Independence: what you need to know

Migration

Independence would allow Scotland to shape its own migration system to meet our needs as a country. This Scottish Government supports a welcoming migration policy that works for Scotland. 

Scotland’s economy benefits from inward migration. People who have chosen to live and work in Scotland are helping to grow our economy. 

This Scottish Government would offer a range of visa routes in an independent Scotland to support people to live, work or study in Scotland, or to visit or invest here. 

A new immigration system after independence 

This Scottish Government proposes a new immigration system could: 

• help grow Scotland’s population and address depopulation especially in remote and rural communities  

• support staffing for public services and address skills shortages in key sectors 

• support businesses to attract and retain the international talent they need to innovate and grow 

Asylum and refugee support 

An independent Scotland would aim to protect people fleeing danger, showing a commitment to human rights.  This government would focus on making sure people in need were given support and helped to integrate, including being given the right to work. 

Visas

Under this government’s proposals for an independent Scotland:

Live in Scotland Visa 

This would let people live and work in Scotland without needing a job offer from an employer. Applicants would need to meet certain criteria like age, education, skills, work experience, earning potential, and language ability. 

Scottish Connections Visa 

This would allow people to live and work in Scotland straight away if they met certain criteria, like having a parent or grandparent from Scotland, or studying for a degree here. 

Work in Scotland visa 

This would be linked to a job offer from an employer.  There would also be a seasonal worker visa for short-term jobs. 

Find out more:

• Building a New Scotland: Migration to Scotland after independence