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

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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

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Relocation concierge Ashley Sourci joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to France — and tackling the country's infamous bureaucracy. Originally from California, Ashley shares how she fell in love with French life, the challenges she faced setting up on her own, and why she now helps others navigate the endless paperwork and catch-22s of settling in.

She explains what a relocation concierge does, the difference between standard relocation services and her high-touch "handholding" approach, and why even locals struggle with French administration.

Ashley also breaks down typical costs, the realities of official translations, and how to avoid common pitfalls like stalled bank accounts and driver's license delays.

If you're considering a move to France — or already drowning in French paperwork — this episode offers practical insights, real-life experiences, and advice to make your transition smoother.

#ExpatLife #LivingInFrance #MoveToFrance #FrenchBureaucracy #FranceExpats #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:56 Ashley's Journey to France

04:40 Challenges of Relocating to France

07:24 Role of a Relocation Concierge

14:52 Pricing and Client Involvement

19:56 Documentation and Language Barriers

25:29 Finding the Right Relocation Service

27:48 Ashley's Personal Reflections and Contact Information

30:33 Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/france/podcast/untangling-french-bureaucracy-how-a-relocation-concierge-can-help

📝 Show Notes

Ashley's Website – https://chezmoialsace.com

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