Recently we’ve been getting asked a lot about how to move to Scotland to live so we thought we’d put together a bit of a helpful guide. Maybe the pipes are calling you home?
Scotland compared with other places does not have many people – we only have around 5.5 million people and about 70% of these people live in the central belt and the lowlands. Glasgow has the highest population, followed by Edinburgh.
I have heard Edinburgh described as a ‘truly cosmopolitan town’ – this is a perfect description. It doesn’t feel like a city, and is a wonderful mix of people from different countries.
Unless you are moving from a very expensive city like New York the cost of living here is high. Our houses tend to be a lot smaller and have less space around them.
We are not that religious, and those who are tend to be very quiet about it. 30% of people here are church of Scotland, 15% catholic, 5.5% other Christian, 1.5% Islam. Around 36% of Scotland say they have no religion.
Move for the right reasons – Scotland is not Kilted Celtic Pirates
There is a bizarre image that gets portrayed of Scotland. Attending games in the US we see this a lot – the Celtic kilted pirate. Seeing the skull and cross bones flag flying next to the saltire is a confusing one, buxom women in basques and gents with kilts and pirate sabres. Bit of a confused mixture of Walt Disney, William Wallace – Mel Gibson version and Captain Jack Sparrow.
Scotland is not like this so would be a bit of a shock for someone thinking it was.
So … still want to relocate – here’s some help
We should start by saying – the rules of visas change constantly so please check up. The number one rule with visas is you have to get these before you enter Scotland. Do not come to Scotland and try to apply for the correct visa. You’ll waste a lot of money
Applying for this visa is quite stressful and expensive but once it’s done that feeling must be amazing. It’s going to take at least 5 years of doing various visas and extensions to be able to apply for indefinite residency and become a citizen. Then you can officially get the accent 🙂
Visa Confusion
Now I will try and talk you through the different visas.
A basic visitors visa allows you to travel around Scotland and the UK for up to 6 months. You are not allowed to work on this visa and have to return home to apply for different visa.
No Visa for Retiring
Retiring to Scotland is understandably appealing. When I think of retiring – it’s on a Scottish island with a peat fire, maybe a bit of knitting. Sadly no actual retirement visas exists – this was stopped in 2008. You could only maybe come over as a dependant of a family member living in Scotland otherwise I don’t know how you can do it for longer than 6 months.
Ancestry Visa
If you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country and have a grandparent who was born in the UK (this includes the Republic of Ireland if born before 1922 as it was then part of the UK), you can apply for a visa to live and work in Scotland and the rest of the UK. This visa lasts five years. For this visa you must have the intention to undertake work, as well as showing that you have enough money to support yourself in Scotland.
You do not need a job offer for an Ancestry Visa, just to prove that you are looking for work. You can come in on this visa if you’re studying full-time as long as you are also working part-time. An Ancestry Visa would allow you to study in the UK but you would have to pay the International fees. Remember you are not a citizen while on an Ancestry Visa – this has to be applied for afterwards.
To apply you need birth certificates for your UK born grandparent (it doesn’t have to be Scotland). Also funds – in your bank account you’ll need £1200 – £1600, 90 days prior to your date of application.
Dependants have to apply to join you from outside the UK.
Cost: £405
Length of visa: 5 years
more info:
https://www.gov.uk/ancestry-visa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UK_Ancestry_Entry_Clearance
After visa: you can apply to extend or stay permanently. £811 – £1,311 to extend
Get a job offer – so invited to Scotland
These are looked at case by case.
An employer would normally sponsor the works visa. If single the employer needs to show that the job can not be offered to someone within the same country – how this person is uniquely qualified for this job that they have to bring them in from another country. If you have studied within the UK this can be easier. If not this is quite a hard process to go through.
If one person of a married couple from the US gets offered a job in Scotland you have to show that the job is the dominant job in the family (so highest paying). Then the spouse comes as a ‘dependant’. The dependant has to be granted the visa before coming to the UK.
No job offer – but are bringing a business to Scotland
For this you can apply for a Entrepreneur’s Visa. This is for people who want to set up or run a business in the UK. The big hurdle with this one is you need access to at least £50,000 investment funds to apply. It costs around 1.2k and you can only stay for 3 years and 4 months. After this you can apply for a 2 year extension. Like other visas after 5 years you can apply for indefinite settlement and become a citizen
https://www.gov.uk/tier-1-entrepreneur
Youth Mobility Scheme
If you come from certain countries, are aged between 18 and 30 and have £1,890 in savings, you may be eligible to apply for a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) visa. This visa will last for up to two years and will allow you to live and work in the UK during this time.
I want to invest in Scotland
If you are going to make an investment of £2,000,000 or more into Scotland, you can apply for a Tier 1 (Investor) visa.
Marrying a UK citizen
Firstly visas need to be applied for before leaving your country.
Applying for a visa before you are married.
A marriage visa only allows you to marry in Scotland not live there. A separate spouse visa needs to be applied for once married. A marriage visa allows you 6 months to get married. Then when you are married you get an allowance of 30 days to stay in Scotland. After that a spouse visa needs to be applied for – you will most likely have to return to your home country and apply for this there.
A marriage visa costs around £85
The spouse visa will allow you 2 1/2yrs residency in Scotland, you are applying “To join family living permanently in the UK” as a SPOUSE. You have to apply for this visa outside the UK. Then after the 2 1/2yrs you have to apply again (so 5 years in total) then you can apply for citizenship. Before this 5 year point it’s like a probationary period where you are not a citizen so have to cover health care and prove you can support yourself. It’s a 70 page form you need to fill in.
If you marry a UK citizen outside the UK and plan to live in the UK then the marriage has to be recognised within the UK.
You can not just marry in the UK without a visa.
You have to wait 5 years to get a Full UK Residency.
You have to answer various things – like how much your spouse earns and show bank accounts also have to do a 15 minute English test to show you know the language.
So there you have it – like most countries applying for residency is difficult but not impossible. With our impending exit from the EU there will be inevitable changes, the small matter of Scottish Independence is still a consideration, given that the Scottish government is more open to immigration than the UK as a whole (as a country we desperately need to build our young workforce to keep tax revenues flowing). It’s entirely possible that if Scotland became independent or if immigration became a devolved issue we could see a considerable change in these regulations. lets just see…
Scotland is an open, diverse, multicultural, and welcoming country. (in our opinion and experience) We welcome those who share these values…. just leave the cutlass and eyepatch at home 🙂
Well, THAT was truly enlightening! Thanks so much!
oh my gooooodnesss! so much to learn– hmmmmm ok lots to think about just the matter of a 70 page form to fill out is a reasonable reason to get a lawyer,,,,,, maybe just buy a house and live there 6mo at a time? hmmmm tu i think america is realllly looking at other countries due to many situations of politics etc,,,,,, 2017-2021—- hmmmm- thank you. for all the info— u are awesome
It’s all done online, it’s easier than you think. But if you wish to spend extra money on a lawyer, by all means. You do you, and good luck.
Amanda, under ancestry visa- can you tell me what a ” commonwealth country” is? Thanks!
Hi – these are former British colonies. There are 52 of them, see: http://thecommonwealth.org/member-countries
The United States of America is not on this list. I assume that means that I would not be able to get an ancestry visa even though i fit all the other requirements? Would i be able to appeal for a visa anyway?
My grandmother was born in Scotland and immigrated to America as a young woman. I am able to provide her birth certificate to prove it.I do not have much family left and most of them live in Scotland. I am just wondering if it would be possible for me to still acquire this visa or if my best bet would be the Youth Mobility Scheme.
Yes. There’s a specific visa in the UK (which includes Scotland) for someone whose grandparent was born in a Commonwealth nation, including Ireland before they declared independence sometime in the 1920s. So you’d be covered. Obviously, double-check this but I literally just read about it.
If your grandmother was born in the UK you’re eligible for UK citizenship
Hello Amanda,
Thank you for that very informative article on How to Relocate to Scotland.
My situation is not mentioned in the article and I wondered if you could tell me what the rules are for people who were born in Scotland (1958) but emigrated to a commonwealth country at age 2 with Scottish parents?
I have vacationed in Scotland and sometimes think I’d like to return for extended vacations or stays but don’t know if being born there but having a Canadian citizenship would mean a difficult Visa process, or which Visa would be the applicable one to go for?
Any info you can pass along would be much appreciated, or a website you would recommend perhaps?
Many thanks,
Angela Barrie
Montreal, Canada
I think you are still technicaly a British Citizen too unless you actively give up your citizenship but you should probably check with the British Embassy in Canada or something like that.
Good news. You were born in Scotland as so are already a dual UK / Canadian citizen. You don’t need a visa. Instead, you can apply for a UK Passport. And yes, you can hold both a UK and Canadian passport simultaneously.
Angela, wi the information me got from kin in scot government if ye were born there an hiv yer scottish birth certificate ye are a citizen there.. call tha scottish consolate and ask them how ye can go there .. ‘
You’ll need to find out if you have renounced your British citizenship. This may not be the case – if not you can just apply for a British passport. Canada and the UK accept dual citizenship – meaning you can be both. Some Countries insist you give up any other citizenship.
Hi, my husband was born in Scotland ( we are in South Africa) and has a British passport and so does my son
But I only have South Africa passport. We would like to relocate to Scotland. What visa would I need to get and do I need this before I do my job search?
You would need to be a dependant of a husband working in the UK, so think your husband would need to move here first then you come over with Spouse Visa. Then think you have to be here for 5 years before applying for full UK residency. https://www.1stcontact.com/visas/uk-visas/partner-visas
There may be extra work if you were married outside the UK your marriage needs to be recognised here.
I think there may also be a certain amount of money a spouse has to earn to settle here. Immigration rules that require a Briton to be earning a minimum amount before they can bring a non-EU spouse to the UK.
Lots of info here: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/move-to/move-to-uk/
Hi Ursula
Our family is pretty much in the exact same boat as yours.
I was born in Scotland but my wife was born in Zim and has a South African passport. ( Our kids have British passports )
I was wondering if you have gone ahead with the whole spousal visa and how it went?
Any advice appreciated
cheers
Richard
What if someone came to scotland on holiday and married a scot ! would thay have to go back ? or can they stay as thay would be married to a scot ?
You need a license and visa to marry in Scotland – you can’t just marry someone while on holiday here.
Kills me that I’m one generation away for the ancestry one. Both my paternal great-grandparents were born in the U.K. And one also went back and passed away/was buried there.
I’m with you, Leanne. My great grandfather and his wife were both from Scotland (Lanarkshire) and married in Chicago. He helped run the Peabody Coal mines in Illinois according to my mother. I’ve wished for years that it had been my grandfather who came over.
Scots clan seriously we as Scots welcome awe nations with open arms find your comment on immigration offensive to my fellow Scots patriots and the refuweegies and the rest around Alba this a know I’m right remove this feed thus miss represents my nation Saor Alba Gu Brath
Sorry, confused – who’s comment on immigration?
Hello ive been wanting to go to scot land my name is william e craig and like to see where my family from . so what the best way thanks ps my grandfather said where from the highlands
Ps Scots clans we the clans noo happy to live under a British rule the clans fought out numbered I’m many battles this sight miss represents my nation as we awe know yes vote was rigged to loss you’ve also stated leaving the UE so obviously this site miss represents my clans and many more this concern will be raised this site is gonna look rather stupid now pointless removing post has been copied and posted in awe clan group a represent and pages on Facebook this we will not accept as Sovereign Scots actually raging ere a smell sassanchs in ere or either some other nation trying to milk oor Scottish reritsge yours faithfully Gary Alba Kelly patriot
I think you mean EU. Sassanach is a term for a lowlander Scot – you are trying to type as a lowlander — bit confused by your comment. Scotland is very split about the vote for Independence, just over half the people living in Scotland voted to remain a part of the Union. I’m not sure what this has to do with this article though. This article is about how to relocate to Scotland – what visas can be applied for.
I think Gary Alba Kelly has been hitting his crack pipe a little too hard!
I think he’s trying to stir the shit but due to lack of intelligence it didn’t work.
My grandparents were born and married in Scotland, but they moved to Canada. I am just curious as to where I would find an application form in order to start the process of applying for citizenship? Thank you
Think you need to have lived here for 3 years to apply for citizenship. See: https://www.immigrationdirect.co.uk/british-citizenship/british-citizen.jsp?r=ga-cpc-ukcit_uk-apply_for_uk_citizenship:m=e&r=ga-cpc-778137998-apply%2520for%2520uk%2520citizenship:m=e,g=40421642803,p=1t1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtdbLBRALEiwAm8pA5TQX3yq_wiF6-sMZS_cvHFS0bozQgKkIOYgCdsAjd1tRwoBc2IviYhoCuBkQAvD_BwE
I was born in Edinburgh in 1944 but have lived the majority of my life in Canada if I wanted to retire back to Scotland what would be required.
My mother was born in Scotland and came to the US when she was 2, can I apply for dual citizenship?
The ancestry visa ONLY applies to those who are form a commonwealth nation.Not the US.
My father was born in scotland his parents lived thier my maiden name is Robertson i would love to live in scotland but i am a coucil tennant is there any chance
.
What Country do you live in?
Last year, I received both my citizenship, and then my passport for the UK. My mother was born in Scotland, and I am first generation Canadian. With both citizenship and passport, can I just move to the UK and retire there? If I decide to work there, do I need a work visa? I cannot find direct answers to these questions. Thanks for your help.
Think you can – if you are a citizen. Don’t need a works visa if you are a citizen. I don’t know about state pensions as you would have had to paid into the UK tax system.
“All British citizens automatically have right of abode in the UK.” No visa required.
Amanda you know so much!
My mother is Scottish and I am (34) Canadian and wanting to move there to look after my gran. If I’m able to get citizenship do I really not need a visa?
I was born in Glasgow (19 Malcolm st,parkhead ) Scotland,I would like to return to Scotland to live with my New Zealander wife,what would be involved,thanks ken McAlpine
Did you renounce your British citizenship?
I was born in Scotland moved to the USA with my parents. I became a US citizen. Am retired now and would like to move back. Is it possible?
Thanks
McMurdol
Think it depends on whether you renounced your British citizenship. Need to find out if these forms were filled out. If this wasn’t done then you are still a UK citizen and can just apply for a passport.
If you did renounce it – it is still possible to regain it: https://www.gov.uk/renounce-british-nationality/resume-your-british-nationality.
I was born in Irvine in 1964 , emigrated in 73 to Canada , what would I need to do to relocate “home” ?
All depends whether you renounced your British citizenship.
On part 2 of the spousal part. Lots of paperwork and make sure you have lots of money. Total cost till it’s all done in 2019, about £5,500.00 (That’s pounds!)!
Hi, my great grandfather was born in Scotland, and moved to South Africa, where my Grandfather was born. My grandfather worked on the mail ships between Liverpool and Cape Town, and I believe had a Scottish passport. My mother never obtained a Scottish/UK passport. Is there anyway I could apply for an ancestral visa? I would pay medical upfront ffor the 5 years for my family and myself, and we would work to support ourselves?
Thanks
Jason
Sorry Ancestry Visas are for Grandparents – https://www.gov.uk/ancestry-visa/overview
If your Grandfather had a British passport then you would be able to apply for an Ancestry Visa
My husband and I have been together for 13 years and only got married earlier this year. He is a British citizen who has been living in the US since he was 13 with a Permanent Resident Green card. I am a US citizen. While his immediate family (mother, father, siblings) all live in the US, all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. still live in England.
We want to move to Edinburgh in a couple years so we are researching now. I am trying to find out if I will be able to move there on a Spouse Visa since he is still a British citizen or will the fact that he’s lived in the US since he was 13 not allow that?
someone commented that you could basically buy a house and stay there every six months, is that even an option? I am concerned about not being able to get a work visa, and am seriously interested in relocation.
The six months on/six months off (UK/US) thing isn’t allowed. You may stay up to six months in a twelve month period but when you return for the next six month period you WILL be asked by immigration WHY you’re spending so much time in the UK on a regular basis. (State your business.) It isn’t allowed although there are those who have tried. Eventually the immigration officers WILL turn you back. Best to just do it legally.
My grandfather was born in Scotland. My father was born in London and came to the USA in 1930. I’m 62 now and retired, would I be able to live in Scotland as a citizen.
You wouldn’t be a citizen. Unless you already are. You’d need to apply. You would probably have to come here on an ancestral visa for 5 years then apply to become permanent and become a citizen after that. You would need to pay your own healthcare and support yourself. See: https://www.gov.uk/ancestry-visa
I want to know more about scotland
So I have an American Passport, I live in Paris, Fr. But my grandparents were born in Scotland. Can I still qualify for the Ancestory Visa?
Hello Amanda
I like to relocate to Scotland,I live in Germany and I have a German nationality.mean I am EEA member,but I don’t know which type of visa do I need?
Thanks
I Actually have a few questions, My mother’s mother who was born in 1931 in Glasgow , moved here when she was about 17, Myself and my husband are both scottish decent and live in the United States, we are looking to relocate us and our 2 kids to Scotland, which visa would we have to apply for? We are looking to make a permanate move from the states to Scotland.
and my other question is, how hard would the transition be for my children this is a long term decsion our daughter is 12 and our son is 3, we truly want the best for them but we dont want to make a huge decision if it will affect the kids but they deserve to see where their families come from as well as the beauty of the country
is it possible to move my US-based business to Scotland? myself and family along with it? I’m one generation too old to apply for an ancestry visa.
Hello! I am a Buchanan by birth. I’m wondering if that will help me in my quest to relocate!!
Hi. I live in Australia and left Morayshire 14 years ago. Born in UK. Would I need significant savings to return as a permanent resident of Morayshire? What’s the required amount? Thanks in advance.
Hallo.
I live in South Africa and my family has been part of South Africa for many generations. My Fiance and i are looking to relocate to Scotland but have NO idea how to do it and what we need. I am currently studying Financial Accounting and he does air-conditioning.
What type of visa would we need to live and work in Scotland and maybe have our family there as well?
Your advice would be appreciated.
Thank You
We live in Florida USA and want to retire to Scotland…buy a small home and live off our US social security, pensions and savings. is this possible? Would we still have t return home every 6 months or could we apply for a longer stay visa? And how about Medical Care?
thanks for your help any information would be appreciated. We are both USA citizens.
Teri
My husband and I are looking to take a trip as his grandparents were born in Scotland (historical exploration) two of the castles out there were in his family clan. From reading this web page he would be deemed as a Scottish Citizen, is that correct? We are retired in Canada and it would be fascinating and fun to obtain citizenship, but would I, as his wife be permitted to reside with him if he was a citizen?
I have no Scottish ancestry (maybe UK – Wilbanks) but not within two generations. I work with blood transfusion, non-crossmatched products, in a large hospital. Looks like my best bet might be a kidney donation…..easier than a spouse.
My ancestors who were forced out of Scotland years ago and I cannot imagine what their struggles were like. Just finding out that I’m 75% Scottish and 25% Great Britain, Am I welcomed back to where my blood belongs???
Because your parents are British (presuming – because you say you are 100% British – Scotland is in Britain) you can apply for citizenship.
Hello:) thanks for the heads,
i just wanted to ask i have a British passport as my father is from Scotland.
i am looking into migrating to Edinburgh from south Africa, but cant seem to find anything about how to do so with the correct passport.
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for the great information. I am an Australian woman aged 54 years still working, and my partner is 36 years and working but not earning as much. Neither of us has a grandparent who was Scottish. I have a Great grandparent who was Scottish though. We have 3 fur children too (indoor cats) that we could not leave behind. We were thinking about buying a house there and moving permanently to live. Is there any chance for us? What would we need to do?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
Nikky
Hi Amanda (mum almost named me that!)! My mother was born in Edinburgh. She came over to NYC during WWII when she was a young teen- finished high school in the States until the War was over and then went home. But the returning soldiers taking the Uni spots and the lack of food and jobs just made her want to return to New York. She did, where she met my father. They married, in 1949, but he was paranoid that she would be deported, for some reason, and made her give up her British citizenship. They divorced in 1967 and she got remarried to another American. She’s now 89 and is still in New York but, sadly, in the throes of dementia. There would be no way she could get her citizenship back– it would be too confusing for her. And I’m not sure she’d want to- as she might lose her Social Security retirement benefits(?) So, why I’m asking, anyway, isn’t for her: it’s for myself. As the child of a Scottish mother, I’d like to know if I can get dual citizenship even though mum gave up her citizenship because my father made her? (My father is deceased.) It’s incredibly frustrating if I can’t. My mum is from Scotland! I want to move there! Why can’t I? I haven’t been able to get any answers from the British Embassy in NYC because they say I have to go in person and make an appointment and I currently reside 1000 miles away in Minneapolis! Thank you SO MUCH for any assistance!
Wondering if you can assist me. I am South African and my grandmother was born in Burma.
Her father was stationed there to my knowledge. Both her father and mother were Scottish.
She has been in s.Africa since around 2 years old. She doesnt have her scottish passport but would be happy to obtain it if it would help me. Is there anyway i could get an ancestral visa through her?
How far back to they require a grandparent to be? My 5th Great Grandfather was Alisdair McGillivray, who in 1745, fought for The Bonnie Prince Charlie as the General, and died in the Battle of Colluden. There is still a monument marking the spot where he died to this day. I believe it is in Loch Ness. I would have to go back and read my notes to be sure.
Would that qualify me to be elligible for a visa?
Good morning
I want your assistance that I was adopted in Glasgow in 1970 and then was forced to leave Pakistan and living here since them ,however my step father and mother who were my uncle and aunty has died recently ,can I apply for ancestor visa or so and also for the in heritage property etc. Plz.
Hi Ms. Amanda,
I hope this email finds you well. I have a favour to ask about my job offer from the prestigious hospital in UK. One thing I want to know in the package which includes the processing fee UK Work Permit visa, is it the responsibility of the job applicant? It is written in the contract that the HR Dept will be responsible for the processing including other related documents. Please advised. Thank you for your time.
You will need to speak to the company offering you employment to find out if they are completely organising your visa for you or just helping and paying, this does need to all be set up before coming here.
Hi Amanda,
My husband is Scottish and has been in South Africa for 50 years. We have been married for 30 years. I am South African and would like to know if I need a special visa to live in Scotland. We are both retired and want to know. My husband gets a British pension and would like to know whether his pension will increase according to the British scale as we live in a commonwealth country and his pension has never increased. Will we be entitled to NHS? Should my Husband pass away before me “Will I be thrown out of the country.” he is 84 and I am 70. We do intend to buy our own home and not expect charity. My main reason for wanting to go to Scotland is that we white people are not safe in South Africa.
Hi
If your husband didn’t give up his British Citizenship then it should be straight forward if you can financially support yourselves. Is he still a British National? He may need to do things like the Habitual Residence Test.
Your tax/NI has been paid in South Africa so the pension (i think) would have to be transferred to the UK. But if he’s worked in the UK then a pension may be due.
To qualify for financial help it’s all means tested so goes on savings etc. To get non-emergency NHS hospital treatment you need to prove evidence you are an ‘ordinarily resident’ in the United Kingdom or you can get charged.
A spouse visas will be needed for yourself.
Accommodation would need to be paid for by yourselves.
Hi Amanda,
I hope you can help me a little and give me some Ideas about my situation.
I am a 41 Y.O Mechanic engineer with about 15 years of experience in project planning and management in fields of oil, gas and petrochemical construction and equipment fabrication projects. My wife is teaching at the university as a Ph.D. member of the chemical engineering faculty. we live in Iran and I believe that Scotland would be a good choice for migration but we have no relatives there to guide us on this matter. I just wanted to know if there is a suitable type of visa or application method in order to help us move to this country.
I’ll be very glad to have your guidance.
Best
Pasha
I wish to return to Scotland after emigrating to Australia in 1964. I am a British Passport holder, have never become an Australian citizen. Could you please advise me how to startthe proceedings.
Hi amanda i am british but my family is afghan in afghanistan i know it is hard to bring my family in the uk .i have two children my eufe need english test 18000poud and 3500 first and 2500 second to support my family. If scotland separate from england can i bring my family to scotand without too much money and english test my wi
HI i have a british passport and birth certificate and i want to find out if i csn emmigrate to Scotland permanently. I am 50 years opd and have familyvbased in Scotland
Hey,I’m a descendant of Simeon “The Fox” Fraser.A Grand Daughter.A Great ++++ Granddaughter.I was on a tour in 2016 but did not get enough info even though I came back to Canada with a historical book.I fell in love with Scotland,it’s in my blood,literally.I want to return to travel & do more research.Please tell me how I can make this dream come true?!!!
Hi Amanda
I would.like to move from.South Africa to Scotland
My father use to live in Edinburgh and was married to
a Scotish citizen (sadly he past away a few years ago after living there for almost 25 years and having businesses in Edinburgh. I was born in South Africa.
I would like to know can I move there as I will be
living with my stepmom .
I would just.like to know what are the procedures
and or for what visa to I apply?
I do have my own business in Cape Town.
I do security product installations .
Thanks George
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for the information. I am considering relocating to Scotland from Canada. I have dual citizenship so I am certain that I can move over and work right away. I am married and have children. My understanding is that I would apply for visas for them as dependents? If successful, could my husband work under that visa? If he or the kids (older teens) couldn’t work, how long would they have to wait? Thanks!
Hi, I am applying for an ancestry visa… i am a bit confused about duties and taxes coming into the country. i know I can bring in household goods without duty.. but I plan to work there as a massage therapist, as well as sell my work as a silversmith. I have tools … small tools such as pliers, hammers, files etc…. also some stock of pieces of jewelry I have made, and will resell… I am not keen on selling everything here, and then having to build up inventory again… do you know the ruling on this matter, or could you direct me to the right page, or person to mail so that I can get a clear idea of where I will stand regarding this… it is a small one person business.. and not a very large inventory… most probably under 1.000.00 us dollars
My wife and I are both retired and have zero debt. We have an income of $100,000 US per year before taxes. My wife’s maternal grandparents were both born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada back in the early 1920’s. My wife was born in Canada but now is a US citizen by naturalization.
My question is: is it possible for us to move and retire to Scotland? Is it truly a 5 year process? Where would we begin the process if it is possible?
We are both of Scottish ancestry and have been to Scotland 4 times. We would love to live out our retirement years in Scotland but are unsure we would be allowed in.
Good day I would like to find out if it’s possible for me and my family to move to scotland and what procedures I should follow
My fiance and I have our own Occupational Health and Safety Training and Consultation company would that be of any importance
We have a 2 year old daughter and we are looking for a better life and environment to raise our child
I am re-locating to Scotland and would like to work there. My mother and father were both born in Scotland, so am believe I am already a duel citizen. Are there any documents that I need to do to move there?
Hello, my name is Dora, my grandmother is a Mclelland. Her side of the family is Scottish/Irish. However while doing the ancestry of her line, I fall short with her grandfather John Mclelland. I say this because I want to relocate to Scotland, but I cannot do it through Ancestry. I have two children, would like them to know their heritage fully. I’m am is the US. What would be the best option for me to relocate. Time is not a worry. I want to become a resident. Thanks!
Well that stinks. I am related to Scottish royalty out the ying yang but I am stuck her with the combover…Woe to me 🙁
This makes me sad. I was hoping to retire in Scotland someday. I doubt I’d ever have the money to start my own business there. I have heritage there and it’s always called to me. Now I want to cry.
If my husband is getting a work visa to live in Scotland and I plan to move with him on a family visa or whatever visa/clearance I need would I be able to work at all while living there without getting my own work visa? Like as a waitress or in retail?
Thank you!
America gets grief for wanting to stop people from just walking in and staying forever. I’m Scottish and English but mostly Scottish on both paternal and maternal sides. I’m amazed in this day and age where we have mass migration and people just walking into other nations and staying, someone like myself, that has a sizeable retirement, cannot move to Scotland without jumping through so many hoops. Heck Mexico is more welcoming than my second homeland. Scotland, doesn’t sound like a very welcoming place to me and they don’t even consider how much money US retirees would inject into the economy.
Its UK GOVERNMENT rules, not Scotlands.
Hi both of my grandparents n were born and raised in the lowlands of Scotland had 5 children my aunts and uncles…then moved to canada in the late 50s n had my late uncle Ian n my mother…my father is a mix of different white European Brittish,Scottish,Welsh,Irish n my last name is Kerr which is very scottish(looked it up) i also grew up very scottish with kilted weddings and funerals n family gatherings with bagpipes n scottish treats…i geel a strong connection to the land here in canda n im sure i would in scotlands too…i also stand against tyranny in all shapes n form…im just fiery as im sure alot of Scottish are…i feel its my heritage that makes me this way n im proud of it….so what im asking is what rights would i have in scotland to visit as a decendant id say with my fathers mix im still atleast 75 percent scottish….thanx john
If it ever becomes a lot simpler to move to Scotland, my family and I will surely move one fine day. My husband is a descendant of Robert the Bruce, and I have only found descendants of mine through ireland. ( O’Cannys) I’ve always been drawn to Scotland and Ireland since I was young. I feel as though my soul belongs there. One day I hope to visit and see this beautiful land for myself. I’m in awe of all the history of Scotland, and love it so much. Perhaps one day.
How do i find the roots of my grandfather, or any family details about him, a scottish, must have been born in early 1900, a warfram miner, and located to East Africa in the early 1930’s, and later went back to britain? Please assist me where i can get records of British nationals who went to East Africa during that time
would being descended from Scotland’s Stuart royals get you a better chance of moving and becoming citizen? i would wait to start my reign until after i am a true Scot.
My grandparents were born in Scotland and so was my husband. How can I apply for a British passport through my hisband? We were married 31 years ago in Canada.
Hi Amanda
i am a Scot with a current UK passport and a RSA wife of 15 years. I wish to return to Scotland to live once travelling is “normal”.
I am a permanent resident on RSA and lived here since 1972.
How do I get back to Scotland with my wife ? I have 2 brothers living in Scotland, 1 in Scone and 1 in Loch Lomond.
Kind regards
Jim Mitchell
Where do I start the process to return to Scotland ?
My 3rd great grandpa (5th generation) migrated from Scotland to the USA between 1830 and 1866 when he died. We have a castle in my surname in Scotland as well a cemetery and lots of other things. Since i am a US citizen born and raised in the US as well as 4 generations in the US.
We wish to retire in Scotland. I have traced my lineage tracing back to Scotland back to 1682 all the way back to my 8th great grandpa being born in the castle.
Does any of this qualify me to become a Scot citizen based on ancestry?
if not could we qualify by living in scotland for 10 years then since there is a castle and 4 generations ago we my ancesors lived there that give us a “connection”?
If not do we have any other options to get citizenship?
How much do you recommend to save for relocation fees? My husband and I are looking to expat out of the US and move to Scotland, I plan to try for a student visa and he will have no problem finding work as a Senior Network Engineer. We just want to know how much we should be saving in preparation.
Hello my name is Greg Campbell my father was and my 20th great grandfather was Sir Dungald 3rd Lord Craignish Campbell born 1199 died in 1280 at the age of 81 his wife my 20th great grandmother was Skipnish MacSween. My son is in United States Marines and we would love to come back home to Scotland. I have all the records. Is it easier to move to Scotland having such a strong bloodline. Any family in Scotland would like to speak to me email me at campbellgreg198@gmail.com
Sorry, my fathers name is Earnest Ray “Sunny Boy” Campbell
I was wanting to move from the US and my ancestors( like 4 generations back) lived in Scotland. I have 2 little girls and I honestly do not want to bring my children up in this country. How would I go about finding the right visa or finding the correct information, everywhere I look I see skilled visas and such…. 😒😔😔😔😔