Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. If you dont want to buy immediately and are looking to rent before taking the plunge, youll find more options in the larger towns. 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. 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. 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. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. 2 years ago. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. 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. 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. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . 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. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. 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. Feb 22, 2023 The expat guide to moving and living in Italy. I have lost my beneficy status. You can join that to ask any questions you may have about life here including finding housing, getting a visa, etc., Also Read: A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Hello, anyone living in Crete from the uk with kids? You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. Your email address will not be published. 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. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. Subscribe. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. Copyright 2018-2022. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. Report inappropriate content. 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. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. This can prove difficult in the first year because you need extra money available, but it gets easier once youre generating income. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. 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. 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. 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. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. Author: Sanne WesselmanA traveler, wanderer, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. The weather is among the best in Europe. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. If you do choose to help these animals, be prepared that you may end up surrounded by animals looking for food. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? There is a big US community thanks to the US military base in the Port of Souda, which is the biggest natural port in the Eastern Mediterranean. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. Here, she juggles being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours in the summer, translating, and writing for The Tiny Book and her other blogs. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! 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. Long story short, I work for the US Government and have an opportunity to apply for a position in Souda Bay, Crete. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. 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. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. If you love the idea of living on a Mediterranean island, you may also have considered moving to Cyprus. Like many European countries, Greece offers a wide range of destinations, but all benefit from amazing weather and great food. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. 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. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. I hope there might be a long-term American resident in Crete who would be willing to discuss various aspects of relocation there for a non-EU expat. 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 . He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. Among the things I enjoy the most about life in Crete is the healthy and tasty Cretan diet. There is a shortcut to residency in Greece, known as the Golden Visa program. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. 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. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. Thanks. I have read the basics. Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. 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. Your email address will not be published. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. 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. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. And, with such a big island, there are many unexplored roads to discover. So keep it in mind. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. 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 is a great place to retire to at any age. Greece charges an annual property tax thats determined by the propertys purpose and must be declared on your annual tax returns. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. If you want sun most of the year, perhaps living in Cyprus is more suitable. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. 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. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. Your email address will not be published. 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. God bless. Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. Nov 10, 2014. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. 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. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. Adrienne xx, Yes, theres Lidl in Sitia: Therisou, Agiou Nikolaou 1. km, Sitia 723 00, Greece 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 . 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. Great informative story/interview. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. 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. If you want variety and nightlife and plenty to do, moving to Heraklion or the surrounding area would be ideal. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. 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). As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. sign up for my newsletter hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. 470 reviews. In the survey Expat Insider asked respondents to rate and provide information about how it is to live as expat in 65 countries around the world that are considered as key destinations for expats. Honestly, every part of Crete is an excellent place to live, but depending on what sort of lifestyle you want, you will want to choose a part of the island that matches your lifestyle. Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens.