You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. So if you enjoy the outdoors, you will be right at home here in Crete. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. However, Crete has more of a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. The prospect of living in Greece is inviting for many expatriates. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete The Crime Rate In Crete, Is It Safe To Move To Crete? Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. 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? After you have applied for the alternative tax regime, the 7% tax rate will become effective the following tax year and will last for 15 years. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. 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. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. If you live in Crete all year and dont need to find everything into a two-week holiday window, youll find yourself enjoying the temperate winter months as much, if not more, than summer. 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. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Because tourism is a major source of income in the country, English is fairly widely spoken. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. I currently live in France, however as far as I am aware since 2005 Residence Permits are no longer required for any EU citizen living in any EU cousntry. 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. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. I know that locals arent always the best drivers in the world, however, the impressive beauty of the mountain and sea landscapes around Crete really makes up for that. Applying for a residence permit will take some time. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. So be respectful and mindful of local traditions and culture. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. You wont be short of medical care. I wonder if you can help me. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. It's a good place to come if you're determined to learn the local lingo and get involved with the local community, because there's not such an international crowd as elsewhere. 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. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Both islands offer very traditional Greek food featuring lots of fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, lamb, olives, wine, and plenty of seafood. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. "Living in Crete. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. When working out your budget, be sure to factor in legal, surveyor and notary fees, plus a minimum of 10% deposit. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! 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. You can contact Jacob on LinkedIn: Jacob Powell. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. If youre retiring to Greece, you should take healthcare into 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. 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. As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. My private pension pays me circa 1,500 a month , we have no other income . 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. 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. Its no secret that Greece is an incredibly popular tourist destination. However, the cost of living is definitely higher in cities, particularly ones with a lot of tourism. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. Life in Crete, Greece Name: Gabi Ancarola Age: 48 Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina Her Story: "I was born in Buenos Aires where I graduated as a sworn translator. 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. You will not save alot of money however it beats working at many places in the US. 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. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. 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. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. 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. 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. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. really helpful guide thanks so much. Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. Well, one of the things that you will find frustrating is the paperwork, Bureaucracy is something that you will deal with and you will have to be very patient. Hi Colin, property owners pay a very small Public Tax incorporated in the electricity bill payable every second month. 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 . I enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. These are particularly popular with expat families. The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? Eating big Mediterranean meals by the sea sounds extremely indulgent, but not only is great food relatively affordable in Crete; it's everywhere too. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. 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. 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. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) We have some friends who long term renters. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. 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. Nobody seems to know. Its small enough to have a real sense of identity and community but large enough to have everything you could need- although some things come at a price. the site of the Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education inCrete, administration of the 7th Ministry of Health of Crete, https://expatra.com/guides/greece/living-in-greece-the-expats-guide/, http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv. 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. Here things move at a slow pace (siga siga) also someone who enjoys the outdoors, taking long walks, or hiking, Crete is blessed with beautiful beaches, gorges, and mountains. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. Once completed, youll be given a list of available local doctors. Crete offers a very healthy, active lifestyle for those that wish to embrace the great outdoors. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. But what is life in Crete like? Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. Thanks for the interesting article. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals, compare international health insurance options, The Expat Guide To UK Pensions Abroad: Understand Your Options, The Essential Guide To Cost-Effective International Removals, https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. If you find yourself in these areas, youre better off heading back to the town centres bright lights. I have a Greek residency permit (beige card) from when I lived in Greece in 2020 before brexit.
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