This gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the area and with local regulations. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. If you come from the UK, you can sometimes choose whether to pay your taxes in Greece or your original country. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. 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. A minimum of six months is required. The basic requirements for a residence permit . During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. Living in Greece The weather is obviously a huge plus of living in Greece. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. Pin it! This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. 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. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. 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. 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. 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. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. Heraklion is Cretes capital, and so lots of expats here can help you will official and administrative tasks. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. 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. 1.15%. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? I am American and hoping to move to Crete soon: Chania praefecture probably but possibly Herakleion. 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. Can you help please? The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Also is there a aldi or lydle in sitia area please. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. Another thing that Ive discovered I enjoy is the mountains. Any specific sites we can check? As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. Greece has some pretty amazing food. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. 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. You might be able to arrange a shorter let, but this will be on a case-by-case basis. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into consideration. 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. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Crete has a varied landscape with mountains covered in tiny villages and hamlets contrasted by the larger towns such as Heraklion and Chania. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. 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. I am planning on moving permanently to Kefalonia Greece , with my partner. kind regards Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Generally walking or stumbling, the short distance home doesnt leave you feeling unsafe or glancing over your shoulder. Rent increases must be stated in the contract, so be sure to read the fine print. So I need a long term residency permit. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. 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. Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. At the moment information is coming in small doses when it comes to UK nationals settling in the EU. If youre from the UK and can apply for an S1 form , this will entitle you to state healthcare paid by the British government. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. For example, you can choose beachside life, mountainside life or city life. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. You might find this is provided through cellular means rather than phone lines, which might affect your internet speed. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. The cooler temperatures mean the winter months are often spent doing jobs that cant be done in the summer heat. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Of course, not everything is cheap, and some things cant be bought on the main island and shipped over. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, 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. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. 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. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. 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. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. This gives Crete its rich history and traveling around the island youll see remnants of many of these periods. If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. 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. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. 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. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. 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. many thanks 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. Name: Gabi Ancarola Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. 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. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. The island is equipped with Big hospitals like the University General Hospital In Heraklion, Chania General Hospital located in the village of Mournies. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. While you might not have the data speeds youre used to, youll still have mobile signal regardless. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. Hello. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. Qualified UK citizens can apply for the S1 form which will grant them access to the Greece public healthcare system paid by the UK. I live in the western end near Chania and there are a number of big hotels and holiday concerns which are hiring at the moment for the 2009 summer season. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. 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. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. 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. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. The rainiest month of the year is December, when, on average, it rains for 11 days of the month. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. we have been to Crete a couple of time and have noticed that agios nikolaos seems to be very popular with expats and has many shops, it is beautiful! Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. 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. 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. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . God bless. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. The people are cool. The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. 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. You can also find me on YouTube. 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 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. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. Most things are very similar to other European countries. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. If you have questions or need more information, see our complete Guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and options, or contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. 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. The people are so friendly. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. 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. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Crete is known as the cradle of Western civilization and has tons of impressive ruins and sites dating from the Bronze age, when the Minoan civilization thrived on the island. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. 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. Everything goes on according to the Greek philosophy of siga siga which could be roughly translated as slow down. The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. But youll also find plenty of support. After years of putting up with Milans rainy winters, I moved to Crete, Greece with my two kids where I write about the island for different media. 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. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. 47,401 posts. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. Depending on where in the country expats decide to live, the range of choices may differ. There are also significant hospitals and medical centres in Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lassithi, Agios Nikolaos, Hania, and more. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. 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. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. 4,923 helpful votes. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. For things such as white goods for your kitchen, it is often cheaper to buy in mainland Greece and bring them back yourself on a car ferry than it is to buy them on the island. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! If you are a non-EU national, the easiest way for you to secure a European residency is to buy a property worth 250,000 and over. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. 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.