Moving to Scotland from US can be very challenging; you would be confused about how to get yourself there or what to take along with you. Not to worry, here is a list of things you need to get or do to make your move to Scotland successful.
Visa
Of course, getting a visa to Scotland is the first leap to a successful move. However, Americans are allowed to visit and stay in Scotland for six months without a visa as long as their US passport is valid for six months after their due date of departure.
Required Documents
If you are moving to Scotland for study purposes, you will need proof of funds, an original letter from the sponsor (if you are being sponsored), a valid passport, original qualifications, and confirmation of acceptance for studies. Conversely, if you are moving to Scotland for work purposes, you will need to show proof of funds and other requirements.
Find A Place To Stay
Even if it’s temporary, it is still essential to get a good place to stay before moving to Scotland.
Get A UK Phone Number
This is super essential, and it can be done before traveling.
Get A National Insurance Number(NIN)
No one can work in Scotland or the UK without having a National Insurance Number. You have to work towards getting yours once you arrive in Scotland to ensure that you are taxed and paid correctly. You can find ways to get yours here.
Set Up Your Bank Account
Whether you do this before moving or when you are already in Scotland, you still can’t deny the importance of it. One way or the other, you will need to transfer funds, especially when you move to Scotland from US for work purposes. So, you can open an account with Barclays or Natwest bank.
Find A Job
You will need a job before moving to Scotland because you can’t obtain a work permit without having a job offer already in Scotland.
Get Admission Into A Scottish University
You will most likely need to be admitted into a college in Scotland before moving because you will need confirmation of admittance while processing your visa.
Get A Scottish CV
You can get someone on a freelance website to change or format your CV into the Scottish style. This will help you in getting jobs faster while in Scotland. Also, don’t forget to highlight your skills and job experience appropriately.
FAQs
How Much Does it Cost to Move from the USA to Scotland?
| Home Size | Moving Company | Freight Company |
|---|
| Studio/1 Bedroom | $1,680-$5,840 | $1,520-$2,160 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $2,200-$8,050 | $2,185-$3,180 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $3,885-$10,300 | $2,850-$3,600 |
Nov 8, 2023
Visa Process to move to Scotland from the USA
If you have a valid American passport you can stay in Scotland for 6 months without any visa. However, if you want to move to Scotland from the USA for a longer term than 6 months or want to settle down in this country, then you need to hold a proper visa.
How much money do I need to move to Scotland? ›
American expats will enjoy the overall lower cost of living in Scotland compared to the US. On average, household goods and rent prices range from 17% to 32% less than most US cities. A single person's average living cost is around $833 plus rent. A family of four spends around $2,900 monthly plus rent.
Is it cheaper to live in Scotland than the US? ›
Food costs in Scotland are lower, and the quality of produce is generally higher. The NHS in Scotland provides free healthcare services, reducing medical expenses for residents. Overall, Scotland offers a more affordable cost of living compared to the United States.
What is the cheapest way to move from USA to UK? ›
By ship. The cost of transporting your household and personal items by ship is almost five times cheaper than by air. However, it takes several months to receive your things. If you want to use this option, consider moving your things a few months before your trip.
How much is rent in Scotland in US dollars? ›
Average Cost of Living
| Expenses | Edinburgh, Scotland | Washington D.C, U.S. |
|---|
| 1 bedroom apartment at the city center | $1080 | $1813 |
| 3 bedroom apartment in the city center | $2059 | $1494 |
| Utility bill for 1 person | $119 | $98.5 |
| Utility bill for a family | $184 | $151 |
3 more rowsFind A Job
You will need a job before moving to Scotland because you can't obtain a work permit without having a job offer already in Scotland.
Can you buy a house in Scotland if you are a US citizen? ›
Additionally, buying property in Scotland as a foreigner may have certain legal and tax implications, so it is important to consult with a qualified attorney and/or real estate agent familiar with the process. Yes, almost certainly.
Is it a good idea to move to Scotland? ›
In contrast to the rest of the UK, is a happy place to live, according to Rightmove's Happy at Home study, which lists the 14 happiest places to live in Scotland 2022 including Galashiels, Perth, Stirling, Dundee, Inverness, Falkirk, Paisley, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, Ayr, Motherwell, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen.
What is a livable salary in Scotland? ›
This does not take into consideration non-essential expenses. You can live comfortably, covering expenses and setting aside money for savings, in Scotland with a monthly salary of £2,500, which is below the average salary.
Scotland's average rent sat at £1,097, with two-bedroom properties once again seeing the largest increase in rates, with a 14.1% annual rise meaning the average cost for this property type was £1,054 per calendar month.
Why is property so cheap in Scotland? ›
Some areas of Scotland are cheaper than some areas of the UK, but places like Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen are most expensive that many places in England or Wales. Property will be cheaper in an area if either there are more houses for sale than buyers or the area is economically deprived - no jobs in other words.
Can an American just move to Scotland? ›
So, if you want to relocate to Scotland, you need a UK visa from the UK Home Office (a.k.a UK Visas and Immigration).
What part of America is most like Scotland? ›
For a similar European-feeling getaway to the Emerald Isle, skip the trip across the pond and head to North Carolina. Believe it or not, the United States Appalachian Mountains were once connected to the Scottish-Irish Highlands in the days of Pangea, so the mountains aren't only a good dupe, but distant relatives.
What is the average price of a house in Scotland? ›
The average house price in Scotland is more than £200,000, according to the latest figures from mortgage lender Halifax. The building society's House Price Index found that the cost of a home north of the border had increased by 2.8 per cent during the past 12 months, meaning average house prices now stand at £205,523.
How much does it cost for an American to move to the UK? ›
The average cost of moving to London from the US is between $3,000 and $7,000. The size of your home, the time of the year you move, and your current location will eventually affect the total cost of your move.
Is Scotland a good place for Americans to live? ›
Scotland is also known for its friendly people, excellent education system, and strong economy. Additionally, Scotland is a great place to explore, with plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing. The cons of living in Scotland include its unpredictable weather, with cold winters and wet summers.
Is it expensive to live in Scotland? ›
The average cost of living in Scotland per month is around £1,500, which is 1.26 times less expensive than the average in the UK. Scotland was rated as the finest place to live in and the eighth most expensive state in the UK.
