The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. 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. 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. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. 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. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. 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. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. 2 years ago. What is the best resource to find an honest real estate broker in Greece to work with an ex-pat on options to buy a home in Crete? The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. God bless. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! 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. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. 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. 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. 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. Most things are very similar to other European countries. 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. Qualified UK citizens can apply for the S1 form which will grant them access to the Greece public healthcare system paid by the UK. Hello. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. A minimum of six months is required. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. 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. Some links on this website are affiliate links. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. Thank you for the comment. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. Visit the About Me page for more info. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. 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. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. You can also find me on YouTube. Its safest to deal through an estate agent, as private rentals can often be a minefield for anyone not fluent in Greek. 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. 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. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. 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. Can you help at all? Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. You can find more about Cyprus in our Living In Cyprus The Expats Guide. 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. 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. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. 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. 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. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. Don't leave home without it! If you have any more questions about life here please post here and we will give you any advice we can. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. 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. 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. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete 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. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. 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. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. Your email address will not be published. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. 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. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. 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 lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. many thanks 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. Its definitely worth checking what youll need before you move, so you dont end up paying for over-priced goods. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. 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. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. Language can be a barrier at any age. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. 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. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 Cost of living in Crete (Greece) In the last decade, Crete has become the most favoured place of residence among Western expats, even more popular than Athens and Thessaloniki, especially among those who choose to retire in this country with a golden visa. 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. Mobile connections are mostly fine, although there may be connectivity issues in most rural areas. Great informative story/interview. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? 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. Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Let us know if you need legal advice and help with this, we can recommend somebody to help you. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. 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). Required fields are marked *. Required fields are marked *. Cyprus has slighter larger towns and can sometimes feel like one giant, spread-out city. So I need a long term residency permit. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Your email address will not be published. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. However, you might want to consider professional help. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. Your email address will not be published. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. 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. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. After these three months are up, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Veveosi Engrafis). The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? The people are so friendly. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. 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. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. 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. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. Can you help please? Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. Copyright 2018-2022. To count as a permanent resident of Greece, you must have an address you live at for at least 183 days of the year. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. 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. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. Where are the best places to live in Greece? 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. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. If you want to check it out more closely, visiting hours are 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in winter and 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer, every day except Mondays. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. 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. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. 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. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? Any specific sites we can check? Both the food and the vibe here are amazing. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! . Even if this might sound contradictory, I enjoy driving in Crete. International health insurance can be quite expensive. We use cookies to enhance your experience. Thanks for the interesting article. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. 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 . Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv And although Crete is known for its beaches and seaside towns, there is much more to this island. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? 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. Over 2 million. 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. 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. 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.. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. 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. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. The best way to do this is with the Golden Visa as it brings a lot of advantages, but not everyone has the spare cash to invest. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. 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. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. 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. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. People may indicate one way and then turn another, drive up the other side of the road, stop to have a chat, or even crash traffic lights. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. 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. 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! sign up for my newsletter 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.