After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. 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. There are different kinds of residency permits available depending on your purpose for moving to Greece, the most popular are: financially independent persons (FIP), Golden Visa and digital nomad. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. 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. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. 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. 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. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. 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. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. The main reason behind moving to Crete was that Greece has always been my dream place to live, and after visiting the island summer after summer, I couldnt resist I had to stay.. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. 1. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . 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. The people are so friendly. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. Greece operates . Of course, like all places, there are some slightly less-safe parts, but in general, Crete is the type of place you can spend an afternoon in your garden and not worry about locking your front door. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. hope that helps! Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. Great informative story/interview. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. Any other useful information you could provide , would be greatfully recieved . However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. 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). I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. 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. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. 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. I have read the basics. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living 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. 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. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. 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. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. 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. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. 470 reviews. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420, Greece offers a wide range of destinations for expats, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. 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. 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. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. 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. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. JavaScript is disabled. Required fields are marked *. 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. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Nov 10, 2014. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. These cookies do not store any personal information. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Your email address will not be published. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. Greece, generally speaking, has an acceptable infrastructure for things like power and communications. To avoid this its best to hire an accountant to take care of your annual tax returns. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. To be totally honest, they are very similar with mountainous scenery, vineyards, and unique wildlife. There is something for everyone but only if you know where to look. You can also find me on YouTube. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. Life on an island tends to be calm and more relaxed than on the mainland. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Similarly, you can only be evicted for not paying rent, so renters generally have more rights in Greece than in countries like the UK or the USA. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. 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. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Your email address will not be published. If you live in Crete all year and dont need to find everything into a two-week holiday window, youll find yourself enjoying the temperate winter months as much, if not more, than summer. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. However, you might want to consider professional help. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. 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. 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. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. When it comes to pubs and drinks, I would have to say that Synagogi Open Bar, in the old Jewish quarter is just the best place with the best music and delicious drinks. And, with such a big island, there are many unexplored roads to discover. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. We currently live in Australia. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. 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. 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.. iI went out for a holiday when I was 18 years old and just never really came home again.i have been backwards and forwards a few times over the years but I always end up going back.If you stay longer than 6 months then you will need a residence permit which you can obtain from your local police station.you will need to open a bank account and have enough money to live on if you are not working.The life in greece is fantastic but wages are a lot lower than in the UK.Good luck! You have to follow non-EU application procedures. 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. 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. 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. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. Rose. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. 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. Our historic center is really charming, with romantic cobblestone alleys, a magical Venetian harbor, and dozens of little bars and taverns serving fantastic local wines and tasty Greek food. Can you help please? . Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. Greece is a fantastic country. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. 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. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling Canada home. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. 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. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. The basic requirements for a residence permit . Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. 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. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. In fact, most people say the only problem walking after dark is the lumps and bumps on the road, which might cause you to trip. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). With ongoing activity and a strong sense of community, it is a pleasure to spend the winter months on the island. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. 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. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. Many people, particularly the older generation, are strictly religious, and you could find yourself being judged for not respecting their religious holidays. 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. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Thanks for the interesting article. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. 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. 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.. 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. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. 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. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. 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. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. Nobody seems to know. If your propertys cadastral value is 2000,000 and over, there are additional rates from 0.10% to 1.15%, depending on the property price. It really depends on your preferences. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with expats in Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Greece written, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. Your email address will not be published. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. 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. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . 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. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). and impressive gorges. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . UK citizens can travel to Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. 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. 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 . Hi, my name is Rose and I welcome you to my website. 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. 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. Living on either island is the dream for many. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. 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. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. Required fields are marked *. Groups of expats can help provide practical support, such as finding a job and emotional support over coffee when the Greek bureaucracy gets too much. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. 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.