Written by: Isaac Grant
Date:

There are many reasons that can influence a person’s decision to move from one country to another. Amongst many reasons, a recently popular one is Brexit. The United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union has brought many different changes into the world, and the moving industry in the US has felt its effect. When it comes to moving, both interstate and locally, you can always turn to Verified Movers reviews for any piece of advice. Furthermore, be sure to stick around because we will talk about Brexit’s effect on Americans moving to Scotland.

Is moving to Scotland worth it?

Suppose you are looking for a place in the UK that offers a historical vibe, beautiful nature, and affordable living costs. In that case, you should consider moving to Scotland. Unfortunately, besides its advantages, Scotland is pretty far away. To get there in the most efficient and affordable way, you need to be prepared. Doing research on moving companies that dabble in interstate moving is a must, for starters. Some states in the US, like Mississippi and Alabama, have drastically different climates and humidity conditions. Not only will it cost you some time to get used to these new conditions, but your belongings can get ruined. So, it is important that you find some of the best Mississippi long distance moving companies to make your move as good as it can get.

A bridge in Scotland
Scotland has a fairytale scenery.

Make sure to pack all you need, or better yet, let the movers do it for you. Discard, sell, or donate anything that you no longer need. Brexit’s effect on Americans moving to Scotland might have been severe, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it. Move to Scotland by plane to by cruise, so it can feel like you’re on vacation. And, of course, be sure to do your research about how Brexit affects Americans moving to Scotland. You can never be too prepared.

Brexit’s effect on Americans moving to Scotland is notable through visa changes

The first thing you need to do, if you are planning on moving to Scotland, is to check if you have proper documentation for moving overseas. Prior to Brexit, Americans could stay in the UK without a visa for up to six months. Nowadays, you will have to apply for one. Depending on the conditions and the reason for the move, there are various sorts of visas available. For instance, a person going to Scotland for academic purposes must apply for a student visa. On the other hand, persons moving to Scotland for employment purposes should apply for a work visa, and so on…

a passport
Brexit’s effect on Americans moving to Scotland is most noticeable with visas

To make sure you are applying for the right visa, you should speak with immigration specialists. The application procedure can get complicated, but they will make sure that you do it correctly. Brexit’s effect on Americans moving to Scotland has made some Americans reluctant to move there, but still, with its many attributes, Scotland keeps attracting people.

Costs of living in Scotland after Brexit

The impact on living expenses for Americans who are moving from US to Scotland as a result of Brexit should be considered. The value of the pound has changed drastically because of the UK’s exit from the EU. This has led to an increase in living costs in the UK (especially for Americans). Americans migrating to Scotland should expect higher prices since housing, groceries, and all other necessities have grown in price. Noting that the UK has a higher tax rate than the US will also affect overall living costs. Rent and mortgage will get expensive once you contribute the Council Tax to them. This tax is pretty much like Property Tax that includes things like water, electricity, trash collections, etc.

A person who is moving overseas due to the Brexit's effect on Americans moving to Scotland putting a coin in the piggy bank
Research the difference in living costs

If you have children, you should think about childcare expenses. A large portion of them is subsidized by the Scottish Government and depends on your income level and the child’s age. When it comes to income levels, it’s good to know that the majority of people in Scotland earn around £25.600 to £31.672. When it comes to saving money in Scotland, here are some tips:

  • Choose a neighborhood outside the city center area
  • Get vouchers and discounts by using mobile apps
  • Use reusable cups because most coffee shops will gladly give you a discount for using it
  • Get recommendations from friends and family, or from online communities, for cheaper shopping options.

Pros and cons of living in Scotland

As with any other country, living in Scotland indeed has its pros and cons, and we’ll discuss them in more detail below.

Pros

  • National Healthcare – One of the most obvious and desired benefits is the National Healthcare Service. Knowing that you can receive the medical care you need without worrying about insurance, or the amount that you will have to pay out-of-pocket is an extraordinary benefit of living in Scotland.
  • Student Loans – Free higher education is another fantastic perk of living in Scotland. A big number of Americans have student debts, which limits their possibilities in life. On the other hand, here you can use that money for other, much-needed purposes.
  • Welcoming Communities – While not all Scots are flawless, the country in general is a friendly place to visit and inhabit. The locals will even call you “New Scots” out of politeness.

Cons

  • The Weather – Weather in Scotland is something that all visitors have to get used to. If it’s any consolation, even the locals aren’t a fan of how unpredictable and gloomy the weather can get. But if they got used to it, we are sure that you will as well.
  • Housing Standards – Distance from loved ones and your home might be difficult for a while. However, in the current day and age of technology, getting in contact with your loved ones is simple and easy. All this will help you get used to your new life in Scotland faster.

Scotland is truly a country worth visiting and moving to

In conclusion, Brexit’s effect on Americans moving to Scotland is pretty noticeable. You will quickly understand why Scottish people are regarded as the friendliest in the UK. However, when deciding to relocate, you should carefully weigh the additional visa requirements and increased living costs. To make sure that your move it is simple and stress-free, it is crucial to speak with professionals