Moving to Scotland from USA: Everything you need to know

Scotland is rich with historic cities and dramatic landscapes, and many Americans dream of living there. If you're thinking about moving to Scotland from the US, you probably have questions about visa requirements, the cost of living, healthcare, weather, and more.

This guide covers all of the details that Americans need to know about relocating to Scotland, whether you want to move permanently or just for a couple of years.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

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Table of contents
Quick facts about Scotland Visa options for Americans in Scotland Cost of living in Scotland Opening a bank account in Scotland Getting accommodation in Scotland Healthcare system in Scotland Best cities to live in Scotland as an expat Is it safe to live in Scotland?

Quick facts about Scotland

Scotland is part of the UK but maintains a distinct cultural identity, education systems, and legal structures.

Here are some key facts to know:

Capital	Edinburgh
Language	English (Scottish Gaelic and Scots are also spoken in some areas)
Currency	GBP
Government type	Part of the UK's constitutional monarchy with a devolved parliament
Religion	Predominantly Christian, but there’s a growing non-religious population
Weather	Cool, wet climate year-round with mild summers and cold winters
Tax treaty	Yes

Scottish winters bring short daylight hours, with a sunset sometimes by 3 or 4 PM. There's also a lot of rain throughout the year, and the summer months are pretty chilly.

Some people find this weather cozy and atmospheric, especially paired with Scotland's stone architecture and pub culture. But if you want to live in a warm and sunny place, Scotland may not be the best option for you.

Visa options for Americans in Scotland

Scotland is part of the UK, so there's no separate Scottish visa system. You'll need to qualify for one of the UK's visa categories.

The process isn't always straightforward, but Americans do relocate to Scotland successfully through a few different visa routes:

Student visa

Americans enrolled full-time at Scottish universities, colleges, or other recognized institutions need a long-term student visa. You'll need an acceptance letter from your school and proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

You can typically work part-time during term and full-time during breaks. After graduation, you may qualify for a Graduate visa that lets you stay and work (or look for work) in the UK.

Work visa

The UK has a few different types of work visas for foreigners with job offers or specialized skills, such as:¹

• Skilled Worker visa
• Global Talent visa
• Health and Care Worker visa

Many Americans relocate through the Skilled Worker visa, which requires a job offer from a UK employer licensed to sponsor visas. Your job must meet minimum salary thresholds and skill level requirements.

It's not easy, but it's possible for qualified professionals.

Family visa

Americans with close family members who are British citizens or permanent residents can apply for family visas.

The most common is the spousal visa, which requires you to be married to a UK citizen or permanent resident. You'll need to prove that your relationship is genuine, meet minimum income requirements, and satisfy a couple of other conditions to be approved.

Innovator Founder Visa

This visa suits Americans who want to start an innovative business in the UK.

Your business idea must be new, different from existing market options, and show potential for growth and job creation.

Requirements include:²

• An original business idea that's not already trading
• Endorsement from an approved UK body that assesses your business plan
• Evidence that your business can scale nationally and internationally
• Proof the business is viable with growth potential

💡 The visa lasts 3 years and can be extended indefinitely in 3-year increments. You'll meet with your endorsing body at 12 and 24 months to show business progress. After 3 years, you may qualify for permanent residence.

Cost of living in Scotland

Scotland costs less than most of the UK, but Edinburgh and other popular cities still have the potential to be quite expensive.

On average, a family of four needs around 3,159 GBP monthly, and a single person needs about 914 GBP monthly, excluding rent, to live in Edinburgh.³

Here's what common expenses look like in Edinburgh:

Expense	Average cost³
1-bedroom apartment (city center)	1,163 GBP/month
3-bedroom apartment (city center)	2,123 GBP/month
Meal at inexpensive restaurant	18 GBP
Meal for 2, mid-range restaurant (3 courses)	80 GBP
Monthly transport pass	73 GBP
Utilities	277 GBP
Mobile phone plan (monthly)	14 GBP
Toyota Corolla (or equivalent new car)	30,598 GBP
Private preschool/kindergarten (monthly per child)	1,261 GBP
International school (annual per child)	19,156 GBP

Keep in mind that Scottish salaries often run lower than those in other parts of the UK. The average net salary after tax in Edinburgh is 2,624 GBP monthly, compared to 3,707 GBP in London.³⁴

Since many Americans relocating to Scotland will earn Scottish salaries, it's something to be aware of. You'll likely earn less than you would in the US, but your expenses will also be lower—though this varies depending on which US state you're comparing.

Housing, healthcare, and transportation typically cost significantly less in Scotland, but things like dining out and entertainment sit closer to US urban prices.

If you live in a more remote location in Scotland and commute to work in a city, you may also be able to save up on costs like rent.

Opening a bank account in Scotland

It's unsustainable to rely on your US bank account while living in Scotland because it'll cost you a lot in fees and create logistical challenges. You should open a Scottish bank account to pay rent, set up utilities, and receive salary payments.

Most banks require proof of address and a visa or residence permit before opening an account. Once you're in proper legal standing, the process to open an account is relatively quick and easy.

Most banks will need to see:

• Valid passport
• Proof of Scottish address (rental agreement or utility bill)
• Visa or residence documentation
• Proof of employment or student status
• Sometimes a letter from your employer or university

Still, opening an account as a foreigner can take some time, especially if you're still figuring out the logistics like your accommodations in Scotland.

While you're getting your Scottish bank account set up, an international account like Wise helps you manage money between currencies, pay bills, and receive payments with low fees.

Tax implications for Americans in Scotland

You'll have to pay the Scottish Income Tax to the Scottish government.

The rates range from 0% to 48% depending on your income level, and high-earners should be prepared to lose a significant chunk of their earnings to taxes.⁵

It's also important to remember that as an American living in Scotland, you still have to file US tax returns. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live.

That said, the US and UK have a tax treaty that helps prevent double taxation on the same income. You may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or foreign tax credits, and end up owning little or even nothing at all to the IRS.

Some Americans prefer to work with accountants to avoid overpaying or missing deadlines, since managing tax obligations in two different countries can get stressful.

Getting accommodation in Scotland

Most Americans rent when they first arrive, even if they know that they want to stay in Scotland permanently.

Rental platforms like OnTheMarket and Zoopla can be very helpful, but many people also find apartments and houses through Facebook groups and word of mouth.

Sometimes, you'll need references, proof of income, and/or a UK guarantor if you don't have an established credit history in the country, but these requirements aren't universal.

Scotland's old tenement buildings look gorgeous from the outside, but many aren't up to modern standards. They can be cold in winter and expensive to heat. Make sure to inspect properties carefully and ask about heating costs before signing a lease.

If you're considering buying property in Scotland or want to purchase land in Scotland, these options become more realistic after you've lived there for a while and have a solid credit history.

Healthcare system in Scotland

Scotland operates the National Health Service (NHS), which provides free healthcare to residents. However, you may have to cover the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) depending on your status.

Once you have a valid visa and proof of address, you should register with a local GP (general practitioner) near your home.

NHS coverage usually includes:

• GP appointments
• Hospital care
• Emergency services
• Maternity care
• Mental health services
• Prescription medications

That said, wait times for non-urgent care can be long, stretching several weeks for specialist appointments. But emergency care is immediate and excellent.

Some Americans also decide to get private health insurance for faster access to specialists and private hospitals, and your employer may offer it as a benefit, too.

Best cities to live in Scotland as an expat

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is Scotland's capital and most popular city for expats. You'll live surrounded by historic architecture, modern amenities, cultural festivals, and many pubs and restaurants. The job market is strong, and the city attracts many international students and professionals.

However, housing often costs more than in other Scottish cities, so review your budget before you set your eyes on moving there.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a grittier and more affordable alternative to Edinburgh. The city has strong arts and music scenes, diverse neighborhoods, and lower rent prices. It feels less touristy than Edinburgh, but the weather is often rainier.

If you're on a job hunt, many professionals in Glasgow work in healthcare, engineering, and creative industries.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen sits on Scotland's northeast coast and is the country's oil and gas hub. If you work in energy, the marine industries, and related sectors, this city might be a good option for you.

You'll enjoy good schools, less crowded streets than Edinburgh or Glasgow, and dramatic coastal scenery. However, the climate is colder and windier than in southern Scotland, and the expat community is smaller.

Is it safe to live in Scotland?

Scotland is safe for Americans. Violent crime rates stay low compared to many US cities. In most areas, you'll likely feel completely at ease walking down the street.

Petty crime like pickpocketing happens occasionally in tourist areas of Edinburgh and Glasgow, but it's uncommon. Emergency services respond quickly, and healthcare facilities handle urgent situations well.

Pub culture is strong, and alcohol-related incidents sometimes occur on weekend nights in city centers, but they're not usually violent or something that has to affect you if you're not involved.

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Moving to Scotland has its charm, and there are many benefits for Americans, including a lower cost of living and free healthcare.

That said, getting a visa can be challenging because the UK immigration system is pretty strict. Students, skilled workers with job offers, and Americans with family ties in the UK or Scotland have the best chances of successfully relocating long-term.

Now, Americans living in Scotland face an expensive problem that doesn't get enough attention: international money transfers.

Every time you send USD to your Scottish bank account, convert currencies, or move money back to the US, traditional banks take a cut through fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

Many expats don't realize how much this costs them until they've been abroad for months or years.

This is when they start to look for alternatives, such as Wise.

Send money internationally with Wise to 140+ countries and 40+ currencies – all at the fair mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees.

🚀 Get started with Wise

Sources

1. UK Government - Work in the UK
2. UK Government - Innovator Founder Visa
3. Numbeo - Cost of Living in Edinburgh
4. Numbeo - Cost of Living in London
5. UK Government - Income Tax in Scotland

Sources checked 01/29/2026