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Moving to Scotland from the US

Moving Costs, Immigrating and Lifestyle

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We’ve compiled an expert moving guide that will walk you through the entire process—from costs to visas to housing; we’ve got your back. Keep reading!

Cost of Moving to Scotland from America

The average cost of moving from the U.S. to Scotland ranges between $7,500 and $15,000, depending on the size of your household goods and the origin location.

Below is an estimate of shipping costs and times from the East and West Coasts of the United States:

Moving Costs to Scotland: West and East Coast

PropertyEast CoastWest Coast
1-bedroom$5,200 – $7,200$6,400 – $8,600
2-bedrooms$7,100 – $9,600$8,600 – $11,600
3-bedrooms$12,400 – $18,600$15,500 – $20,900
4-bedrooms$13,300 – $17,800$16,400 – $22,000

Disclaimer: The rates shown above are just mere estimates. Your moving costs will vary depending on your actual point of departure, the size of your move, and the service rates of the company.

Like with any international move, there are more than a few factors that will affect the costs of your move to Scotland. The volume of your move heavily influences your moving costs, the easiest way to save money during your move is to downsize your belongings.

Check out our tips to do it like a pro.

Moving to Scotland with Pets

When moving to Scotland from America, you’ll need to make sure that your pet meets the following requirements:

  • Be microchipped.
  • Vaccinated against rabies and received treatment against tapeworm.
  • Own a Pet Health Certificate obtained from an accredited US veterinarian.

Read all the information on Animal imports and exports: guidance official Scottish Government page.

Moving Companies to Scotland

Are you searching for movers to Scotland? You’re in the right place. Take a look at the 3 best international removal companies from America to Scotland:

1. Laser Moving

2. Ruby International

3. Uplift Movers

As experts in moving we can tell you with certainty that moving costs are generally quite hard to estimate, so our pro tip is that you request moving quotes ASAP –this is truly the only way you’ll be able to get an accurate estimation of how much a move to Scotland will cost you!

Get Free Moving Quotes to Scotland
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Immigrating to Scotland from the USA

Before relocating to Scotland, there are a few essential things you should know:

  1. Understand the immigration process
  2. Find a job and secure your visa
  3. Learn about the healthcare system
  4. Arrange your finances
  5. Research lifestyle, costs, and culture

Scotland Visa Requirements for US Citizens

As an American citizen, you’ll need a valid visa to work, live or study in Scotland. Here’s a brief overview of the most common visa types:

  • Skilled Worker Visa: For individuals with job offers in eligible occupations from UK-based employers.
  • Global Talent Visa: Designed for highly skilled individuals in fields like science, arts, and technology.
  • Start-Up Visa: For entrepreneurs launching an innovative business idea in Scotland.
  • Investor Visa: For those planning to invest significant funds in the UK economy.
  • Innovator Visa: Aimed at experienced entrepreneurs with unique business ideas.
  • UK Ancestry Visa: For individuals with a grandparent born in the UK.

Remember! Every visa application is treated as an individual case, so make sure to check out the following governmental website for more information on what type of visa you’ll be eligible for.

How to Get a Work Visa to Scotland

If you’re wondering how to move to Scotland and get a job, make sure to first have a job offer. This is necessary to apply for a visa that allows you to live and work there.

  1. Determine the type of visa you need – Depending on your situation, it can be more suitable for a Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, or entrepreneur visa.
  2. Secure a job offer – First, you’ll need a formal job offer from a Scottish employer to apply for a visa. The company must be able to sponsor you and the job needs to meet certain skills and salary criteria.
  3. Ensure you meet the requirements – Generally, you should have a valid passport, proof of English proficiency, and sufficient funding.
  4. Prepare the documents – This includes your job offer and certificate of sponsorship from the employer, proof of qualifications and skills required, and financial evidence.
  5. Submit your application – You can apply through the UK government website. You may need to schedule an appointment to provide your biometrical data at the visa application center in your region.
  6. Wait for approval – Depending on your situation and visa type, it may take from 2 to 8 weeks.

Healthcare System

As in the rest of the UK, the NHS is responsible for the public healthcare system in Scotland. The NHS operates under the principle of universal medical coverage for permanent residents of the UK. This means that, regardless of your nationality, healthcare will be free for you as long as you legally reside in Scotland –though you will have to pay additional fees for specialized services.

Alternatively, you also have the option to take out an international health insurance policy with an American company. Under these policies, you’ll often enjoy coverage for both medical emergencies and routine healthcare work.

Financial Arrangements: Opening a Bank Account

Unless you’re holding an EU nationality alongside your American one, you’ll have to wait at least 3 months to open a bank account in Scotland. It’s important to contact your current bank in the States to find out what your options are for the first 3 months of your stay.

Once the 3 months have passed, you’ll be able to open a bank account in Scotland without much trouble. The requirements to open an account vary per bank, but they generally include:

  • Proof of identity (e.g.: valid passport).
  • Proof of address in Scotland (e.g.: utility bill).
  • An up-to-date photograph.
  • Current employment, income, and/or savings details (including those you might have in the US).
  • An initial deposit.
  • Credit check to pass.

Exchanging your currency a few weeks before your move to Scotland from the US (or immediately after you arrive) will save you a lot of headaches –trust us on that one.

Living in Scotland as an American

Understanding the costs, lifestyle, and work opportunities is essential to making the most of your move. In this section, we’ll explore everything you need to know about living, working, and thriving in Scotland as an American.

Cost of Living in Scotland vs US

MetricAverage Cost in ScotlandAverage Cost in US
Milk (1L)$1.50$1.00
Eggs (12)$3.75$5.75
Restaurant Meal$42.25$50
One-way Transport Ticket$2.40$2.50
Basic Utilities$320$170
Monthly Rent (1 bedroom)$1,480$2,340

Source: Numbeo

Pros and Cons of Moving to Scotland from the US

Living in Scotland may have some important differences with the life you’re used to in the US. The following advantages and disadvantages may help you with your final decision:

Pros

 Free healthcare system
 Work-life balance with generous vacation policies
 Rich culture
 Affordable living costs
 Stunning nature

Cons

 Frequent rain and cold
 Limited job opportunities outside cities
 Small living spaces
 Cultural differences

Working in Scotland as an American

Keep in mind that to apply for a Scottish work-related visa you’ll need to already have a job offer from a Scottish company. Luckily, Scotland has a few sectors which are currently seeking out skilled professionals, these include: financial services, oil and gas industry, healthcare sector and service industry.

When it comes to scouting for jobs, we advise you to check out platforms such as Indeed, S1Jobs, Fish4Jobs, LinkedIn and Scot Jobs Net.

Interesting Facts About Scotland

  • Scotland’s national animal is a unicorn. Yes, you read that right, a unicorn!
  • In the Harry Potter universe, the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is found in the Scottish highlands.
  • The Scottish town of Bonnybridge has become the UFO capital of the world —space lovers, this one’s for ya’.
  • The world’s shortest commercial flight is in Scotland, lasting only 47 seconds and connecting two Scottish islands.

How to Relocate to Scotland: Checklist

We’ve compiled five important steps you cannot miss when organizing your move abroad to Scotland:

  1. Do Some Research: Take time to research Scotland, including neighborhoods, costs of living, and areas that suit your budget and lifestyle.
  2. Gather Important Documents: Collect all necessary legal documents (passport, certificates, visa application…) and store them securely for easy access during your move.
  3. Declutter Your Belongings: Reduce your moving costs by decluttering before your move. The less you ship, the more you save.
  4. Choose a Reputable International Mover: Explore top-rated international moving companies to simplify your relocation process.
  5. Start Packing Early: Make packing a priority. Label boxes clearly to stay organized and make unpacking hassle-free.

Frequently asked questions

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