Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. Over 2 million. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. After this, you will need to apply for permanent residency. So keep it in mind. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. We currently live in Australia. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Select which of our trusted partners you would like to hear from and we'll do the rest. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. Some links on this website are affiliate links. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. You can access it online by typing in Xaniotika Nea, but you will then need to get the ads translated. When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. 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. If you dont take that job offer I would. Cost is around $2.20. However, I will still be being paid in the UK by a UK company. If you are from an EU country then you do not need a work permit.The best thing to do is to go over for a holiday and if you find a job ,stay and if you dont, go back! For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. Doing so can make sense if youre planning on splitting money between countries, but youll still need a specifically Greek account for things like paying tax and purchasing property. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. I have found your website the most informative amidst a lot of confusing misinformation. Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . hope that helps! Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. If you are looking to move to Crete to enjoy the peace and quiet of your retirement years, then there is plenty to look forward to. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. I have lost my beneficy status. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. 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. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. 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. The proximity to amenities will cost you, but youll pay even more to be living just outside the tourist buzz in summer. However, there are some quirks and abnormalities which are worth knowing before you go. 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. The fourth-highest number of UK expats living inside its borders, with roughly 531,584 Brits calling Canada home. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. 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. 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. You can spend three months getting a feel for the island before you need to apply for residency. What is the best area in Crete to live in? Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . Rent can be anywhere between 400 to 800, again it depends on the size and style. 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? This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. And Crete is also a popular retirement destination, attracting many nationalities. But because I left in 2021 and didnt return until now. The Best Places To Live In Greece For Expats, Living In Greece: Essential Expat Guide 2023, Greece: Visa & Residency Options For Non-EU Nationals, Living In Santorini: Expat Essential Guide, How do I become a resident of Crete non-EU citizens. Chania in recent years has become kind of a hotspot for expats and digital nomads, which makes the atmosphere of the town feel alive and vibrant all year round.. 1.15%. If you dont want to live on the coast, moving into the mountains offers a range of outdoor activities. really helpful guide thanks so much. Greece offers many different atmospheres for living, and which is best will depend on your personal needs and goals. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. 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 . 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. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. Many expats opt for an international health plan. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. After living in Greece for at least three months, you can apply to the Greek Aliens Bureau via the online website. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. Your email address will not be published. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. 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. Are utilities, mobile and internet connections reliable in Greece? International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . 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. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. 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. 100.000 to 300.000 depending on the size and style. 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. That is not to say that you should be leaving your stuff lying around. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. Hi everyone! You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. Once granted, you only need to renew it if your circumstances change, and you must fill out versions for both you and your children (if applicable). So I need a long term residency permit. 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. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. Cyprus is also larger. Also buying fresh produce from the local farmers saves you a lot of money and you get fresh great quality products like organic eggs, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and things like honey. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Other than tourists related petty crimes, I have not heard of severe crimes. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. The overall economy on the island is strong relative to the rest of Greece. Hi Eirene, what a wonderful location you have chosen. Thank you fir the information and the beautiful videos snd photos. 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. Not everyone knows how big Crete is. 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. 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. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks.