Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. You can, of course, find online forums and ask for the advice of other expats, but if you want to meet up, join a community and take advantage of the network of expats living on Crete, you might want to be in an area with a higher percentage of expats. 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. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Your email address will not be published. The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. Whats more, it prides itself on its local culture, meaning almost every restaurant is a local affair with good quality, locally sourced produce. 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 . This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 - Residence-Greece After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. Also many Americans complain that they want to get back to the US it takes a certain kind of person to appreciate what Greece has to offer. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. . The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? 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. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. To register with a doctor in Greece, youll need to complete a form with your insurance information (if applicable), your personal details, and your tax information. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Do you want city living or countryside living? These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. Required fields are marked *. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? 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. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. 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. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. Greece Country Guide - Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2023 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. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Expat Places: Let's Move to Crete - TorFX Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Moving to Crete wont have the same culture shock as moving to somewhere like Japan. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. 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. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. How to Retire In Greece: Everything You Need to Know - SmartAsset Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. 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. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. Would you be so kind as to clarify some points please . 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. The people are so friendly. Great informative story/interview. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Your email address will not be published. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. 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. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. A loaf of bread in Greece will set you back around 0.80. You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Pin it! Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? Required fields are marked *. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide | Expatra Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. A decent bottle of local wine will only set you back around 4, and fresh bread costs under 2. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Id encourage you to discuss your circumstances with the Greek authorities. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living Job Crete Nebraska USA,Healthcare 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. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. International health insurance can be quite expensive. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. hope that helps! 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. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. 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. Crete, Greece: Retirement, Cost of Living Info and Cities in Crete - IL You wont be short of medical care. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. 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. 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! 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.