I was just wondering if you know where I would have to pay tax? If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. As the capital city, Athens has everything you could need. 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. Crete offers sun, fun, good food, culture, and a very relaxed way of living. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. The other main concern of expats is healthcare. For comparison, corporate tax is currently 19% in the UK and 28% in the USA. Anyway must watch more of your videos and read more here. Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete 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. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. 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. Visa And Residency Options In Greece For Non-EU Nationals. Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Greece Expats in Greece offer advice about healthcare in Greece. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. I also think its great to support the local farmers by purchasing their products directly from them. Your email address will not be published. Greeces current corporate tax rate is 24%, which has been reduced from 28%. Its a dream for lovers of seafood, but you also cant overlook things like gyros or souvlakis, two national delicacies. If you dont take that job offer I would. As far as work is concerned, it depends on which part of Crete you are coming to. I intend to live in Greece to work and purchase property. 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! American in Crete | Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Find more details on how to obtain residency in Greece in our Residency In Greece guide. 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. However, planning for this can be challenging and confusing. 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. One being, what kind of life are you looking to live in Crete? The main reason behind moving to Crete was that Greece has always been my dream place to live, and after visiting the island summer after summer, I couldnt resist I had to stay.. The CIC (Cretan International Community) based in Rethymnon meet for coffee once a month and organise activities, trips, and expat support. The low cost of living in Greece Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. Everything then fell into place little by little, with time. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. The Cretan Goat, Also Known As The Kri Kri, Do You Own A Holiday Home In Crete? The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. After that, you will pay normal Greece tax rates on your income. Come join the discussion about residency, taxes, documents, visas, travel, health care, finances, banking, classifieds, and more! Hi Wondered about local taxes and costs for electric supplies? Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Specifically, youll need to live near a hospital if you want a full range of services available. 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. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. Expats In Crete, Greece Even the little villages have a smattering of expats, and the large town of Chania is just half an hour away by car. Especially in Chania, the expat community is huge, and very active. The Financially Independent Persons Visa will be your best route if you qualify financially. I love the pace of life, the simple details that make every day different. However, because Crete is an island, more oversized items must be shipped from the mainland, adding to the price. If you are not eligible for the S1 form, you will need to obtain private health insurance to be able to get residency. The weather is among the best in Europe. In the survey Expat Insider asked respondents to rate and provide information about how it is to live as expat in 65 countries around the world that are considered as key destinations for expats. . 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. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. Agriculture is the most important industry on the island, with tourism being a close second. You have to follow non-EU application procedures. 470 reviews. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. The cons of living in Greece 1. Greece has some pretty amazing food. House prices are surprisingly low in Sparta, but this is mainly because of its remote location. 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. Although it varies by geography, average temperatures are around 30 degrees in the summer and 10 degrees in the winter. I have 4 years left till I retire from the US Army and since you would be near the base you will be able to save alot of money. Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece. 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. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. Crete welcomed a brand-new hospital in Chania in 2000, and its still relatively modern and up to date. 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 people are cool. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. Language can be a barrier at any age. 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. In fact, in some areas such as Hora Sfakion and Souda, plenty of people head out to the local market or pop to their neighbours for coffee without locking up. Required fields are marked *. 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). Read on to find out more about what you can expect from living in Greece and how to get settled in this amazing country. This was a great article I came across your video Black in Crete while scrolling YT. The cost of living is fair although its higher than the cost of living in mainland Greece. Something like childcare can also be pretty pricy, almost 300 per month, and there arent a vast number of options to choose from. If you like the varying seasons, Crete is for you. Nov 10, 2014. These cookies do not store any personal information. Greece uses the Euro, but living here is generally cheaper than in other European nations such as France or Germany. Choosing just one favorite place to hang out in Chanias Old Town is difficult because there are tons of fantastic restaurants in Chania. Of course, you can find rather fancy meals in Crete too. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. A cinema ticket only costs around 7.50 and a bus ticket costs just 1.70. Here youll find a strong sense of community among expats from different countries. However, if youre happy with more rural life, then living will be cheaper but youll have to acclimatise to a more laid-back lifestyle. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. A common clich could be saying that I dont really enjoy the way locals drive. Emily always takes the scenic route to get to the heart of a country and when she isn't writing, she can be found outside with her two dogs Hugo and Suzette. As it is now Greece hosts many British expats, and I am sure more are looking to relocate to Greece. Or you can apply as a non-EU citizen and choose one of the options discussed in the guide. we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? 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 will hopefully give you time to work out where would be best for you to settle down. Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. Either way, its worth it for the new life youll end up living. Living and working in Cyprus as an expat. On January 6th, Crete celebrates Epiphany, the Holy Blessing of the waters. Medication and pharmacies are fairly standard across the country, although you may have to visit a hospital for more specialised medication. An example is IKA, which is the largest social security organisation in Greece and is for those in standard employment.