.