living in crete as an expat living in crete as an expat

Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. 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. Many expats opt for an international health plan. Required fields are marked *. Is Crete A Good Place To Live For Pensioners? When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. In January, we have some days when the temperatures can go as high as 25 degrees Celsius, and night temperatures are between 10 and 17 degrees Celsius. Crete; It's the biggest island in the country, and it offers a laid-back pace of life, a warm climate, and wonderful sandy beaches. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. British citizens who had lived in the EU pre-Brexit had a certain time window to settle their status and it looks like you missed it. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. 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. Hello. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. Crete is an excellent island to live on too. After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. Of course, after that, you will have to apply for a residence permit to stay in Greece as all non-EU citizens do. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. 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 can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? There is a Facebook group called I want to live in Crete. 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. Crete is home to many expats from all over the world. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. 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! It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. Cost of living in Crete in 2023 Cost of living in Crete (Greece) In the last decade, Crete has become the most favoured place of residence among Western expats, even more popular than Athens and Thessaloniki, especially among those who choose to retire in this country with a golden visa. In this case, you can qualify for residency through investment (Golden Visa). Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. Would this meet the criteria for us both to gain a Type-D visa , and ultimately a full residents visa on arrival in Kefalonia . You can check the bus schedule here: https://www.ktelherlas.gr/en/. 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. This might not be easy to understand if youre coming from a bigger city, but trust me, you do learn to enjoy it.. The people are cool. Not only will this help from the language side, but they will also ensure you dont overpay. kind regards Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Youre also more likely to find a job in Heraklion, and its much more modern and offers a busier lifestyle. The visa will allow you to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, and that way, you can live in the country for the duration of the application process. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. 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. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. All Rights Reserved. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. 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. Excellent education, quality of life, welcoming communities and stunning outdoor scenery are just some of the main reasons why people choose to live in Canada as an expat. You should allow for extra time when meeting deadlines and dont try to do anything in a rush, especially in the summer. Not everybody knows that Crete has a mountainous landscape made of high peaks (that even get snow in the winter!) He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. 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. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Driving on the island is another thing you will have to get used to, if you are the kind that screams at the driver next or in front of you, then I suggest you take some relaxation therapy before moving to Crete lol. That said, there are plenty of opportunities for vegetarians too, although Greece hasnt been subject to the same surge in vegetarianism as more cosmopolitan countries. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. 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. Your email address will not be published. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. But with such a great outdoor lifestyle and so much fresh Mediterranean food on offer, chances are youll remain healthy and feel younger than your years. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. The advantage to this over standard citizenship application is that its generally quicker and saves a lot of paperwork. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Im really confused what I need to do!! Greece Expat Forum for Expats Living in Greece, Australia Expat Forum for Expats Living in AU, Britain Expat Forum for Expats Living in the UK, Dubai Expat Forum for Expats Living in Dubai, Spain Expat Forum for Expats Living in Spain, France Expat Forum for Expats Living in France. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. So keep it in mind. Greek culture means evenings are spent visiting friends and drinking local Cretan wine in local bars and tavernas. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. Can you help please? Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. Thanks for the interesting article. Cooler weather and fewer people mean youre more likely to see wildlife, so many people actually prefer the off-season months to the summer. However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. 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. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. But what are the opportunities for people looking to move there permanently? 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. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Cretes slow pace also applies to the bureaucracy system, so if you suffer from high blood pressure or are looking to get away from stressful paperwork, perhaps take up meditation or yoga while filling in all your official forms. Your email address will not be published. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. Also if the UK company would have to pay tax in Greece? Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. 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. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You must look after your things of course, but you dont have to live in fear that you will be attacked. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. JavaScript is disabled. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Can you help at all? 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! Over 2 million. 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. As to electric appliances, heres a Miele site for Greece with prices, they have a store in Heraklion, Crete: https://www.miele.gr/. However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. Save. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . The largest is Crete, with an area of 8,260 square kilometres. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. 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. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. Here youll be in the minority and will be surrounded by locals and other Greeks. For example, utilities cost around 30% less, internet is 20% less, and renting an apartment in central Athens will set you back at around 670 compared to 3,150 in central London. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. It might leave you with a fairly steep initial moving cost, but overall, itll be cheaper than buying new on the island. Any specific sites we can check? Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Greece operates . Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. Crete offers a vast range of benefits for anyone who takes the plunge to live there. Like most of Europe, locals on the island generally speak English for tourists and are more than happy to help out if you try to speak in Greek, to begin with. A forum community dedicated to expatriates and enthusiasts. 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. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. 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. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. I also enjoy visiting the most popular beaches on the island, but off-season. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. Greece has more archaeological museums than any other country in the world. Like most islands, Crete can be pretty expensive to get going and get set up. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). The cons of living in Greece 1. 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. Housing and utilities will be covered but I don't know if I can afford the rest of living expenses on my salary. 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. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. 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. I already speak English 2 European languages and 1 Asian .. so thats a consideration. My partner and I are moving to Heraklion at the beginning of next year with our 5 years old daughter. Crete is varied and diverse, meaning there really is a place for everyone. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! To be honest, I did not use any resources. House prices here are higher but living here is a luxury. 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. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. Visit the About Me page for more info. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. Most things are very similar to other European countries. When it comes to pubs and drinks, I would have to say that Synagogi Open Bar, in the old Jewish quarter is just the best place with the best music and delicious drinks. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. As more tourists head to the island, incidences of petty crimes like this do arise, but they generally target tourists who carry around larger amounts of cash for holiday spending. Over 1 million people live on the island for at least part of the year, while Crete is home to around 650,000. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. However, beaches like Balos, Elafonissi, and Falassarna still make Crete a perfect beachy location. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. 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 wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. The quality of services offered is of high standards, and my husband who is from Denmark says that the doctors here are very thorough and very attentive. The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. Greece has some pretty amazing food. Both the mainland and the islands essentially see 365 days of sunshine a year. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. Either way, itll help to bring a translator along just to ensure there are no snags. Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. 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. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. 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 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. Living on either island is the dream for many. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes.