Life Abroad Tips, Move to Scotland, Scotland

April 3, 2025

How to move to scotland as an american: Your step by step guide

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Picture yourself living in Scotland. Maybe you’re holed up in a cozy stone cottage on the Island of Shetland, with sweeping views of the North Sea. Perhaps the bright lights and vibrant atmosphere of a big city like Glasgow are more your vibe. As an American who has been living in Scotland for years, I understand how this beautiful country takes a hold of your heart and never lets go. But how the heck do you even move to Scotland? Fear not; here’s my step by step guide on how to move to Scotland as an American!

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FAQ ABOUT HOW TO MOVE TO SCOTLAND AS AN AMERICAN

A view of Edinburgh's Firth of the Forth from a plane as you fly into Edinburgh's airport — A view of Edinburgh’s Firth of the Forth

IS SCOTLAND WELCOMING TO AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS?

Scottish people have a reputation for being some of the friendliest people in the world, and in my opinion this reputation is well earned. The Scottish are distinct in the UK for having a generally welcoming attitude toward immigrants.

That being said, Scottish people are also very opinionated, so don’t be surprised if you get some unsolicited comments on occasion! Usually, no harm is meant by it, and you’re also free to give your opinion back.

IS IT CHEAPER TO LIVE IN SCOTLAND OR THE USA?

The answer to this question will depend very much on where you were living in the USA vs. where you move to in Scotland, and on your needs and lifestyle.

That being said, the overall cost of living in Scotland is generally lower than it is in the USA. This article compares the cost of living in several major Scottish cities to the cost of living in various places in America. I find it’s fairly accurate.

I also find Numbeo’s cost of living calculator handy for comparing the cost of living in various cities around the world.

HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU NEED TO LIVE COMFORTABLY IN SCOTLAND?

A snowy view of Edinburgh from Calton Hill, Scotland

Again, this is a very subjective question. Let’s take a look at some numbers:

Average yearly salary a single person needs to live comfortably in Scotland: £28,000- £38,000 (Personally, I would say 28K is a bare minimum, although you could squeeze by on less with roommates.)

Average salary a couple needs to live comfortably in Scotland: £40-£45,000 GBP

Average salary a family of four needs to live comfortably in Scotland: £69,000 GBP

To put a little more perspective on these numbers, the average salary for a college educated person in Scotland is about £32,000 a year.

(Source: Moneyfarm)

IMPORTANT!

When budgeting for your move to Scotland as an American, do not forget to factor in your immigration costs. These can add up to quite a hefty initial outlay.

UPFRONT COSTS OF IMMIGRATING TO SCOTLAND:

Visa application fees
NHS immigrantion healthcare surcharge (this will be paid per person, multiplied per each year of your visa)
Moving costs
Flights and transport
Flat deposit (up to two month’s rent)
In some cases, you may be asked for 6 months advance rent in lieu of a UK guarantor

HOW TO MOVE TO SCOTLAND AS AN AMERICAN STEP BY STEP GUIDE

DECIDE WHERE YOU’D LIKE TO LIVE in scotland

Scotland has a little bit of everything, from vast unspoiled wilderness to remote islands to vibrant bustling cities.

Not sure where you see yourself living in Scotland? Here’s some ideas!

EDINBURGH & THE LOTHIANS

The area around the capital is popular for a reason. Edinburgh is packed with historic and cultural delights and boasts easy access to nature, such as the Pentlands, the coastline, the beaches of North Berwick and lots of amazing day trips! Plus, excellent rail and air links make greater Edinburgh an attractive home base.

The biggest con to Edinburgh and the Lothians is that it is the most expensive area in Scotland. Competition for housing will be stiff, and the city will be flooded with tourists during the summer and winter holidays.

KINGDOM OF FIFE

Just across the Firth of the Forth from Edinburgh is the Kingdom of Fife. This suburban area is dotted with quaint fishing villages and will be much more family-friendly and affordable than the Edinburgh area.

A potential drawback of Fife is that you’d need a car, and you may feel a little bit isolated from the big cities.

THE BORDERS

Many foreigners have never even heard of the Scottish Borders, the picturesque strip of countryside to the South of Edinburgh, just north of England.

The Borders are a hidden gem that comes highly recommended by Scottish people! They would be a nice compromise for Americans who wish to live in Scotland and need to commute to the North of England.

Drawbacks? I really can’t think of any!

GLASGOW

Vibrant, diverse, and friendly, Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city. Glasgow packs a punch when it comes to arts and culture and will be more affordable than Edinburgh by a mile. Some people say that Glasgow offers more of a glimpse of the ‘real’ Scotland, too.

One of the things I love about Glasgow is that it’s nowhere near as gentrified as Edinburgh. However, for some people, that glimpse of the ‘real’ Scotland feels a little too real. Glasgow can also be home to some grinding poverty. You either love it or you don’t.

THE HIGHLANDS

The Three Sisters mountains in the afternoon mist, Glencoe, Scotland, Scottish Highlands — The Three Sisters, Glencoe, Scotland

Who doesn’t dream of life in a cozy stone cottage in the Highlands? While perhaps not a magnet for job seekers, the highlands could provide a magnificent backdrop for those of us lucky enough to find remote work.

DUNDEE

This gem on the Northeast Coast is Scotland’s fourth largest city. I was pleasantly surprised by my visit to Dundee. In addition to a well-regarded university, they also have a gorgeous V&A museum and a vibrant theater scene! Dundee could be a great alternative to some of Scotland’s more well-worn locations.

About a one-hour train ride from Edinburgh and 1hr. 20 from Glasgow, Dundee could feel both close or far away from the big cities, depending on who you are.

ABERDEEN

Scotland’s third largest city is home to many internationals due to its bustling petroleum industry. This could make it a good place to look for job opportunities!

Aberdeen also has a reputation for having long, dark, cold winters, so do with that information what you will!

THE ISLANDS

A cliffside view on Orkney Island, Scotland — Orkney, Scotland

At least once a year, I toy with the idea of moving to Shetland and never coming back. Shetland is a remote Island 130 miles off the northern coast of mainland Scotland.

Shetland is home to a huge oil industry as well as a ton of sheep farming! They are also actively encouraging people to move there to work and study.

The other islands off of Scotland’s coasts, Skye, Orkney, and the Heberdies, are as captivating and awe-inspiring as they are remote and rugged.

Industries on the islands include tourism, fishing and Viking archeology!

WHAT VISA WILL YOU NEED TO LIVE IN SCOTLAND AS AN AMERICAN?

A view of the city of Edinburgh from the top of Arthur's Seat, Scotland — A view of the city of Edinburgh from the top of Arthur’s Seat, Scotland

Scotland is a part of the UK, which is made up of the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so you will be applying to the UK government for your visa.

Here’s the lowdown on the most common visas or citizenship options for Americans looking to move to Scotland…

BRITISH CITIZENSHIP

If you have a British parent, you can apply for British Citizenship by Descent. This gives you the most privilege and flexibility when it comes to living in Scotland and the United Kingdom as a whole.

IRISH CITIZENSHIP

If you have Irish parents or grandparents, you can apply for Irish citizenship by descent. After Brexit, Irish citizens are the only nationality in the world that can live and work in the United Kingdom without a visa.

The Republic of Ireland is also part of the European Union, meaning you can live and work in all 27 EU member countries on an Irish passport.

Top tip: An Irish passport is extremely strong, and since so many Americans sport Irish descent, this could be the ticket to a move abroad for many of us!

SKILLED WORKER VISA

St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins Edinburgh — St. Anthony’s Chapel Ruins Edinburgh

A UK Skilled Worker Visa allows you to live and work in the United Kingdom by being sponsored by a qualified employer. Keep in mind that not just any employer can sponsor visas; they must be approved by the home office and pay a sponsorship fee.

To move to Scotland on a skilled worker visa, you must have a job offer with a qualified employer, and this job offer must meet certain salary requirements.

HIGH POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL VISA

If you are a recent graduate of a select list of universities, you can apply for a High Potential Individual Visa. These are 2-3-year non-extendable visas that allow you to move to the UK without a job offer and work without an employer’s sponsorship.

If you wish to reside in the UK beyond the 2-3 year limit, you will have to switch to a Skilled Worker Visa.

GLOBAL TALENT VISA

If you are a leader or potential leader in the arts, technology or academia, you can apply for a Global Talent Visa. In most cases, these visas do not require you to have a job offer before you move to the UK.

However, you’ll have to prepare an extensive application, collect references from leaders in your field and be endorsed by a prominent UK organization before you can apply for this visa with the home office!

Global Talent Visas can last for up to 5 years and can lead to permanent residency, so they are a very attractive option for people with highly sought-after skills because they offer the more privilege and flexibility than many other visas.

STUDENT VISA

Scotland is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, so if you are already considering grad school, a student visa can be an attractive option!

However, student visas are not for everyone! To learn more about the Scottish education system, check out my Step-by-Step Guide to Going to Grad School in Scotland as an American.

FAMILY VISA

If you have a partner or spouse who is a British citizen, you may be able to apply for a family visa.

HOW TO GET A JOB IN SCOTLAND AS AN AMERICAN

a woman looking out over a Stone Bridge, Scotland — On the way to the Scottish Highlands

Most people who want to move to Scotland as an American will be vying for a skilled worker visa!

These types of positions are extremely competitive. The UK has some of the world’s strictest immigration policies, they are constantly tightening their immigration rules and finding new ways to make it difficult for employers to hire foreigners.

Don’t despair, though…you’ve come to the right place.

To land a skilled visa job in Scotland, you are really going to have to dial in your strategy.

Let me show you how…

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Target a few companies that you’d like to work for. Check out their job listings and see what essential qualities they’re looking for. Can you adjust your resume to reflect these? If not, can you upskill?

FOCUS YOUR ENERGY

Don’t spray and pray! Because it costs money to sponsor a skilled worker visa, most of us will need to concentrate our search on large international employers with offices in Scotland. These types of businesses have the resources to sponsor visas.

NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK

The time to expand your international network is now! Use LinkedIn to see if you have any connections at your target companies. Can you request an informational interview? Can you attend a conference or training in your field where representatives of your target companies will be present? Even if it’s just virtually?

POSITION YOURSELF

It’s not enough just to prove to the employer that you’re competent. You need to show a potential employer why they need to hire YOU over a local that they don’t have to pay to sponsor. Try to position yourself as a global leader in your field.

ONCE YOU GET A JOB IN SCOTLAND

A red hat on a wintry day, Edinburgh, Scotland

It’s time to celebrate, baby!

Follow all of your employer’s instructions for applying for a visa with the UKVI.

It’s also time to plan an international move. You’d better believe I’ve got a guide for that!

HOW TO FIND HOUSING IN SCOTLAND AS AN AMERICAN

Chances are, even if you plan on buying a home eventually, you’ll probably need to rent a flat in Scotland when you first arrive.

TOP TIPS FOR RENTING ACCOMMODATION IN SCOTLAND

Some popular flat-hunting websites in Scotland are Rightmove, Citylets and Gumtree
Letting agreements in Scotland are usually month to month, and unless otherwise stated, the notice period for lease termination is 28 days in advance.
UK landlords can be skeptical of renting to foreigners, and if you lack a UK guarantor, it’s not unusual for them to ask for up to 6 months’ rent upfront. If you choose to pay rent up front, make sure the landlord writes you a receipt.
Beware of rental scams. Don’t do business over Facebook or WhatsApp. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
It’s important to vet any contract you sign to your own full satisfaction. If you’re unsure of anything to do with housing and tenancy laws in Scotland, contacting Shelter Scotland is a good idea.

SETTING UP YOUR LIFE IN SCOTLAND

It’s time to set up your life in Scotland! Here are some basics you should take care of first.

BANKING

You’ll need a British bank account to pay your rent and most bills. Once you have an official address, you can open one up. For the transitional period of time, it can really help to have access to an international bank account like Wise.

INSURANCE

Luckily, the healthcare surcharge you paid when you applied for your visa covers your access to Scotland’s public healthcare system, the NHS. To use the NHS you’ll need to register for a GP (General Practitioner) in your local catchment area. This can take time.

To cover yourself for any healthcare needs while you’re getting settled, consider taking out nomad insurance such as SafetyWing. Bonus: SafetyWing will cover you while you’re abroad outside of Scotland too!

SEE MY CHECKLIST

Is all of this getting overwhelming? I’ve got a checklist for that! My free Ultimate Customizable Move Abroad Checklist covers everything you need to take care of in your first three months living in a new country!

HELP! I’M HAVING DIFFICULTY FINDING A JOB!

An eighteenth century grave by North Leith Parish Church, edinburgh, Scotland — North Leith Parish Church, Edinburgh, Scotland

First of all, do not be too hard on yourself! The job market right now is super tough! Getting a job in another country? Even tougher!

Keep working on your network, and make sure you’re plugged into the latest trends in your industry!

If you’ve been searching for a few months and find you’re getting nowhere, here are some ideas:

BE MORE FLEXIBLE ABOUT YOUR LOCATION

Guess what? Everyone who wants to move to Scotland wants to move to Edinburgh! Open up your search to multiple areas and see how far that gets you.

CONSIDER THE NORTH OF ENGLAND

Cities in England’s north, such as Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, have huge metropolitan areas in which to job hunt. They’re also known for being affordable, down to earth and having a kind of ‘Northern charm’ that can feel very similar to Scotland. Plus, they’re not too far from Scotland, and areas like Yorkshire and the Lake District are just as pretty!

CONSIDER OTHER AREAS OF THE UK

The information I share with you here about immigration and job hunting in the UK also work for England, Wales and Northern Ireland!

TOUGH LOVE

A woman in a brightly colored skirt clinging to a fence at North Leith Church, Edinburgh — Hanging out at North Leith Church, Edinburgh

When you remove the metro-London area, Britain’s entire economy is smaller than the state of Mississippi’s. This makes Scotland a small economy inside a small economy.

Looking for a job in these circumstances is going to require patience, flexibility and a willingness to make compromises. Is it in the location? Is it in salary? Is it in the type of job you’re willing to accept? Only you know!

CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES

If you’re striking out in Britain but just want to get the heck out of the USA, lots of other countries offer digital nomad visas. You may find you’re happier somewhere outside of Britain, or you can use another country as a home base while you continue to try for Scotland!

REMEMBER YOUR WHY

No matter how you slice it, moving abroad is not for the faint of heart! If things get tough when you’re planning your move to Scotland as an American, remember your why, don’t be afraid to tweak your approach, and always have a solid plan B in mind!

NEED MORE SUPPORT?

I’m here for you before, during and after your move. Check out these resources on moving and living abroad: