Moving To Scotland From Canada – Common Questions About The Process

Thinking about moving to Scotland from Canada? There are a few things that you should know about before you make your move. Read on to see answers to a few common questions about moving to Scotland from Canada, and make sure you’re informed as you plan your move.

How Can I Live Permanently Or Temporarily In Scotland If I’m From Canada? 

Canadians moving to Scotland have a number of different options for visas. You can get sponsored by a Scottish company, or get a visa if you wish to found a start-up or other business in Scotland. You also may live on a student visa if you study at a university, and some people may be eligible for a Scottish visa if they have a relative who was born in the UK, such as a grandparent.

Note also that there are strict English language knowledge requirements for these visas. If you are from Quebec and your English is a little rusty, it may be worth studying up, but if you’re from an English-speaking province, you should be fine. You can learn more about available visas on this page from Scotland’s website.

Should I Bring My Car To Scotland From Canada? 

When moving to Scotland from Canada, you may want to ship your personal vehicle for use in the country. You will likely have to pay taxes on the vehicle when it’s imported, and it must meet all UK safety standards. It may not be a good idea to bring your car to Scotland from Canada.

The main reason is that in Scotland, drivers drive on the left, not the right, as is common in Canada. Driving a car built for right-hand driving can be dangerous, and these vehicles may not always meet UK safety standards. You can learn more about how to get approval for importing a car here, and use this page to calculate vehicle tax rates in the UK. 

How Can I Ship My Household Goods To Scotland From Canada?

If you move to Scotland from Canada, you can bring all of your personal items and household goods tax-free. You will need to use ground transport, like a truck, to send your items to a port in Canada, where they will be loaded onto a cargo container. Then, the container will be shipped to your destination port in Scotland. 

Air shipping is also an option, but is much more expensive than using ocean-going freight, so it’s not usually a good choice if you plan to settle in Scotland permanently and bringing a lot of your household goods to the country.

For more details about how to apply for tax relief, required paperwork, and how to identify restricted goods before you move to Scotland from Canada, click here to view more information from GOV.UK.

Need Help Moving To Scotland From Canada? Contact A-1 Auto Transport Today! 

With our team of international moving specialists, A-1 Auto Transport can assist you in moving your household goods, vehicle, and other items to Scotland from Canada. Whether you’re moving temporarily or permanently, contact us online or give us a call for a free quote and consultation.