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. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. Language can be a barrier at any age. The island is rich in culture and is packed full of traditional Greek monuments, traditions, and festivals. Whether you are visiting the island, living on the island or considering moving to Crete, I share lots of helpful information. Both islands have so much to offer in terms of history and culture, so realistically, either island is great to visit as a tourist. Simple and extremely flavorful dishes, made exclusively with seasonal products. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. Cyprus does have a warmer climate, with summer temperatures averaging over 30 most days. The only thing you really need to consider in terms of your own personal safety is pickpockets during the summer months. Living and working in Greece as an expat - Lingocruit However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. 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. 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. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips about moving to the place the expat now calls home, and information about what to see and do here. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed my article today, if so please leave me a comment below with your thoughts. Food isnt overly expensive unless you are looking for something very specific. In fact, most people say the only problem walking after dark is the lumps and bumps on the road, which might cause you to trip. Hi Jonathan, you need to apply for a residence permit. . Again, fees vary widely from school to school, but are more expensive than private schools. Another good place to start is the GreeceMinistry for Migration and Asylum website. 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. Rose. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. The people are so friendly. Most things are very similar to other European countries. Save. I wonder if you can help me. Greece has a fairly good national healthcare system, which you can enter after three months of residency. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Although making the jump to living in a new country can be daunting, its worth taking the chance if you can. Similarly, Poligiros sits about an hours drive from Thessaloniki, which has an international airport with good connections. Required fields are marked *. Chania is a beautiful old town but is much smaller than Heraklion in the east. Youd need about 5 hours to drive from one tip of the island to the other and still have plenty to see and do.. So I need a long term residency permit. If you dont take that job offer I would. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. 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. The area known as Apokoronas, situated between the major towns of Chania and Rethymnon, is home to the highest density of expats on the island. Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. If someone says theyll be there in the afternoon, ask for a specific time or be prepared; they could turn up at 7 PM. Visit the About Me page for more info. If you plan on getting a car, which is recommended as public transport is good in the town but unreliable elsewhere, be ready for some strange driving. Responsibilities: POSITION SUMMARY: Each CNA and Med Aide, regardless of title, enhances the living experience for Tabitha's Seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, "Seniors/clients") by . 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. Nov 10, 2014. 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. I'm new here. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 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. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. 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! 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. But, other than that, theres not a lot to dislike about life in Chania, or Crete in general. My problem is leaving Greece and returning every 3 months is expensive. What's more, for an expat with comfortable funds, life in Crete can be very affordable. The expat community here is very interlinked, and although there is less of a sense of community than in other areas of Crete, the expats here will help you find anything from a job or a place to live to a date, or even a new dishwasher. 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. In mainland Greece, earthquakes up to seven in magnitude have been recorded in the past, rising to up to 7.2 in islands like Crete. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. If youre looking for a one-word answer, the answer is yes. Of course, Heraklion in the east of Crete also has a large community of expats. This will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. Most expats say this is something they get used to very quickly, and they can efficiently work out the cheaper option. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. 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. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. 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. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Whats it like to move to and live in Crete? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 - Expatra Ltd. UK Company Number 09686420. In the summer months, when the middle of the day is very hot, many people take a long lunch. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. 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. Most people who decide to retire in Crete prefer purchasing a property rather than renting one, although there are some who go for long term rent. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Obviously, Greece has plenty of ancient historic monuments if thats your thing. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. Hi, we are planning to move to Crete within the next two years. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. hi, can anyone tell me what is involved in moving to Greece or where to get the information. Lying in the deep south-east of Europe, Cyprus not only offers a lot of fun on vacation but has . Both islands offer fantastic tasty local foods and drinks. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, I really appreciate it. Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. Crete being the largest island in Greece attracts lots of expats from other European countries and other parts of the world. Expatriates in Greece: Quality and Cost of Living Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures. Unfortunately, we cannot help you here as we are not tax specialists. Copyright 2018-2022. Because of the long lunch break, afternoons in Crete can last until about 9 PM. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Why You Shouldnt Buy Seashells or Take Them, A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad, Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Things to Concider Before Moving to Another Country. So if youre thinking of setting up a business in Greece, it only makes sense if their corporation tax rate is lower. My wife and I are living in Western Crete, close to the city of Chania. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. That said, the standard minimum rental contract is three years. Finally, Crete is home to lots, and we mean lots, of stray animals. 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. Anyone working self-employed in Greece must pay their taxes up front, but these are then offset against your annual tax returns. You can find practical support and answers to any questions you might have and events and activities organised by expats such as Coffee dates and trips to other islands. Whether its the Acropolis in Athens or the spiritual centre of Delphi, youll have plenty of fascinating ancient sites to discover around the country. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? When it comes to my city, Chania, nothing beats the vibe of the old town. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . 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. 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? We have some friends who long term renters. 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.. But thought it would be too difficult without the language etc. Any specific sites we can check? But what is life in Crete like? And I dont know how well learning yet another language would fit in my life. The people are cool. Greece Country Guide - Pros and Cons of Living in Greece 2023 I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. However, once youve got everything sorted, its a reasonably inexpensive place to live. 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. 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 enjoy hiking and taking photos of the incredibly diverse landscapes of Crete. Hi everyone! The average rental price is around 7.40 per square metre. 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. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. Youll probably find it difficult to get a mortgage through a Greek bank, so many expats do so through international lenders. We are both UK retired residents , and currently live there . Whether youll prefer Cyprus to Crete is a matter of personal taste and what youve looking for in your new home. Her love for adventuring was sparked during her time living and travelling in Canada as well as multiple trips across Europe. 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. Answer: Pros: The lifestyle is really relaxed and in accordance with Mediterranean culture (similar to Latin America locally). You have to follow non-EU application procedures. During this time you must also get a Greek tax number and a Greek bank account. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. If you only have under a year left, renew early before you leave. Subscribe. Whichever country you are moving from, you will need a nice, extended expiration date on your passport. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. 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. Crete is the largest Greek island and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. If officials say theyll get back to you within five days and they dont, dont be surprised. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. 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 . How to Retire In Greece: Everything You Need to Know - SmartAsset The best way to do this is with the Golden Visa as it brings a lot of advantages, but not everyone has the spare cash to invest. Hi there, you can also check out the visa hunter blog, which has loads of useful links about moving somewhere, paperwork, useful contacts and stuff you have to consider before going in a foreign country (for each country separately).

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