Retirement in Crete: Legal & Tax Guide

🏝️ Why Retire in Crete?

Crete is one of the most attractive retirement destinations in Europe. It offers:

  • Warm Mediterranean climate 🌞

  • Affordable cost of living 💶

  • Excellent healthcare system 🏥

  • Friendly local communities 🤝

  • Beautiful beaches and historic towns 🏛️


🛂 Visa and Residency Options

To retire in Crete as a non-EU citizen, you’ll need one of the following:

  • Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa
    Requires proof of stable income (e.g., pension, investments)

  • Greek Golden Visa
    Requires €250,000+ investment in property in Greece

  • EU Citizens
    Can reside in Greece with simple registration after 3 months


📃 Key Legal Requirements

  • Private health insurance coverage

  • Proof of adequate income or pension

  • Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM)

  • Registration with local municipality


🏡 Buying Property in Crete

Crete offers a range of homes from beachfront villas to traditional stone houses. Key legal steps:

  • Hire a lawyer to perform title checks and due diligence

  • Register ownership with Greek Land Registry

  • Pay applicable property taxes and notary fees


💰 Retirement Tax Benefits

Greece offers a special flat tax rate of 7% for foreign retirees who transfer their tax residency to Greece.

Conditions include:

  • Non-residency in Greece for 5 of the last 6 years

  • Pension from a country with a tax treaty with Greece

  • Minimum stay requirement per year


🏥 Healthcare Access

Greece has both public and private healthcare. As a retiree, you’ll need:

  • Private health insurance (mandatory for visa holders)

  • Registration with a local doctor (GP)

  • Option to join public insurance once a resident


👩‍⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Supports You

  • Assist with visa application and legal filings

  • Guide you through Greek real estate purchases

  • Help with pension transfer and tax planning

  • Connect you to trusted health insurance providers


📣 Retire Peacefully in Crete

Make your retirement dreams a reality — without legal stress.
Let Borderless Lawyers take care of the law, so you can focus on living your best life.

error: Content is protected !!