Living in Scotland

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Healthcare? Schools? Culture? Questions. Questions. Luckily we have all the answers.

Information about living in Scotland

Our safe and supportive communities have warmly welcomed people from all over the world, meaning we’re now home to 150 secondary languages like Arabic, Punjabi, Mandarin and Polish to name a few. Mosques, temples and synagogues sit alongside churches – allowing you to freely practice a variety of religions.

Warm and friendly people, vibrant cities and stunning scenery. These are just some of the reasons that, for centuries, people around the world choose to live in Scotland.

Around 5.2 million people happily call Scotland home – you can too.

Preparing to move to Scotland

Let's make sure you, your family, your pets and your furniture all arrive safe and sound

Can I live in Scotland?

Coming to Scotland as European Economic Area nationals

If you and your family are Swiss citizens or from one of the European Economic Area (EEA)countries, you do not need a visa to live and work in Scotland.

Find out more about Coming to work in Scotland as a European Economic Area (EEA) national

Staying in Scotland as European Economic Area Nationals

On 23 June 2016 the UK voted to leave the European Union (widely known as Brexit). Since the vote there has been much discussion about what this means for European nationals currently living in the UK.

Find out more about Staying in Scotland as a European Economic Area (EEA) National

Coming to Scotland as a non-European Economic Area national

If you're from a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you need a visa to live and work in Scotland.

Find out more about Coming to Scotland as a non-European Economic Area national

Bringing my family to Scotland

Moving to Scotland to develop your career is exciting. Organise visas and permits before you move so your family can settle into their new life here easily.

Find out more about Bringing my family to Scotland from abroad

Settling and becoming a British citizen

Find out more about Settling in Scotland and becoming a British citizen

Staying in Scotland after your studies

Find out more about Staying in Scotland after your studies

Checking your qualifications

Find out more about Checking your qualifications

Scotland works for me

TalentScotland has been a constant source of support for my company and I wouldn’t be working in Scotland without their help.

Maulin Buch, Indian National, Living and Working in Scotland
Read more about Maulin Buch, Indian National, Living and Working in Scotland
The people here are so friendly – Scotland is the place to be!

Andry Diaz, Dominican Republic National, Living and Working in Scotland
Read more about Andry Diaz, Dominican Republic National, Living and Working in Scotland
"The first time I came to Edinburgh it was nighttime and when I saw the castle all lit up it was like something from a fairytale"

Bozydar Swierczynski, Polish National, Living and Working in Scotland
Read more about Bozydar Swierczynski, Polish National, Living and Working in Scotland
Getting around is easy because public services are excellent. My wife and I love it here - we don’t want to move.

Vittorio Borromeo, Italian National, Living and Working in Scotland
Read more about Vittorio Borromeo, Italian National, Living and Working in Scotland