Tips for living and working in Scotland
Many people have been drawn to Scotland by the career opportunities, but also by the appeal of enhancing their quality of life. House prices can be cheaper, the commuting is easier and the countryside offers a wide range of leisure activities: from skiing and white-water rafting, to mountain biking and walking in some of the most spectacular scenery you will find anywhere in the world. And, of course, there is the golf!
All the major Scottish cities have good public transport links, such as train lines and bus routes, reducing your need to use a car.
From the remote countryside of the highlands to the vibrant, cosmopolitan streets of Edinburgh, Scotland's cities and regions are fantastic places to live and work.
Another great thing about Scotland is the extra daylight in summer. It can remain quite light up to 11.30pm – leaving plenty of time to get out and about after work. You could be walking in the hills or taking a late-night stroll on the many beaches within 40 minutes of Glasgow and Edinburgh – and in Aberdeen the sea is on your doorstep.
Living in Scotland
Moving to Scotland
Moving to Scotland can be a painless process if you take the time to research and prepare for your application. There are many ways you can go about emigrating to Scotland and it's important that you choose the correct one for your situation.
More information on moving to Scotland
Healthcare
People living in Scotland can take advantage of a full and diverse range of healthcare, with the National Health Service (NHS) and both private and complementary medicine practices available.
The majority of NHS provision is free and any care which is accessed privately is paid for directly or, more usually, through one of several private healthcare insurance schemes. Newcomers to the UK are eligible for free NHS care, provided they have valid work permits.
More information on healthcare in Scotland
Education
Scotland has an outstanding reputation in education and schooling. Scotland has a comprehensive state education system and all children attend school from age 5-16, with the option of continuing until age 18. All children are provided with free nursery education for two years prior to beginning school. Scotland also offers further and higher education through a network of world-class universities and colleges.
More information on education in Scotland
Accommodation
Finding somewhere to live is of course one of the most important considerations when thinking about moving to Scotland. Depending on how long you’re going to be here, you can either buy or rent a home. Whichever you decide to do, you can look forward to a huge range of housing possibilities, both in town – where you can choose between everything from waterfront apartments and large Victorian villas to more modern houses – and in the country, within easy commuting distance of the city.
More information on accomodation in Scotland
Benefits & taxes
There are various benefits and taxes involved in living and working in Scotland. Benefits such as holiday, maternity and sick pay, child benefit and state pensions are paid for by taxes such as personal income tax and VAT.
More information about benefits and taxes in Scotland
Transport
It’s easy to commute and travel in Scotland. Many people who come here say it soon becomes a major reason for wanting to stay. The ease of travel has literally changed their lives due to less stress, shorter working days and more free time in which to pursue other interests and activities.
More information about Scotland's transport
Sport and Leisure
In Scotland you'll find leisure activities to suit every age and taste. With everything from theatre and exhibitions, nightlife and children's activities there are lots of things to entertain you during your leisure time in Scotland. Sport plays an important part in Scottish life and the Scots are famed for their passion and competitiveness. Sports invented by Scots include golf, football, cycling, rugby sevens and the Highland Games. You can participate in almost any sport in Scotland and you can usually find a local club or facility easily by searching the internet.
More information on sport in Scotland
Find our about leisure in Scotland
Working in Scotland
Many people dream of living and working in Scotland. Professionals from all over the world have made Scotland their home. Read the stories of some of those who have taken the leap:
Lauran Halpin, USA
Lauran Halpin moved to Scotland from Miami to study at the University of Edinburgh. Lauran now works for Baillie Gifford in Scotland's financial services industry. Laura said: "Edinburgh is a lovely place to live and it’s amazing that it is an epicentre of business but surrounded by beautiful countryside which is only a short drive away. "I'm so glad I came to Scotland – I’ve got great work experience and have a very good life." Read more of Lauren's story
Sethu Vijayakumar, India
Sethu Vijayakumar moved to Edinburgh, Scotland in 2003 after working in L.A, USA. Sethu works at the University of Edinburgh’s in their world renowned informatics department. It was this prestigious international reputation that encouraged Sethu to look for a permanent position in the university, where he holds a Personal Chair in Robotics and is the Director of the Institute of Perception, Action and Behaviour (IPAB). Sethu said: “I enjoy Edinburgh every day. It’s very, very easy to live here, I cherish my walks across the meadows to my workplace and I’m lucky to work in one of the best university departments in the world.” Read more of Sethu's story
Daria Olijnyk, Poland
During a placement at Dundee University, Daria Olijnyk realised that she wanted to develop a life sciences career in Scotland. She said, "I was studying in Poland when I had a placement with the University of Dundee. I spent six months in the city studying and was really impressed with the facilities and Scotland. I fell in love with the country: it is so beautiful and the people are very friendly." Read more of Daria's story
Wenjia Yin, China
Wenjia Yin has never regretted moving from Beijing to Scotland to pursue his career in software development. In fact, he says it is the perfect place to live and work. Wenja said: "When I decided to further my education, I researched loads of cities and liked Edinburgh. "Scotland is beautiful, the people are very friendly." Read more of Wenjia's story
Read more from those who've taken the leap to work invarious Scottish job sectors