ApprentiExpat
Belgian looking for information about Greece
Forum posts
91
Contacts
1
About me
Belgian
Registration: 07 September 2023
Handiman and screen repair by suzannelbrock
Hello…I am looking for a handiman near Rethymno to help with household tasks. I also need my screens repaired. It you can help with both or either I would appreciate it. Contact me and we can negotiate a price.
@suzannelbrock If you're talking about mosquito/bugs nets that are placed in front of your doors and windows, my best advice would be to ask for help at a local hardware store. They sell these kind of nets as well as the rubber cord that goes with ... Read More
Hello everyone (kalo Chorio) by Flyingcrow
We are looking a house there that needs work. I am writing to ask if anyone knows this village, or potentially has a property there?Google Earth is not great for detail, so my question is.... Did recent quakes have an effect on this village in ...
@FlyingcrowThere are more than 40 earthquakes a DAY in Greece. Even though this particular village hasn’t experienced an earthquake yet, that doesn’t mean it never will… To be honest, there have been 5 earthquakes with a magnitude ... Read More
Uber, Grab, Didi ? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello and good day to everyone !While in Australia we are using Uber, while in Vietnam we use Grab, while in India we used a couple of times Uber before dropping it (Uber India is totally unreliable) so is there something similar in Greece ?
Hi Roger! Try to use this broker: https://www.autoeurope.com On their Faq they say: "Rental car age restrictions in Greece limit anyone under 21 and, in some cases, over 75 from renting a car." Fill in the search form and uncheck the 25-69 box to ... Read More
Uber, Grab, Didi ? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello and good day to everyone !While in Australia we are using Uber, while in Vietnam we use Grab, while in India we used a couple of times Uber before dropping it (Uber India is totally unreliable) so is there something similar in Greece ?
Hi Roger, As far as I know, in Greece, Uber drivers are basically licenced taxi drivers. Prices are regulated and the billed amounts are roughly the same. UberX service does not exist in Greece. So yes, you can use Uber or Freeone app, but you will ... Read More
Opening a Greek bank account by geraniumgift
Opening a Greek bank account: should you?There may be those who will tell you that you must open a local Greek bank account. This is not true in my experience. I have retained my Dutch bank account and transferred all payments for the building of my ...
Hello, Everything is easy when you know how.Things may be easier today, but here are the papers I was asked for two years ago:1- Motivation (House pre-sales agreement for me).2- ID.3- AFM number (full 3-page official and stamped document) + TIN of ... Read More
Earthquake Insurance - Any Experiences with getting homes assessed? by speakerchalets98
Hello Greece Forum!It has started to come clear to me, that many homes of 20+ years of age just do not have the necessary documents to prove they meet seismic regulations. And even if they did meet them when they were built, if the structural ...
@speakerchalets98You need to hire an engineer (civil/architect)! He'll do the paperwork for you. By paperwork, il mean the "Δελτίο δομικής ... Read More
Earthquake Insurance - Any Experiences with getting homes assessed? by speakerchalets98
Hello Greece Forum!It has started to come clear to me, that many homes of 20+ years of age just do not have the necessary documents to prove they meet seismic regulations. And even if they did meet them when they were built, if the structural ...
@speakerchalets98Hello! To be insured against seismic risks, a home must meet the anti-seismic standards in force at the time it was built. => it's not the easiest thing to prove without any documentation. I was lucky: I received a structural ... Read More
Which is the best website/podcast to learn Greek? by rogergarinmichaud
Hello and good day from down under !I believe the subject title is self explanatory, so what is in your point of view the best website to learn Modern Greek and Classical Greek ?I have come across greekpod101.com by Innovative language and also on ...
@rogergarinmichaudHi Roger, My lawyer once told me: “Greek is one of the most difficult languages to learn”. I've been in the process since September, and I have to admit he was right...I'm at ease in French, Dutch & Flemish, English ... Read More
Registering property in Greece by Sasha03
Hello,Can anybody tell me how long it usually takes to the property to be registered after signing a contract in the notary office?.We bought ours 9 months ago and this process is still not completed,our lawyer who was in charge to do this,told me ...
@Sasha03 Hello Sasha, I'm not sure I understand your question well. Which registration are you talking about? Is it the transfer of the property into the land registry files? If so, it takes between 1 and 30 days after payment of the registration ... Read More
Can a vegetarian survive in Greece ? by rogergarinmichaud
good day from down under !Been travelling around the world since 1976 but never actually visited Greece so I am now beginning to plan our trip there in 2027...Been watching a few videos on YouTube and began to learn a few words of Greek with ...
@rogergarinmichaud Naxos is not Athens. Although it is the largest island in the neighbourhood, it is small (+/- 18,000 inhabitants). Read More
Can a vegetarian survive in Greece ? by rogergarinmichaud
good day from down under !Been travelling around the world since 1976 but never actually visited Greece so I am now beginning to plan our trip there in 2027...Been watching a few videos on YouTube and began to learn a few words of Greek with ...
@rogergarinmichaudDear Roger, As vegetarian tourists are quite common now, restaurants tend to adapt the offer. You won't find vegetarian souvlakies, but it's common to find vegetarian main courses in Athens restaurants. As for cheap 4* hotels like ... Read More
Registering for stays over 90 days by gemmeroni
Has anyone registered for a stay of over 90 days at their local police station? I have an Irish passport and read that, although I am permitted to stay in Greece, I should register at my local police station if I plan to stay over 90 days.I went to ...
@KiwiAlekGo to your closet Greek embassy/consulate to get a long term visa Read More
Home owner's insurance by bramsonloni
What experience do you all have with home owner's insurance? Who do you recommend?
@bevc60 For non EU citizens: It seems that a deposit of €48,000 is now also required for retirees visas (57.600 for a couple). Read More
How I bought a holiday home in Greece - My feedback and procedure. by ApprentiExpat
Hello! Here's my feedback on how i bought my holiday home in Greece. I tried to as complete as possible.A) Choosing the region: this is above all a matter of taste, desires, feelings and personal objectives. In my case, it was out of the question to ...
@MatthewZDear Matthew,As far as the contents of the house are concerned, I suggest you draw up an inventory to be attached to the pre-sale contract. This point should also be discussed with your lawyer and/or real estate agent. My experience: I ... Read More
How I bought a holiday home in Greece - My feedback and procedure. by ApprentiExpat
Hello! Here's my feedback on how i bought my holiday home in Greece. I tried to as complete as possible.A) Choosing the region: this is above all a matter of taste, desires, feelings and personal objectives. In my case, it was out of the question to ...
@MatthewZ Hello, Both options may be considered. Your lawyer can recommend an engineer who will inspect the house or call in the appropriate technicians and explain to them exactly what's expected, but this kind of assignment is not cheap.The seller ... Read More
Looking to move to Antikythera by NoobSonic Gaming
Hi good day. My name is Nicholas Karim, I am 31 years of age. I currently live in Trinidad. I am interested in moving to Antikythera. I saw a post on facebook stating that the Greece government is looking for people to move there and would be giving ...
It's funded by the Orthodox Church... Why ask the angels when you can ask god himself? => 00302736033004 = local community office AntikytheraGood luck! Read More
Proving UK tax residency for greek bank account by jon_in_uk
I have been asked to prove tax residency. What documents do people recommend? HMRC does issue certificates of tax residence but seems to be for those already based overseas looking to claim dual tax rights. I can provide my UTR number and national ...
Dear Jon, It is comfortable to have a bank account in Greece, but it is not mandatory.Franky speaking: I have one, but i don't realy use it.Take a look at this: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1047145#5860534Long story short:- You will ... Read More
Proving UK tax residency for greek bank account by jon_in_uk
I have been asked to prove tax residency. What documents do people recommend? HMRC does issue certificates of tax residence but seems to be for those already based overseas looking to claim dual tax rights. I can provide my UTR number and national ...
Dear Jon, They ask for a “tax residence certificate”. This certificate is usually issued by your country's tax authorities.In most EU countries, it's immediately available online, but since the Brexit, Brits have made things a lot ... Read More
Advice on moving to crete by carol mckinney
We are planning to retire to crete we have been doing some research but you can't beat advice from real experience. What is the best advice you have been given? Or what do you wish you had known before moving. We are unsure of the area we planning ...
My wife and I are considering relocating fr the states to Crete and will be on the island Oct 22nd for a few days exploring. Would love to meet up w any expats who would be willing to give us some tips and guidance. ). Thanks sooo much for any help. ... Read More
Buying property in Peloponnese queries by susanyarrow10
I'm considering buying a small place for semi-retirement and would like to know what sort of prices are being asked these days. Anyone have any contacts of where I could find out? Thanks
@susanyarrow10Try this link: https://www.indomio.gr/en/agora-akiniton/Its not the holy bible, but it gives some main "trends" on the greek real estate market.rgds,T. Read More
Olive Harvesting - by rebecca42
We have a small olive grove on our property in Crete and are looking to hire people to harvest the olives when the time comes. In the past a family harvested the olives and made olive oil themselves from the olives on the land, but they are no ...
I have 9 olive trees in my garden. I harvested the olives myself with the help of a neighbor in 2023. It's hard work! I gave up after the sixth one. Then I went to the local authority press. My olives were added to the harvest of the villagers. ... Read More
Eu citizen by david anastasiadis
Guys and girls,if im eu citizen I must register in greece to live yes?if im going to search for job in the internet will be it a problem to live more than 3 months?
@david anastasiadisI don't want to break your dreams, but EU membership process takes at least 10 to 15 years to complete. Turkey applied in 1987... Read More
Eu citizen by david anastasiadis
Guys and girls,if im eu citizen I must register in greece to live yes?if im going to search for job in the internet will be it a problem to live more than 3 months?
@david anastasiadisDavid, As an EU citizen, you are entitled to stay 3 months. If you want to live and stay in Greece (or any other EU country), you have to ask for residency. However, since they are no "passport control" inside EU borders - meaning ... Read More
ΕΔΤΟ document by david anastasiadis
how can I take this document?what I need to have?and where I have to make request?
Dear David, The “special identity card for foreigners of Hellenic origin” is something very “specific”. The best advice is to go to your nearest Greek consulate and ask them how to apply. It is also advisable to consult a ... Read More
How to pay ENFIA online by mdc120
As an American who owns property in Greece I have been able to access my E9 information and my account online but cannot figure out how to make the tax payment online. In the past the payment was made through a lawyer in Greece but I have been told ...
@elenasevastianouDear Elena, There's annonther thread called "How to pay Enfia Online", here: https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1065955#5906435. In short you can pay Enfia : 'Online' from MyTaxixnet portal, if you have greek bank account. ... Read More
How I bought a holiday home in Greece - My feedback and procedure. by ApprentiExpat
Hello! Here's my feedback on how i bought my holiday home in Greece. I tried to as complete as possible.A) Choosing the region: this is above all a matter of taste, desires, feelings and personal objectives. In my case, it was out of the question to ...
@erichzeichnera little follow up : My annual property taxes were set at 161 euros, which is much lower than expected. To be honest, I still find it hard to believe, when I compare it to what I have to pay in my home country. We're talking here ... Read More
How to pay enfia ? by panos278
how to pay enfia ?
@panos278You have 3 options: Taxisnet / Bank app or website / Sepa Bank transferyou should take a look at these links: ... Read More
Opening a Greek bank account by geraniumgift
Opening a Greek bank account: should you?There may be those who will tell you that you must open a local Greek bank account. This is not true in my experience. I have retained my Dutch bank account and transferred all payments for the building of my ...
@waynegreyvensteinI'm not surprised by the accountant's remark. If you are planning to invest locally to build a house, it is possible that the tax authorities will try to impose the payment of your contactors to be made from a greek bank account.If ... Read More
Residence permit needed for buying car by Matthijs49
Hi, a bit confused now... For buying a (new) car in Greece, do you need a residence permit if you are already a EU-national? Planning to buy one as soon as we have moved, and don't want to wait until we have obtained the residence permit. We do ...
@wwocashIf you're moving to (and settling in) Greece, you'll need a Greek tax number (AFM) anyway. Otherwise, you won't be allowed to stay for more than 90 days, rent accommodation, work or get paid! In theory, you must have your main residence in ... Read More
Is it true Greece will pay you to move there ? by okendes4
@Julien good morning everybody my name is Stephen okende I'm leaving in Republic Democratic of Congo I meant 33 years old I have diploma of logistic management in Johannesburg University I saw this amazing opportunity on tiktok that's why l come to ...
@concertinaI understand your point of view, and yes, why not... I'm not sure that the bishopric's proposal is still valid. The proposal dates from 2019, and I think it was an announcement aimed at Greeks. However, as far as I know, only families ... Read More
How I bought a holiday home in Greece - My feedback and procedure. by ApprentiExpat
Hello! Here's my feedback on how i bought my holiday home in Greece. I tried to as complete as possible.A) Choosing the region: this is above all a matter of taste, desires, feelings and personal objectives. In my case, it was out of the question to ...
@erichzeichnerHi Eric, I don’t have the exact ENFIA amount, seen it will be issued around April, but it should be around 300Eur for 150Sqm built on 1800Sqm land.If you have insured your house against fire and earthquake for a complete year, ... Read More
How I bought a holiday home in Greece - My feedback and procedure. by ApprentiExpat
Hello! Here's my feedback on how i bought my holiday home in Greece. I tried to as complete as possible.A) Choosing the region: this is above all a matter of taste, desires, feelings and personal objectives. In my case, it was out of the question to ...
@tchronesTo this day, I have no regrets. I had a few surprises with the house, but nothing serious. That's part of the risk involved in buying a house. I've just a few fears for the future and the management of the house over time: I don't speak ... Read More
How I bought a holiday home in Greece - My feedback and procedure. by ApprentiExpat
Hello! Here's my feedback on how i bought my holiday home in Greece. I tried to as complete as possible.A) Choosing the region: this is above all a matter of taste, desires, feelings and personal objectives. In my case, it was out of the question to ...
@PhilIpZ20201@concertina Hi all, Philip is right regarding the utility bills: The new owner is liable for ALL the unpaid amounts.Concertina is also right, because your lawyer and notary must check that the last bills are paid. However, ... Read More
FIP visa questions. by Casper60
Hi guys I have been looking at various websites and need a few questions clarified1. With the basic FIP visa does this allows you to travel in the Schengen area for more than 90 days? I have read on a couple of websites that all it allows is the 90 ...
Hello, I'm not a visa expert, but here's what I understand about this procedure:The FIP program is intended for people wishing to reside in Greece without working => retirees are targeted. The sole purpose of the FIP visa is to allow you to come ... Read More
Electricity and phone connection for non-residents by natthgordon
Hello everyone,We are in a very difficult situation and will appreciate any help. We own a house in Crete which was bought in 2009, lived there till 2017 and then moved to the UK. We are now back in Crete trying to sell the house. The phone contract ...
Hello,For electricity: As far as ik know, you only need AFM and proof of address. In your case, proof of address will be your notarial deed stating the house is yours (or even partialy yours). Usually, they also ask the last bill issued to the ... Read More
Certificate of Military Status by harllock
I served in the Army in Greece and lost my army papers can l get Certificate of Military Status? I have also Greek I.D and a AFM number does that help
@harllockStrange question for a forum about expats living in Greece...Anyway, if you're a Greek citizen living outside Greece, you shouls ask this question to your Embassy or Consulate. Read More
Achat maison en Grèce by suealex
non Bonjour, je voulais savoir comment chercher une maison à acheter directement auprès des habitants sans passer par une agence. Ou se renseigner. Merci de votre aide.
@suealexC'est possible, mais comme partout il faut avoir des connaissances sur place, des affinités avec l'endroit etc. Vous pouvez aussi aller sur le site car.gr. En plus des voitures, on y annonce aussi des biens immobiliers. Certains ... Read More
property tax payments by bonniemichael53
I would like to pay my property taxes via a wire payment from Camada. I am unable to find bank information to forward the payment. I have the thirty digit code and amount owing. I need bank details to forward the payment. Thank you.
@bonniemichael53Hello,Not sure that it would work front Canada, but have a look at this: How to pay Greek Taxes via SEPA system & TAXISnet https://taxnet.gr/en/usefull-topics-en/how-to-pay-greek-taxes-3-methods/Rgds Read More
Getting greek Tax number - now only online possible? by night_Swimmer
Hi guys, we are EU citizens in need of a Greek AFM(TIN) - Tax number - i have visited the DOY in Rethymno last week. The lady sent us home, told us it is only possible to get this number online. Sadly, the application is asking for a tax number ...
@SophiezadehI may be wrong, but i don't think you need a signed pre-sale agreement to be able to apply for an AFM number as an EU citizen. However, there are some non written "rules" in Greece. As an non EU Citizens things may be different.Rgds, Read More
How I bought a holiday home in Greece - My feedback and procedure.
Hello! Here's my feedback on how i bought my holiday home in Greece. I tried to as complete as possible.A) Choosing the region: this is above all a matter of taste, desires, feelings and personal objectives. In my case, it was out of the question to ... Read More
Ho i got a Greek bank account - My Feedback by ApprentiExpat
Hi all,Here is my feedback on opening a bank account in Greece as an NON-RESIDENT EU citizen.Procedure was completed on 2/10/2023.a) In my case, there were 4 main banks to choose from: Pireus, NGB, Alpha and Eurobank. There are other banks, but only ...
@bikeparts1800Hello,I didn’t complete the AFM procedure by myself. I cheated 😊. Some may say that the procedure is easy, because you just have to apply… Well, my lawyer told me this: It’s an accountant Job. I’ve ... Read More
Ho i got a Greek bank account - My Feedback
Hi all,Here is my feedback on opening a bank account in Greece as an NON-RESIDENT EU citizen.Procedure was completed on 2/10/2023.a) In my case, there were 4 main banks to choose from: Pireus, NGB, Alpha and Eurobank. There are other banks, but only ... Read More
EU Citizen - Relocation - AFM by icks1313
Greetings,I am a EU citizen who would like to move to Athens (Oct 9th), I found the house and the owners, through the estate agency, agreed to allow me to block the flat but for just 15 days.Since I do not yet have residence in Athens, I do not have ...
Eric, As far as I know, if you are not a Greek citizen, or if you are not physically in Greece, it is practically impossible to carry out an AFM procedure yourself (I mean alone).My AFM procedure was carried out by an accountant (for 80 euros in ... Read More
Getting greek Tax number - now only online possible? by night_Swimmer
Hi guys, we are EU citizens in need of a Greek AFM(TIN) - Tax number - i have visited the DOY in Rethymno last week. The lady sent us home, told us it is only possible to get this number online. Sadly, the application is asking for a tax number ...
My wife and I are in the process of buying a house in Greece. Real estate transactions are automatically handled by a lawyer, and AFM numbers are best handled by an accountant. I was asked 80€ per AFM numberAFM: the process started after the ... Read More
Relocating to Crete from the UK! by GuestPoster314
Hello everyone,We are a married couple looking for advice, information and experiences of anyone who has successfully relocated to Crete from the UK. We have found a lot of conflicting information online as regards to which legal route to take, ie, ...
@GuestPoster31***@Lawyer in CreteChristina, Strange to hear that UK citizens are still EU citizens... this right has been canceled since 31 December 2020. Is there some kind of exception in Greece? (GuestPoster314 is from ... Read More
AMAZON FIRE STICK by barbara1961
Hi there, does anyone know if an Amazon Fire Stick will work in Greece. I am in Corfu. Thank you
If you go to the Channel Hopper website, you'll see at least two positive comments from users in Greece. Whether it works or not has more to do with the bandwidth limits of your local internet connection (see your ISP or 3G/4G provider). Otherwise, ... Read More