After five years of this, youll be able to apply for full, permanent residency. To register with a doctor in Greece, youll need to complete a form with your insurance information (if applicable), your personal details, and your tax information. Although life moves at a slower pace than in other places in Europe, Crete still has everything you need to live comfortably. . Cons: In Greece, the closer you are to popular tourist centers, the higher the prices will be especially for prime accommodation, restaurant meals, and entertainment. From 2700 to 1420BC the island was the center of Europes first advanced civilization, the Minoans. Because of the stunning countryside, both islands are a dream for anyone who likes outdoor activities. When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. To open a standard bank account while youre living in Greece, youll need several documents from your home country, including. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Hi Gemma, the best way is probably to consult an immigration lawyer. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. Do you want city living or countryside living? Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Cyprus is also larger. All legal residents are entitled to state-run healthcare. 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? Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! 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. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. The local paper here, Xaniotika Nea, has plenty of small ads advertising for chefs but it's all in Greek. You wont be short of medical care. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. Overall, Crete is one of the best islands to move to if you want a Mediterranean lifestyle. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. I am sure one of the things that you will have on your mind as you consider retiring in Crete Greece, is the medical facility and the quality of the services offered. Completing the paperwork on your own is possible, but remember that you can hire legal help to make things quicker and easier. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. I dont know why they showed it but they know I am Asian (hahaha) so, dark skinned . Hi I lived in Crete ( Elounda)for a number of years and totally enjoyed every minute of it. Im really confused what I need to do!! 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. Expats looking for a relaxed lifestyle could do a lot worse than living in Italy. 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. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. The closest airport is in Volos, around 90 minutes away, meaning you still have good international connections but can enjoy some peace and quiet too. Crete is an island that takes life at its own, relatively slow pace. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. Retiring In Crete Greece What Are The Cons And Pros? I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Healthcare and health insurance in Greece. 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. Jacob is a freelance writer based in Swansea, Wales. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. As a result, you must have a Greek bank account and tax number to purchase a property. Obviously, the warm weather is one of the reasons why Crete is a favorite of many retirees from Europe, the US, Canada, and other parts of the world. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Cyprus and Crete are both home to large communities of expats, which shows precisely how wonderful both islands are to live on. You moved to Crete without knowing the answers to the above questions, I wish you luck. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment. Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Greece. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. Also if you like swimming and sunbathing, you are going to enjoy your retirement here on Crete because there are so many beaches, some big and some small, as you familiarize yourself with the island, you are going to find some really nice spots where you can enjoy swimming and relaxing even at the height of the tourist season. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. While you have to pay entry, none of them is very expensive. Comment with your question below, and we will do our best to help. We have chosen Crete as we understand that it has the largest expat community of the greek islands. Thanks for the interesting article. Up to 20,000 youll pay 22% tax, up to 30,000 youll pay 29% tax, and up to 40,000 youll pay 37% tax. No matter where you are moving from, you will have to make some arrangements for healthcare in Greece. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. By continuing to visit this site you agree to our use of cookies, Moving To Crete Health And Senior Care In Crete. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. Greece has a more complicated tax system than you might be used to. Re: Expats in Chania. The town also has an annual carnival in August that shouldnt be missed. 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. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The south coast of the island is less busy with tourists in summer, which is fantastic. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. Visit at Least One Archaeological Site. International health insurance can be quite expensive. 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. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. Taxation of such kind is a highly complex matter and its best to consult a qualified tax advisor who understands international taxation rules and tax residency. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. 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. Yes, indeed, Greece is a seismically active country, as the mainland and the islands are located along a boundary zone in the eastern Mediterranean, between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. 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. In the height of summer, you can enjoy upwards of 12 hours of glorious sun each day and average sea temperatures of 25 degrees. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. The pros of living in Santorini 1. 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. Subscribe. Greece is not known for having a fast bureaucratic system, so youll want to allow as much time as possible to get the paperwork sorted. However, it does tend to rain a lot there in winter. Your email address will not be published. Old buildings and village walls are the ones that get damaged, as the majority of the new builds are designed to withstand earthquakes, meaning that Greek cities and towns are less likely to experience serious structural damage. Keep an eye on your valuables in tourist spots such as The Palace of Knossos, and youll be totally fine. 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. Be patient and try to understand that the island sometimes works on what seems to be a different time schedule. I inherited my mothers house in Rhodos and I decided to spend most of my time living here. 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. Driving on Crete is pretty infamous as terrifying and unpredictable. 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. Guidance and information for UK citizens moving to Greece , US Embassy and Consulate in Greece: US citizen services . Generally speaking, an expat with a monthly income of 2,000 will be able to live very comfortably almost anywhere in Greece. Life in Crete moves at a slower pace than in other places, particularly when it comes to paperwork. 1.15%. Also unlike other European hospitals where you have to wait for a long time to be seen by a specialist, here the wait is not long at all. 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. Greece operates . If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Great informative story/interview. I adore living steps from the sea, waking up every morning to the skyline of one of the prettiest cities in the country, Chania. When buying a property you must declare whether its for residence or investment purposes. I think anyone looking for a calm relaxed lifestyle will enjoy retiring in Crete. To qualify, applicants must not have been tax resident for at least 5 of the previous 6 financial years. 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. 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. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. So keep it in mind. Hi everyone! After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Yes, the island is very safe all year round. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. Location has everything to do with how much you're likely to spend. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. My husband and I are holidaying in Crete this august but we are being drawn to moving there. Some links on this website are affiliate links. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. When it comes to choosing which part you should move to, there are a few things that you need to consider. Whether youve visited Greece or not, the country is well known for its glorious weather. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. Greece has some pretty amazing food. There are loads of hiking and mountain biking trails, wildlife hot spots, and beaches. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. If you want to live in a proper city while still experiencing Greek culture, Heraklion is best for you. What is the best area in Crete to live in? Otherwise it is paradise the beachs are excellent I was station in Greece in the early 90s. While you have to pay for refuse collection, your basic monthly outgoings for water, electricity, and such will be around 150 (130) a month. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. 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). If you have questions or need more information about your Golden Visa options, we have a complete guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and you can also contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. The weather is among the best in Europe. 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. Non-EU citizens must go through a more thorough immigration process. Around coastal areas it can get quite humid at times, and snowfall is common on the mountains between November and May, but rare in the low-lying areas. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Greece has no lower income tax threshold, meaning you pay tax on everything you earn. Home town: Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the smaller villages, you can find huge villas which attract A-list celebrities and have a matching price tag. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. Humans have inhabited Crete since at least 130,000 years ago, during the Paleolithic age. 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. Doing this provides you with a 5-year renewable residency permit that also covers spouses and children. In this series, I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. 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. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. So I need a long term residency permit. It also provides you with access to national healthcare and schooling. Now based in France, Emily is a freelance writer from the UK with a passion for travel. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. Could someone confirm or deny this, or is this Greece making up it's own rules?? Not sure about your Freeview options, maybe this can help: TV http://britsincrete.net/lifestyle/day-to-day/452-non-uk-sky-tv Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. Also, applicants must receive their pension from a country in a double taxation agreement with Greece. If you are an expat living and working in Greece, you will be subject to Greek tax laws. 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. Gabi has been living in Crete for the last five years. You can also find a robust and active community of expats in Agios Nikolaos in East Crete. 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. 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. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. Because Crete is relatively relaxed, they sometimes dont respect even the most basic rules of the road. JavaScript is disabled. Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. 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 people are so friendly. Could Crete Serve the Best Food in Greece? However, there are several crucial differences that could impact your choice. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. The food and weather lead to a healthier lifestyle than you might enjoy now, so compliment this by taking things a bit more slowly.