Main Content Skip To Link
Family

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.

Can I live in Scotland?

European departure board

Coming to work or staying in Scotland as a European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss national

EEA and Swiss nationals who enter the UK for the first time from the 1st January 2021 will normally have to apply for a visa under the Points-Based System.

Find out more about Coming to work or staying in Scotland as a European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss national
Airport arrivals board

Coming to Scotland as a non-British or non-Irish on or after December 2020

If you are non-British or non-Irish, you will usually need a visa to live and work in Scotland.

Find out more about Coming to Scotland as a non-British or non-Irish on or after December 2020
Forth Road Bridge

Coming to the UK as an Irish Citizen

Irish citizens will continue to have a right to live and work in the UK beyond the end of the Brexit Transition period as a result of the Common Travel Area arrangements in place.

Find out more about Coming to the UK as an Irish Citizen
Family running on beach

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
British passport

Settling in Scotland and becoming a British citizen

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

Staying in Scotland after your studies

Find out more about Staying in Scotland after your studies
A with felt tip pen

Checking your qualifications

Find out more about Checking your qualifications

Scotland works for me

We're here to help

After you move to Scotland you'll want to find out about:

Unsupported Browser

This browser isn't supported by our website. Please use an alternative browser.