Special immigration routes

On this page

EU citizens in Scotland

Scotland left the European Union on 1 January 2021. This is because Scotland is part of the UK.  

Although Scotland’s relationship with the EU might have changed, we still value the EU citizens who live here and welcome EU nationals who want to move to Scotland. 

The EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) is a programme that lets EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens and their family members live, work and study in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme closed to most people on 30 June 2021. The scheme is still open to some.  

Find out more about applying for immigration to Scotland from the EU (mygov.scot) 

Apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (gov.uk)

Find out more about the rights of EU citizens living in Scotland (mygov.scot)

Hong Kong British nationals (overseas) in Scotland

The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa lets British National (Overseas) citizens ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, and their immediate family members, come to study or work in the UK. 

In February 2026 this visa was extended. If you’re the child of a British national (overseas) aged 18 or older and born on or after 1 July 1997, you can apply separately from your parent. Your family members can also apply with you. 

Find out more about the British National (Overseas) visa (gov.uk)

The Scottish Government has a guide for adults and dependants on the British National (Overseas) visa. The guide has information on topics like: 

• Housing 
• Employment  
• Education 

Find the Scotland welcome pack for British Nationals (Overseas) from Hong Kong (gov.scot) 

The Scottish Hong Kong Welcome Hub (hongkongwelcomehub.migrationscotland.org.uk) is a website for people from Hong Kong arriving in Scotland. It gives advice on things like:  

• Housing 
• Education 
• Employment 
• Healthcare  

The information is available in both English and Traditional Chinese characters. 

Support for Ukrainians in Scotland

There is support available if you’re a Ukrainian national living in Scotland.  

Find out more about UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals (gov.uk)

You can access NHS services at no charge. This is in the same way as people living in Scotland. You can also access services like: 

• Maternity care 
• Mental health support 
• Treatment for specific conditions 

Find out more about support for Ukrainians in Scotland (gov.scot)

The Scottish Refugee Council (scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk) provides free, confidential legal advice and information to people seeking protection including Ukrainians and their families on legal routes for seeking safety in Scotland. Advice services operate in English, but can provide legal advice in other languages, including Ukrainian and Russian. 

You can contact the Scottish Refugee Council by calling 0808 1967 274 or visiting scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk