Expat Focus

Expat Focus: For Anyone Moving Or Living Abroad
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Expat experiences, information and advice for anyone moving or living abroad. Visit Expat Focus at expatfocus.com for more.

  1. 26 DE MAR.

    Moving To Portugal? Visas, Costs And A Citizenship Deadline You Need To Know

    Susana Yang, founder and CEO of The Golden Portugal, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to and retiring in Portugal. Originally from Hong Kong, Susana moved to Portugal in 2018 and founded her immigration agency after a frustrating experience with local legal services. She breaks down the three main visa routes — the D7 passive income visa for retirees, the D8 digital nomad visa and the D2 entrepreneurial visa — and explains the income and savings requirements, realistic cost of living, rental market challenges, healthcare access, and why buying property might be a simpler route for some. Susana also dives into Portugal's Golden Visa programme, the step-by-step visa application timeline, and a looming citizenship law change that could double the residency requirement from five to 10 years. Her advice for anyone already in Portugal: apply for citizenship now, even if you haven't hit the five-year mark, because processing times mean the current rules may still apply to your case. If you're considering Portugal for retirement, remote work or simply a better quality of life, this episode is packed with practical guidance on what to expect. #ExpatLife #MoveToPortugal #PortugalExpats #RetireInPortugal #D7Visa #GoldenVisa 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Portugal Retirement Boom 00:45 Founding The Golden Portugal 02:37 Service Culture Shock 03:38 Why Move to Portugal 04:23 Who Uses Which Visas 04:59 D7 D8 D2 Explained 06:17 D7 Income Requirements 07:39 Realistic Living Costs 09:44 Rent Pressures and Co-Living 11:12 Healthcare for Residents 12:43 Visa Steps and Timelines 15:03 DIY vs Using an Agency 17:13 D7 Permit Timeline 18:27 Citizenship Rule Changes 20:23 Apply Now Strategy 21:58 Renting Reality Check 23:26 Finding Rentals and Fees 25:44 Buying Property Instead 26:57 D7 Stay Requirements 29:37 Golden Visa Explained 31:53 Why Portugal and Wrap Up 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/portugal/podcast/moving-to-portugal-visas-costs-and-a-citizenship-deadline-you-need-to-know 📝 Show Notes The Golden Portugal – https://www.thegoldenportugal.com/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com

    34 min

  2. 26 DE MAR.

    US Expats - How To Get Your Money Out Of The USA (And Why You May Not Want To)

    Tom Zachystal, Founder of International Asset Management, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about how US citizens can manage their money when moving abroad. With 25 years of experience advising American expats, Tom breaks down the difference between physically moving money into non-US accounts and simply diversifying out of the US dollar. He covers the challenges of opening overseas investment accounts due to FATCA reporting, why US-based accounts often offer better protections and lower fees, and how currency fluctuations can act like hidden inflation on your retirement spending. The conversation also digs into real estate tax implications, gold and precious metals, ADRs and international ETFs, private equity and interval funds, and the 4% retirement withdrawal rule. Tom shares practical advice on using local banking products to manage currency risk and warns about the pitfalls of collectibles taxation. If you're a US citizen planning a move abroad and wondering what to do with your investments, this episode will help you understand your options — and why sometimes the smartest move is no move at all. #ExpatLife #USExpats #ExpatFinance #MoneyAbroad #InvestingAbroad 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Moving Money Abroad 01:40 Currency Risk Explained 03:10 What Getting Money Out Means 04:54 Keep Investments in US 07:11 FBAR and FATCA Basics 08:42 Real Estate and Taxes 11:43 Diversifying Beyond Dollars 14:25 Gold Crypto Collectibles 18:44 Local Bank Products 20:11 Retirement Withdrawal Rules 21:20 Private Equity Warnings 24:48 Why US Accounts Can Win 27:02 Where to Find Tom 27:37 Podcast Wrap Up 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/us-expats-how-to-get-your-money-out-of-the-usa-and-why-you-may-not-want-to 📝 Show Notes IAM Advisors – https://services.expatfocus.com/us-citizens-financial-advice 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com

    28 min

  3. 24 DE FEV.

    Could You Retire In Thailand For Less Than €400 A Month?

    American military nurse Lisa Denmark joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about retiring in Chiang Mai, Thailand — and why she has never looked back. After eight years working for the US military in Germany, Lisa faced a visa deadline that forced a decision: return to the States, or start over somewhere new. She chose Thailand, moved sight unseen, and hasn't left since. Lisa shares how she landed on Chiang Mai, what it was really like to arrive during COVID lockdown, and why the city's calm, small-town feel won her over completely. Lisa breaks down the real cost of living — from a three-bedroom house in a gated community for 310 euros a month to a full Thai meal delivered for under a euro — and walks through the visa journey from visa-exempt to education visa to retirement visa. She also gets into the wilder side of expat life: finding rentals through word-of-mouth (and one very memorable connection), the challenges of bringing a 40kg service dog to a country that doesn't recognise service animals, several scooter wrecks, and major surgery covered entirely by her Thai health insurance. If you're considering retiring abroad on a fixed income, this episode is packed with practical insight, honest numbers, and a lot of heart. #ExpatLife #RetireAbroad #LivingInThailand #ChiangMai #ThailandExpats #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Introducing Lisa Denmark 05:29 Arriving in Chiang Mai During Lockdown 06:40 COVID Logistics and Quarantine 07:53 Chiang Mai Cost of Living Breakdown 11:44 Retirement Visa 16:26 Finding Rentals by Word of Mouth 19:04 Bringing a Service Dog to Thailand 21:56 Chiang Mai Expat Scene Today 23:00 Healthcare Insurance and Pharmacies 26:20 Travel Insurance Reality 28:45 Medical Culture Differences 32:41 Scooter Wreck Stories 34:57 Living Without Thai 37:20 Retirement Daily Routine 41:27 Finding Community in Chiang Mai 46:01 Future Plans 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/thailand/podcast/could-you-retire-in-thailand-for-less-than-400-a-month 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com

    20 min

  4. 17 DE FEV.

    How To Move To Europe On A Student Visa (No Job Required)

    Travis Drews, founder of the Global Citizen Hub, joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss an often-overlooked route to moving abroad: student visas. Originally from the US and now based in Berlin, he shares how his own international journey — and a surprising message from family — led him to help others find realistic migration pathways, even without a job offer, investment capital, or a partner overseas. He explains why student visas are among the most accessible relocation options, challenging misconceptions about age limits, work restrictions, and cost. Travis highlights the wide range of scholarships across Europe, including programs with free or low-cost tuition, and outlines where students can work part-time while studying. He also clarifies which student visas count toward permanent residency and which serve as stepping stones, stressing the need to plan long term from the outset. For those considering a career change or seeking a foothold in Europe, the episode offers practical guidance on selecting programs, meeting language requirements, and using education as a pathway to a new life abroad. #expatlifestyle #StudentVisa #MoveToEurope #StudyAbroad #EuropeExpats #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Meet Travis Drews: An American in Berlin 03:01 Introducing Global Citizen Hub 05:31 Student Visas: A Pathway to Moving Abroad 09:49 Challenges and Realities of Student Visas 15:36 Scholarships and Affordable Education in Europe 24:05 Finding the Right Study Program 28:01 Conclusion and Contact Information 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast/how-to-move-to-europe-on-a-student-visa-no-job-required 📝 Show Notes Global Citizen Hub – https://www.theglobalcitizenhub.com 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com

    31 min

  5. 19/12/2025

    Could You Live in Bali? Here's What It's Really Like

    Australian expat consultant Simone Collins joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about turning a Bali "gap year" into a life-changing two-year relocation — and helping others do the same. Founder of Our Year in Bali, Simone shares how a family experiment became a full-scale move, what daily life in Bali really looks like, and why so many people dream of making the island home. She explains who Bali is best suited for — from families with young children to digital nomads and retirees — and breaks down practical considerations like schooling, visas, healthcare, housing, and cost of living. Simone also discusses the realities of leasehold property, transport challenges, accessibility for older expats, and how Bali's hospitality-driven culture shapes expat life on the island. If you're considering moving to Bali — whether for a sabbatical, remote work, or retirement — this episode offers honest insights, real-world budgeting advice, and expert guidance to help you decide if Bali is the right fit. #ExpatLife #LivingInBali #MoveToBali #BaliExpats #DigitalNomads #RetireAbroad #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Simone Collins' Journey to Bali 01:15 Starting 'Our Year in Bali' Consultancy 03:12 Challenges and Decisions in Bali 05:55 Ideal Demographics for Moving to Bali 08:24 Visa Options for Long-Term Stay 12:31 Housing and Real Estate in Bali 16:20 Popular Areas for Long-Term Expats 20:52 Accessibility and Transport Considerations 22:36 Health Insurance Essentials for Expats 26:05 Navigating Language Barriers 27:17 Education Options for Expats' Children 30:56 Community and Cultural Integration 33:57 Cost of Living and Budgeting in Bali 37:58 How to Plan Your Move to Bali 40:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/indonesia/podcast/could-you-live-in-bali-heres-what-its-really-like 📝 Show Notes Our Year in Bali – https://ouryearinbali.com/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com

    41 min

  6. 18/12/2025

    Financial Planning Essentials For Americans Living Overseas

    Financial advisor Tom Zachystal joins the Expat Focus Podcast to break down what Americans need to think about financially before moving abroad. As President of International Asset Management — and an expat himself — Tom shares practical guidance based on decades of experience helping US citizens navigate life overseas. Tom explains why Americans can never fully "leave" the US tax system, how citizenship-based taxation, FATCA, and FBAR reporting affect expats, and why many banks now hesitate to work with Americans living abroad. He also explores common banking challenges, transferring money internationally, and misconceptions around cash limits when crossing borders. If you're an American planning an international move — whether for work, retirement, or lifestyle — this episode offers clear, experience-backed advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and plan with confidence. #ExpatLife #AmericanExpats #MovingAbroad #USExpats #ExpatFinance #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:49 Tom's Background and Expertise 02:18 Financial Steps for Americans Moving Abroad 03:09 Banking Challenges for US Expats 13:33 Understanding FATCA and FBAR 16:35 Health Insurance Considerations 23:09 Currency Fluctuations and Financial Planning 25:31 Emergency Liquidity and Financial Planning Apps 28:41 The Role of Financial Advisors 33:24 Conclusion and Contact Information 🎥 Video & Transcript https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast/financial-planning-essentials-for-americans-living-overseas 📝 Show Notes IAM Advisors – https://iamadvisors.com/ 👉 Follow Expat Focus RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com

    36 min

  7. 29/10/2025

    What Is Life In Spain Really Like For Expats?

    What does moving to Spain really look like for non-EU nationals? And how can you tell if it's the right move for you? In this episode of the Expat Focus Podcast, James Blick, founder of Spain Revealed, joins host Carlie Bonavia to share what life in Spain is actually like — beyond the beaches and tapas. James explains why your vision for life in Spain matters more than the visa paperwork at the start, and how getting clear on your desired rhythm — your day-to-day pace and priorities — can make or break your relocation. He discusses lifestyle differences across regions, common misconceptions about Spanish life, popular visa options (including updates to the Digital Nomad Visa), and practical tips on choosing where to live, budgeting, and building community. Whether you're planning to retire early, work remotely, or simply embrace a slower lifestyle, this episode offers the clarity you need to move to Spain with confidence.  #MoveToSpain #LivingInSpain #SpainRevealed #DigitalNomadVisa #ExpatLife #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Guest Introduction: James Blick 01:09 James' Journey to Spain 02:24 Founding Spain Revealed and Devour Tours 03:21 The Impact of the Pandemic and Pivot to Relocation 04:31 Top Nationalities Moving to Spain 06:12 Misunderstandings About Life in Spain 10:08 Choosing the Right Location in Spain 16:00 Key Considerations for Moving to Spain 19:57 Digital Nomad Visa Updates 27:21 Navigating Spanish Bureaucracy 27:45 Healthcare Requirements for Non-Lucrative Visa 29:23 Common Pitfalls in Moving to Spain 32:12 Cultural Adjustments and Expectations 36:46 Finding Your Rhythm in Spain 41:56 Building Community and Seeking Advice 45:12 The Importance of Learning Spanish 48:30 Resources for Moving to Spain 🎥 Video/Transcript –  https://www.expatfocus.com/spain/podcast/what-is-life-in-spain-really-like-for-expats 📝 Show Notes Spain Revealed – https://social.spainrevealed.com/i_IP  👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com

    50 min

  8. 28/10/2025

    How To Choose The Best Country For Your Move Abroad

    Data-driven relocation consultant Vasily Yurenkov joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how numbers — not just gut instinct — can guide your move abroad. When political turmoil forced him to leave Russia, Vasily and his wife used his analytical model to decide where to rebuild their lives. Now based in Amsterdam, he helps others choose their ideal destination by comparing 600+ data points across countries and cities. In this episode, Vasily explains why most expats make relocation decisions emotionally rather than logically, what happens when data contradicts "dream destinations," and how personal values and cultural fit factor into his analysis. He also shares why some clients end up staying put after all, and how to avoid falling into an "abusive relationship" with your new country. If you're planning an international move — or questioning if your adopted country is truly right for you — this conversation offers a fascinating, evidence-based perspective on finding your best fit abroad. #ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #Relocation #ExpatFocus #DigitalNomads #LivingOverseas 👉 Visit Expat Focus: https://www.expatfocus.com 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:42 Vasily's Relocation Journey 02:26 Choosing Between the UK and Amsterdam 03:47 Challenges with UK Visa and Final Decision 07:18 The Five-Month Road Trip 08:51 Importance of Data in Relocation Decisions 18:26 Client Profiles and Data-Driven Approach 20:08 Common Misconceptions About Moving to Italy 20:24 Surprising Results from Data-Driven Analysis 21:12 Practical Tips for Testing Your Top Destinations 21:56 Deciding Not to Move After All 24:06 The Role of Personal Values in Choosing a Country 32:15 The Importance of a Fresh Perspective 35:44 The Limitations and Pitfalls of Data 38:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/how-to-choose-the-best-country-for-your-move-abroad 📝 Show Notes Greener Relocation – https://greener.im 👉 Follow Expat Focus: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 X | https://x.com/expatfocus Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus Website | https://www.expatfocus.com

    40 min
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Sobre

Expat experiences, information and advice for anyone moving or living abroad. Visit Expat Focus at expatfocus.com for more.

Informações

  • Criado por
    Expat Focus: For Anyone Moving Or Living Abroad
  • Anos de atividade
    2010 - 2026
  • Episódios
    164
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © Expat Focus 2024
  • Site do podcast
    Expat Focus

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