Expat Focus

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 [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 [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/ [https://www.thegoldenportugal.com/] 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]

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 [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 [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 [https://services.expatfocus.com/us-citizens-financial-advice] 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]

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 [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 [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 [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]

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 [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 [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 [https://www.theglobalcitizenhub.com] 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]

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 [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 [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]