Scotland’s Migration Service 

Scotland’s Migration Service (SMS) was developed by the Scottish Government to support people who want to move to and settle in Scotland. 

If you want to live, work or study in Scotland, you can get advice from SMS. You can get practical information and advice on topics related to life in Scotland and the immigration system in the UK.  

As part of the service, Citizens Advice Bureaux in Scotland gives free advice appointments. 

You can book an appointment if you:   

• Have lived in Scotland for less than two years   
• Live in Scotland and have limited leave to enter or remain in the UK   
• Live in Scotland and have a Student visa or Graduate visa   
• Studied at a Scottish college or university in the past five years and want to move back to Scotland   
• Have a close family member who lives in Scotland and want to join them   
• Have a job offer in Scotland and want to move here   

Learn more about Scotland's Migration Service on Scotland.org opens in a new window 

Choosing Scotland

If you’re still researching Scotland to decide if it’s the right place for you, you’ll find lots of information about living in Scotland on Scotland.org. You’ll also find more information about the logistics of moving here.

Guidance on living in Scotland from Scotland.orgopens in a new window 

Guidance on moving to Scotland from Scotland.orgopens in a new window 

Working in Scotland

If you’ve decided Scotland is the right place for you, then we can’t wait to welcome you. You’ll find more information about finding a job, our working practices, what visas you’ll need, where to find companies and more right here on the Scottish International Development website.

Working in Scotland  

Real life stories

If you want to speak to someone who’s already made the move to Scotland, we can help. Listen to stories from our Talent Ambassadors – people like you who have made the move to Scotland to grow their careers. If you’d like to speak to any of them directly to hear their experiences or ask questions, just get in touch and we’ll make sure to connect you.

Read our real life stories  

If you’re an overseas business looking to set up in Scotland, Scottish Development International already provides lots of great information about the logistics involved. However, if you’re thinking of bringing employees with you, or want to hire international talent when you get here, we can help.

Setting up your business in Scotland  

Scotland's Migration Service

Do you need help navigating the visa and immigration rules around investing in Scotland, including starting your business and expanding into Scotland? 

Developed by Scottish Government, Scotland's Migration Service provides free advice that's specific to your organisation's needs. 

Learn more about Scotland's Migration Service on Scotland.orgopens in a new window 

Want to widen your search when it comes to hiring the right talent for your company? We can help you understand the logistics of hiring from overseas, how to check someone can legally work here, how the sponsorship process works, where to find talent and more.

Where to find talent  

Checking international qualifications  

Scotland's Migration Service

Do you need help navigating the visa and immigration rules around hiring international staff? 

Scotland's Migration Service can help you get advice that's specific to your organisation's needs.

Learn more on Scotland.orgopens in a new window 

Talent Ambassadors

Our Talent Ambassadors are people who have already made the move to Scotland. You can share their stories with the individuals you’re looking to recruit, to help convince them Scotland is the right place for them.

We can also put your potential new recruits in touch with Talent Ambassadors directly, so that they can share their experience in more detail.

Read our real life stories