How to Move to Scotland if You’re American
If you’re crossing the pond this summer and visiting locales like England and Ireland, visiting Scotland should feel like a no-brainer, too. The U.K. country is full of beautiful scenery, rich history, and plenty of activities, including the internationally acclaimed annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which brings hundreds of live performances to the country every summer. But if you’ve caught the bug that’s just a little more intense than the travel bug — the, “Could I live here bug?” — you may be wanting to know how to make that visit to Scotland a little more permanent.
Maybe you’ve gone on a trip or two to Scotland and can’t stop thinking about haggis and Highland castles, or maybe you’ve just always wanted to know what it’s like to live there. If this sounds like you, you’re not the only one, as Scotland’s net migration rate (aka the amount of people who moved there compared to the amount of people who left) more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. From paperwork to payments and more, here’s what you need to know about moving to Scotland, if leaving your home for greener pastures is on your mind.
Can U.S. citizens move to Scotland?
If you’re interested in really getting to know the country before making the big relocation decision, you’ll be glad to know that Americans can remain in Scotland for six whole months without a visa. However, if you want to make your stay more permanent, there’s a lot of paperwork and fees to deal with, and waiting for your visa to be processed and approved can actually take up to six months as well. Patience is key!
Because Scotland is part of the United Kingdom, those who wish to live there (including American citizens) will have to apply for a U.K. visa, which is unique in that it provides the ability to live and work in not just Scotland, but also England and Northern Ireland.
Understanding the U.K. Visa System
There are many types of U.K. visas one can apply for. For an American, you’d most likely be looking at student visas, visas for people joining family members or spouses, and visas for people intending to work in the U.K.
The work visa is quite a broad category. If you’re an award-winning high achiever or entrepreneur in your industry, you may be able to get the Global Talent visa or Innovator Founder visa. If you graduated from specific well-regarded universities in the last five years, you may qualify for the High Potential Individual visa. If you work for an international company and are being transferred to its U.K. branch, there’s a work visa for that as well. Others may qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, which requires sponsorship from an eligible U.K. employer.
Figuring out which visa type is best for you can feel overwhelming, but the U.K. government has a fairly comprehensive website meant to show prospective expats what options they have (and crucially, how much each visa route will cost and what paperwork you’ll need). Most visa types last five years, although they can typically be renewed. Plus, after five years in the country, you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent settlement in the U.K., which then provides a path to U.K. citizenship.
How much money do you need to immigrate to Scotland?
Scotland has its own unique paper currency, but it still uses the pound, just like England. And while U.K. cities like London may be pricey compared to America, Scotland tends to be a bit more affordable — in fact, per the Cost of Living Index for 2024, rent (even in big cities like Glasgow) can be as much as 70% cheaper than New York City.
But fees related to the visa application process can be quite steep. Most types of work visas tend to be in the 1,000- to 1,400-pound range, while family visas can be anywhere from 1,800 to 3,250 pounds. You’ll also need to prove you have the finances to consistently support yourself once you arrive.
In addition to visa application fees, you’ll also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge every year in order to get access to healthcare through the NHS. This fee varies based on visa type, but generally ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 pounds. You’ll also want to set aside funds to cover airfare, housing, bills, and groceries, plus shipping costs for any large items you’re bringing with you from the States.
When it comes to finding a place to live, Amanda Walkins, a travel blogger who has lived in Scotland, recommends finding a temporary residence at first so you’re able to tour an apartment or house in person instead of gambling on securing housing while still in the US.
Do I need to have a job to move to Scotland?
While you technically aren’t required to have a job to move to Scotland, it does help — especially because there are so many types of U.K. work visas out there. Some, like the Global Talent visa and the High Potential Individual visa, don’t require you to have a job offer already, but those tend to be more difficult to qualify for.
Those without jobs can potentially qualify for other visa types, but don’t expect it to be a walk in the park — yes, even if you have family in the country or have plans to marry a Scot. Nicole Nadler, a U.S. expat in Scotland and contributor to the blog Everything Edinburgh, married her Scottish husband a year after meeting him, partially so they could live in Scotland together.
“[Marriage] was the only feasible way to live in the same country for us, neither of us wanted to go back to University, neither of us qualified for a work visa, and neither of us had any special circumstances,” she writes, adding that “moving to Scotland from the U.S. was and still is a humongous undertaking that is very expensive, time-consuming, and ultimately very stressful.” However, for her it was worth it — and it very well might be for you too.