EU citizens living in Scotland after Brexit

Last updated: 9 September 2019

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. This process is often known as 'Brexit'.

We're now in a transition period (also known as the implementation period) that's likely to last until the end of December 2020. This means the UK is currently still following EU rules.

In January 2021 the transition period will end and our new relationship with the EU will begin. There will be effects on some areas of life in Scotland.

This may include changes to EU citizens' rights.

The UK is now in the Brexit transition period. This means many of the details about what Brexit will mean are not yet known. This page gives the latest facts, but it will be updated as more details are confirmed. Please keep checking back for new information.

EU citizens currently living in the UK will have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 if they want to keep living in the UK after this date.

To be eligible to apply to the Settlement Scheme, EU citizens will need to show they are resident in the UK by December 2020.

You will also have to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if you're a citizen of:

  • Norway
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Switzerland

There are separate arrangements for Irish citizens, who will continue to benefit from the provisions of the Common Travel Area.

Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on the EU Settlement Scheme, including:

  • how to apply
  • who should apply
  • when to apply
  • what status you will receive
  • your rights
  • EU citizens with permanent residence or indefinite leave to remain
  • EU citizens under 21

The UK Government have said that eligible people with settled and pre-settled status will be able to:

  • use the NHS
  • access education
  • access public funds (such as benefits and pensions)
  • travel in and out of the UK

People with settled status may also be eligible able to apply for British citizenship, if they meet the criteria.

Package of support

The First Minister has written an open letter to all EU citizens in Scotland, telling them how much we value their contribution, urging them to stay and providing information on the support available to EU citizens in Scotland.

The Scottish Government has produced a package of support to help EU citizens stay in Scotland. This package of support includes:

  • a guide for EU citizens
  • a guide for employers of EU citizens
  • a factsheet
  • posters and leaflets

The government has also committed more than £1 million to supporting EU citizens in Scotland though:

  • Citizens Advice Scotland's Advice and Support Service
  • Citizens' Rights Project briefing and outreach events
  • other community based support across Scotland
  • media campaigns across digital, social media and radio

Citizens Advice Scotland operate a free national helpline as part of the Advice and Support Service. You can receive information, advice and support by calling the helpline on 0800 916 9847. Android devices for completing the ID document check can also be accessed through your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

More information about Brexit available from Citizens Advice.

EU citizens moving to Scotland after Brexit

EU citizens will be able to come to the UK under the current terms until December 2020.

If you wish to stay in the UK after December 2020 you will have to apply to the UK Government's EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021.

More information

More details for EU citizens living in Scotland will be added to this page as new information on Brexit is available.

Meanwhile, there are a number of other sites you can check for updates:

The content on this site is correct as of today's date and is based on the information available at this time. Regular updates will be made as developments around the Brexit process develop. In the event of a 'no deal' scenario, additional advice and information will be communicated through this channel. Please continue to check back for updates.