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. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. 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. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. While villas and apartment blocks are common in the cities, stone farmhouses are popular in the countryside. Its not surprising, that Greece is one of the best places to retire indeed. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . 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. Up to 20,000 youll pay 22% tax, up to 30,000 youll pay 29% tax, and up to 40,000 youll pay 37% tax. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. In my next article, I am going to go deeper in the cost of living in Crete, but I will mission that there are some measures that you can take to save money while living in Crete. 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. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. Most things are very similar to other European countries. 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. Don't leave home without it! 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! 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. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. 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. Eating out in a restaurant will be also cheaper. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Nothing is wrong; it just takes a while. In Athens, you can expect to pay around 9.50 per square metre, but only 5.25 per square metre in somewhere like rural Thessaloniki. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. Non-EU residents must have a type D visa for working in Greece before applying for permanent residency. and impressive gorges. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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 . This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. 1. 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. 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. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. Rose. 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. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. 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. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. 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. 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. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. In mainland Greece, earthquakes up to seven in magnitude have been recorded in the past, rising to up to 7.2 in islands like Crete. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. 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. 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). 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. The people are cool. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. If you dont take that job offer I would. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. 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. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. The few exceptions to the rule are some of Heraklions suburban areas, which can feel unsafe after dark. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. Its the tourism industry that attracts many expats to move to Crete, either for the summer season or for an indefinite period. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. 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. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. 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. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. 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. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. An alternative is to open an international bank account with a company like Barclays. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. 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. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Age: 48 However, many expats opt for private or international health insurance because the private healthcare sector is much better. Its fairly standard for expats to switch to a local private health insurance plan once their residency is confirmed. Required fields are marked *. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. So keep it in mind. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. Hello. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . Emily always takes the scenic route to get to the heart of a country and when she isn't writing, she can be found outside with her two dogs Hugo and Suzette. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Why You Shouldnt Buy Seashells or Take Them, A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad, Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Things to Concider Before Moving to Another Country. 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. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. The quality of life in Crete is generally considered to be excellent. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. 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. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. as well as having lots more info about living in Crete and Greece. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . 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. To be eligible for state healthcare, you must be a taxpayer and belong to a national healthcare organisation. Crete is blessedly cooler (but still very warm), and in winter, the temperature drops, and you get a better winter season. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. Greece has some pretty amazing food. The cons of living in Greece 1. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Youll find whole communities of expats sharing their knowledge and culture with other expats in tiny villages and pockets of the island. I'm new here. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. . 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. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. 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. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. 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. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! International health insurance can be quite expensive. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. 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. Your email address will not be published. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. First off, Cyprus is both more extensive and more densely populated. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete..
