Scotland gives a warm welcome to everyone who comes here. Many people like it so much they choose to stay.   

If you’re planning on coming to Scotland, then it’s important you have the right information. Scotland has its own government, which has many powers. However, the Scottish Government does not control the immigration system. Decisions about visas and immigration are made by the UK Government. 

If you’re not British or Irish, you normally need a visa to come to Scotland to: 

  • Live 
  • Work 
  • Study 
  • Join family 
  • Do business 

Scotland has a well-earned reputation for providing an incredibly warm and open welcome to people who choose to come here. If you're visiting Scotland for tourism or short business trips a visitor visa may be required, this is particularly important for Business Visitor visas. However, anyone who is not British or Irish will usually need a visa for longer visits to Scotland including coming for work or to study. 

Finding the right visa

We’re excited you’ve chosen to come to Scotland. You must make sure you have the right visa. 

Learn more

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 route was launched on 31 January 2021. It lets British National (Overseas) citizens ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, and their immediate family members, come to study or work in the 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

Moving to Scotland from outside the UK and Ireland 

Scotland welcomes people from all over the world every day. With the right visa, you can come and join them. 

There are different types of visas you can apply for. The type of visa that you need will depend on different factors. You must apply for your visa before you travel to Scotland. You can be refused entry if you do not have the required papers. 

Check our advice on finding the right visa. 

Bringing your family to Scotland  

Moving to Scotland is an exciting opportunity and we know you might want to bring your family to Scotland with you. You must apply for visas for your partner and your children before they arrive.   

The rules for family members are different depending on what visa you have. 

To check if your partner or children can apply, see the: 

Becoming a British citizen 

British citizenship gives you the right to live, work and study in the UK. You can stay without any immigration restrictions.  

As Scotland is part of the UK, there is no separate Scottish citizenship. The UK Government makes decisions about visas and immigration. The Scottish Government has no control over the UK immigration system. 

Find advice on deciding if citizenship is right for you (citizensadvice.org.uk)

Find out more about becoming a British citizen (gov.uk)

Visiting Scotland 

From crumbling castles to pristine beaches, jaw-dropping landscapes to bustling city centres, you’ll never be stuck for something to do on a trip to Scotland. With so many things to choose between it’s important to make sure you have your documents ready before you visit.  

If you’re visiting Scotland for a short stay, you’ll need either: 

  • A Visitor visa, or  
  • An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) 

Whether you need a Visitor visa or an ETA depends on your nationality. 

Find out more about passports, visas and customs (visitscotland.com)

If you are visiting Scotland for business reasons, read advice on visitor visas for work and business (migrationservice.scotland.org)

Studying in Scotland 

If you’re from outside the UK, you might need a visa to study in Scotland. You must have the correct type of visa while you’re studying in Scotland. The type of visa you need will depend on: 

  • The type of course you’re studying 
  • The length of time you’re studying for  
  • Your age 

Find out more about student visas.

Investing in Scotland

Find out more about investing and trading in Scotland.

If you need immigration advice to set up or expand your business in Scotland, get support from Scotland's Migration Service for Employers and Investors (migrationservice.scotland.org)

Need help or advice about moving to Scotland?

We're glad you're thinking about living in Scotland. Let us help you to understand what you need to do.

Learn more about our advice service