We’re consistently breaking new ground in a large number of different sectors and, as a result, we have some amazing opportunities. Add in the fact that workers in Scotland enjoy an excellent work-life balance and short commuting times and you have everything you need to start, or kick-start your career.
We also know that moving to a new country is a pretty big deal and there are lots of different things to think about before you make the big move. Luckily, we’ve got you covered and have put together a handy list of things you should consider before making your move.
1. Can you work in Scotland?
Scotland is renowned for its warm and friendly welcome, which we extend to people from all around the world. With the right skills – and, in some cases, the right visa – you can join them.
If you’re thinking of joining us from within the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, the good news is that you don’t need a visa to live and work in Scotland.
If you’re thinking of joining us from outside the EEA, you will need to get a visa. We have a range of different visas depending on your individual circumstances.
Find out if you can work in Scotland on TalentScotland.com.
2. What are the benefits of working in Scotland?
Let’s start with your holiday entitlement, because we all know that all work and no play is boring – not to mention bad for you. Thankfully, all your hard work in Scotland is rewarded with a generous amount of paid time off from your job!
These holidays – known as annual leave – are calculated according to the number of days you work. If you work full-time, five days a week, you’re normally entitled to at least 28 days of paid holiday a year, though some companies offer even more.
As well as amazing holiday benefits, many people who come to Scotland to work say that the great work-life balance is one of the best things about working here.
Gabriel West, an American working for the Amazon Development Centre in Edinburgh, said:
“I’ve been very impressed by how people have this relaxed idea – a modern idea - about how much time should be spent at work and how much time should be spent doing home life things”.
Scotland also has highly regulated, good working practices and conditions to safeguard employees, high staff retention rates and the highest employment rate of the UK’s four countries.
3. What companies are in Scotland?
The good news is that you’re not the only one who thinks coming to Scotland for work is a good idea. Whether it is global giants like Amazon, Morgan Stanley and Hewlett Packard, or home-grown success stories like Skyscanner, pureLifi and 4J Studios, we are home to thousands of innovative companies for you to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a role with a Fortune 500 company or want to get in on the ground-floor with a small start-up, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Search an A-Z list of many employers in Scotland on TalentScotland.com
4. How can you find job opportunities?
Because there’s such a diverse range of companies in Scotland, there are a lot of great job opportunities. If you’ve got the skills, we’ve got the country.
Whether you’re looking for a job in technology, engineering, science or business growth and leadership, you can search for job opportunities on the TalentScotland website.
Find job opportunities on TalentScotland.com
Looking for a job in another sector? Don’t worry – there are lots of different job sites where you can find opportunities in everything from financial services and education to healthcare and gaming. Have a look at our Career Opportunities page.
5. What support can you get to help you make the move?
TalentScotland can help you make your dreams of working in Scotland a reality. Have a question about visas and immigration? Their website can point you to the information that you need. Want to know what it’s like to live here? They can help with that too.
Want to hear what it’s like to move here from someone who has already done it? TalentScotland can put you in touch with international workers who can help with any practical questions you might have about moving to, living in and working in Scotland.