Kos Usa

Living on a Greek Island is a dream for many, and there's good reason:

* Stress Free Lifestyle

* Very, Very, Very Low Crime Rate

* Warm-hearted Friendly People

* Very Low Cost of Living

* Fabulous Fresh Food

* Stunning Scenery

* Very High Quality of Life

* Wonderful Weather

So how can you make your dream of living on Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes or any other of the Greek Islands a reality?

We did it and if you are determined enough so could you.

We've stayed on many other Greek Islands too. We love the romance of Santorini, the rugged beauty of Skopolos and Naxos, the style of Skiathos and Paros and the sophistication of Mykonos. We love the friendliness of Samos, Lesvos and Chios, the warmth of Rhodes, Kos and Kalimnos and the cosmopolitan feel of Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia. We simply love the Greek Islands!

Planning to live on a Greek Island

Things to consider if you're planning on living on a Greek Island.

* Is it legal?

* Which Greek Island?

* Long term or short term?

* Renting or buying property

* How will you fund Living on Greek Island?

* Dealing with Greek Bureaucracy

Is it Legal?

Citizens of the European Union (EU) can live and work in Greece without needing a visa or work permit.

However, any EU citizens planning to stay more than 3 months needs a Residence Permit. This is a formality and is easy to obtain once here in Greece.

Non EU citizens need a residence permit to stay over 3 months, and must show, among other things, proof of financial support from outside Greece.

Non EU citizens need a work permit to work for an employer in Greece, Opening a bar ,shop or restaurant has other complications!

Which Greek Island?

Greece has over 6,000 islands scattered over the Ionian and Aegean seas, most uninhabited. 227 have people on them and these are the seven main groups:

The Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands are found in the Ionian Sea and contain the islands of Corfu, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Paxi, Antipaxi, and Zakynthos, amongst others.

The Cyclades

The Cyclades consists of 56 islands. The well-known ones being Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini (Thira).

The North Eastern Aegean Islands

The main North Eastern Aegean Islands are Thassos, Lesvos, Limnos, Samos, and Chios.

The Sporades

The Sporades main islands are Skiathos, Skopelos, and Skyros

The Argo-Saronic Islands

The Argo-Saronic Islands are made up of the main islands of Angistri, Aegina, Poros, Salamina and Hydra.

The Dodecanese

The main Dodecanese islands are Kos, Patmos, Rhodes, and Symi.

Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and lies furthest south. Smaller islands close to Crete are Chrissi Island, Gavdos and Spinalonga (Kalydon).

Top 20 List

Many Islands are only sparsely populated and lack the infrastructure to maintain comfortable ex-pat living, except for those aspiring to be hermits.

A population of about 10,000 is a good indicator of amenities sufficient to meet the needs of modern, comfortable living such as property choices, broadband Internet connection, good health care facilities and all year round shops, restaurants and services.

These are our top twenty Greek islands which best meet the criteria for Greek Island Living for ex-pats: Aegina, Andros, Chios, Corfu, Crete, Kalymnos, Kefalonia, Kos, Lefkada, Lesvos, Limnos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini (Thira), Syros, Thassos and Zakynthos.

Long Term or Short Term?

Armed with your EU citizenship or Residence Permit you now have to decide if you want to live all year on a Greece island, or just visit in summer as your permanent vacation destination.

Do you want a permanent home or a holiday home?

Remember that the hot, sunny beach resort with the fabulous fish tavernas and friendly bar owners you loved so much on your vacation will probably be a different place in the winter. The weather can be cold and very wet on some islands.

Some places shut up in winter too. Most restaurants, tourist shops and bars will close after October. Getting around is harder too, with air and ferry service being reduced.

Renting or Buying Property?

Having done both here in Greece, we'd strongly advise renting first. Try before you buy is our advice, giving you the chance to test the area and lifestyle without committing yourself and regretting it later.

Greek Bureaucracy

If you are planning on living on a Greek Island permanently, there are obviously many things to consider. Dealing with day to day things and bureaucratic formalities might put some people off, such as dealing with utility companies, setting up bank accounts, transferring money, residency and tax matters.

Don't be put off worrying about bureaucracy as any problems can be overcome. A little red tape is a small price to pay for living on a Greek Island!

Finances

Living on a Greek Island is a real possibility for anyone drawing a pension, because the cost of living is low. You can make a small income go much further than in the UK, Australia, or the USA. Locally produced food is cheap and widely available, rents and property costs are good too.

The internet now gives opportunities to everyone to develop an online business, enabling people to work from home, earning money from their computers.

Never before has it been so possible for so many to Live the Dream!

Graham Yates lives with his wife Alison on the Greek Island of Crete. To learn more about living on a Greek island then visit http://www.simply-santorini.com/ and http://www.completely-crete.com/.

An independent insider's guide to Greek island life.

Kos - Women (Ottoman Era) $24.99 Kos - Women (Ottoman Era) - Photographic Print

Kos Beach Umbrellas $24.99 Vanessa Wagstaff Kos Beach Umbrellas - Photographic Print

Kos-Mos $115.99 Kos-Mos are Custom Novelty (Halloween, Special Effect, FX, Theatrical) Contact Lenses. Kos-Mos contact lenses are ideal for theatrical production, movie production, parties, Halloween, or just to make in impact. All novelty contact lenses are a final sale. No refunds or exchanges.

Sun Shades - Kos Beach $24.99 Vanessa Wagstaff Sun Shades - Kos Beach - Photographic Print

YES BY KOS (CD) $22.74 Artist: KOS Genre: Rap, HipHop Release Date: 23FEB2010

The Asklepieion, Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece $19.99 Michael Jenner The Asklepieion, Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece - Photographic Print

Sun Shades on the Beach at Kos, Greece $24.99 Vanessa Wagstaff Sun Shades on the Beach at Kos, Greece - Photographic Print

Sunbathers under Striped Parasols - Kos $24.99 Vanessa Wagstaff Sunbathers under Striped Parasols - Kos - Photographic Print

Holidaymakers on the Beach on the Island of Kos, Greece $24.99 Vanessa Wagstaff Holidaymakers on the Beach on the Island of Kos, Greece - Photographic Print

Grecotel Kos Imperial $820.94 Grecotel Kos Imperial is located near the beach in Kos and local attractions include Tree of Hippocrates, Ancient Agora, and Church of Agia Paraskevi. Additional area points of interest include Kos Castle and Asklepion. Hotel Features. This Kos hotel has a private beach. Grecotel Kos Imperial features a restaurant and a bar/lounge. Room service is available. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a children's pool, a health club, and a sauna. The property's full service health spa has massage/treatment rooms. Wireless Internet access is available in public areas. This Kos property has event space consisting of conference/meeting rooms and small meeting rooms. The property offers a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge). Wedding services and tour/ticket assistance are available. Guest parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a children's club, a fitness facility, and gift shops/newsstands. Guestrooms. Air conditioned guestrooms at Grecotel Kos Imperial feature CD players and washers/dryers. All accommodations have balconies. Beds come with premium bedding. Bathrooms feature shower/tub combinations, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Wired high speed Internet access is available for a surcharge. In addition to safes, guestrooms offer phones. Satellite television is provided. Rooms also include windows that open and blackout drapes/curtains.

Every Word (Wendel Kos Radio Edit) $6 Every Word (Wendel Kos Radio Edit) - Ercola Feat Daniella

Asklepieion, Kos, Dodecanese, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe $24.99 Jenner Michael Asklepieion, Kos, Dodecanese, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe - Photographic Print

Fishing Boats, Kos, Sporadhes Islands, Greece, Europe $19.99 I Openers Fishing Boats, Kos, Sporadhes Islands, Greece, Europe - Photographic Print

Mikri Poli Kos $197.45 Mikri Poli Kos is located on the beach in Iraklides's Kardamena neighborhood and attractions in the region include Paradise Beach, Church of Agia Paraskevi, and Ancient Agora. Hotel Features. This Iraklides hotel has a private beach. Mikri Poli Kos's restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel also has a snack bar/deli and a coffee shop/caf?. A swim up bar, a poolside bar, and a bar/lounge are open for drinks. The hotel serves a complimentary breakfast. Recreational amenities include an outdoor pool, a children's pool, a fitness facility, and a children's club. Wireless and wired high speed Internet access is available in public areas (surcharges apply) and the hotel has a computer station. Self parking is complimentary. Additional property amenities include a concierge desk, an arcade/game room, and multilingual staff. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. 154 guestrooms at Mikri Poli Kos feature coffee/tea makers and safes. All accommodations have furnished balconies. Bathrooms feature bathtubs or showers and hair dryers. 20 inch flat panel televisions have satellite channels. Notifications and Fees:A resort fee is included in the total price displayed The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Late check out fee: EUR 20Fee for wireless Internet in business center: EUR 5 (for 2 hours, rates may vary)Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: EUR 5 (for 2 hours, rates may vary) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change. Notifications and Fees:A resort fee is included in the total price displayed The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. Late check out fee: EUR 20Fee for wireless Internet in business center: EUR 5 (for 2 hours, rates may vary)Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: EUR 5 (for 2 hours, rates may vary) The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

Dreams (Wendel Kos First Sunlight Mix Radio Edit) $6 Dreams (Wendel Kos First Sunlight Mix Radio Edit) - Sirens

Autographed Marcel Dionne Puck - Kos COA $31.86 Autographed Marcel Dionne Puck - Kos COA Marcel Dionne Kos Angeles Kings signed hockey puck COAEvery signed item comes fully certified with a tamper proof hologram certificate of authenticity and is backed by the SportsMemorabilia.com Authenticity Guarantee.

Tim Rollins and K.O.S.: A History $29.95 In August 1981, artist and activist Tim Rollins was recruited by theprincipal of Intermediate School 52 in the South Bronx to develop a curriculum thatcombined art-making with lessons in reading and writing for students classified as"at risk." On the first day of school, Rollins told his students, "Today we are going to make art, but we are also going to make history."This book unfolds that history, offering the first comprehensive catalog of workcreated collaboratively by Rollins and several generations of students, now known asthe "Kids of Survival." Rollins and his students developed a way ofworking that combined art-making with reading literature and writing personalnarratives: Rollins or a student would read aloud from classic literary texts bysuch authors as Shakespeare and Orwell while the rest of the class drew or wrote onthe pages being read, connecting the stories to their own experiences. Often, Rollins and his students (who later named themselves "Kids of Survival" orK.O.S.) cut out book pages and laid them on a grid on canvas before undertakingtheir graphic interventions. This process developed into the group's signaturestyle, which they applied to literary texts, musical scores, and other printedmatter. This book and the accompanying major museum retrospective document thehistory of the groundbreaking practice of Tim Rollins and K.O.S., with full colorimages of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and prints. These include a caricature ofJesse Helms with an animal body drawn on the pages of Animal Farm; graffiti-likeimages painted in acrylic on the pages of Frankenstein; a gleaming pattern offantastical golden horns on Kafka's Amerika; and a series of red letter A's on TheScarlet Letter.Essays byJulie Ault, Susan Cahan, David Deitcher, Eleanor Heartney, Larry Rinder, James Romaine Interview with the artist by Ian Berry

Hora (Main Town), Kos, Cyclades Islands, Greece, Europe $19.99 Gavin Hellier Hora (Main Town), Kos, Cyclades Islands, Greece, Europe - Photographic Print

Hora (Main Town) Kos, Cyclades Islands, Greece, Europe $19.99 Gavin Hellier Hora (Main Town) Kos, Cyclades Islands, Greece, Europe - Photographic Print

Plane Tree Square and Mosque, Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece $19.99 Michael Jenner Plane Tree Square and Mosque, Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece - Photographic Print

Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, Lusgia Mosque in the Background, Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece $29.99 David Beatty Ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, Lusgia Mosque in the Background, Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece - Photographic Print

Knights Castle, Kos, Dodecanese, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe $24.99 Jenner Michael Knights Castle, Kos, Dodecanese, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe - Photographic Print

View from Knights Castle, Kos, Dodecanese, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe $24.99 Jenner Michael View from Knights Castle, Kos, Dodecanese, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe - Photographic Print

DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Kos-Helona $337.44 DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Kos Helona is located on the beach in Iraklides's Kardamena neighborhood and local attractions include Castle Palaio Pyli. Regional points of interest also include Paradise Beach and Asklepion. Hotel Features. DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Kos Helona's restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. A poolside bar and a bar/lounge are open for drinks. Room service is available during limited hours. The hotel serves a complimentary hot and cold buffet breakfast. Recreational amenities include 15 outdoor swimming pools and 6 spa tubs. Also located on site are an indoor pool, a children's pool, an outdoor tennis court, and a health club. The property's full service health spa has body treatments, massage/treatment rooms, facials, and beauty services. This 5 star property has a business center and offers a meeting/conference room, a technology helpdesk, and technology support staff. Wireless and wired high speed Internet access is available in public areas (surcharges apply). This Iraklides property has 2729 square feet of event space consisting of a conference center, banquet facilities, and exhibit space. Complimentary guest parking is limited, and available on a first come, first served basis. Additional property amenities include a concierge desk, a fitness facility, and an arcade/game room. This is a smoke free property. Guestrooms. 238 air conditioned guestrooms at DoubleTree by Hilton Resort Kos Helona feature minibars and laptop compatible safes. Rooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. Balconies offer beach, sea, or pool views. Beds come with pillowtop mattresses, down blankets, and premium bedding. Bathrooms feature separate bathtubs and showers with handheld showerheads and rainfall showerheads. They also offer makeup/shaving mirrors, bathrobes, and slippers. Wired high speed and wireless Internet access is available for a surcharge. Guestrooms offer direct dial phones with voice mail. LCD televisions have satellite channels, TV Internet access (surcharge), and pay movies. Rooms also include coffee/tea makers and windows that open. Guests may request a turndown service and wake up calls. Housekeeping is available daily. Guestrooms are all non smoking. Notifications and Fees:A resort fee is included in the total price displayed There are no room charges for children 12 years old and younger who occupy the same room as their parents or guardians, using existing bedding. Some properties have extra fees for amenities or services that may apply even if you do not use them. Government fees or taxes also may be charged to you when you check in or check out. This property told us they will charge you for the following: A city/local tax will be charged All citizens of Greece will be charged the national value added tax We have included all charges provided to us by the property. However, charges can vary, for example, based on length of stay or the room you book.The following fees and deposits are charged by the prop

Hotel Kosta Palace, Kos $34 Its ideal location and luxurious construction, as well as the fact that it is open all-year round, make this hotel one of the island's best hotel complexes catering for both business visitors and holidaymakers. The exquisite view of the harbour and the medieval castle can be appreciated from any of the room balconies, from one of the hotel verandas or just by having breakfast on the restaurant patio. The hotel is air-conditioned and has a lobby, 24-hour reception service, lift access, bar and restaurant. Guests can follow world events on the satellite TV or surf the Internet (subject to fees). Guests can also purchase all their essentials from the well-stocked hotel supermarket.

Hotel Ilios Aparthotel, Kos $68 This hotel was established in 1980, and right from its inception, the hotel has been run in the manner of a family business, promoting a friendly relationship between the hotel owners, the workers and the guests. The hotel offers 10,000 m² of fantastic gardens and guests can enjoy games, satellite TV, unique food, pure drinks and much more. It comprises a total of 130 rooms and further facilities on offer to guests include a lobby area with a 24-hour reception, a mini supermarket, a bar, a TV lounge and a restaurant. Parking is available (charges apply) for those arriving by car and the younger guests may like to let off steam in the playground.

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