Relocation Advisory Service

The Relocation Advisory Service (RAS) is the Scottish Government's team who can assist you with questions you may have in relation to moving to Scotland. 

There is no charge for our service and we can assist individuals who have immigration or visa queries.

We also offer advice to companies who wish to know how they can employ international workers. As part of our team we are delighted to have Nina Russell, Immigration Advisor

RAS provides information and advice on relocating to Scotland, FREE OF CHARGE.

We are not a recruitment agency though we can give you advice on how to look for work in Scotland.

We do not process visas/permission to work applications - that is for the UK Border Agency - but we can give advice on how to complete these. 

We offer information about specialised organisations who can make sure that you have all the advice that you need to help you to make the decision to move to Scotland.

We give information, advice and links to useful contacts to anyone looking to move to Scotland to individual and families, and businesses, including:

• Immigration: points based system; self assessment points based calculator
• Accommodation
• Business
• Work
• Health
• Study
• Schools
• Higher Education
• Transport
• Pets

"I contacted the RAS for information regarding UK .Visa. I didn't think I would hear anything back, as you never seem to from Internet Help lines, however, within the hour I was sent a personal e-mail that really helped me understand my options." – Sally Egan, Australia

"The folks at RAS were really helpful in answering my questions about moving to Scotland, providing me with simple, straightforward, useful information." – Shoshana Gross, USA

"I was totally amazed at the speed and much more importantly the quantity and quality of information that I received from RAS. I received information and useful links on relocating to Scotland (everything from nursery costs to lists of estate agents). I changed from feeling like a lost stranger, to a welcomed friend. I have recommended the RAS to many colleagues who wanted to find out more about moving to Scotland." – Adrian Vaz, UK citizen working in India

• Read case studies about People

We can explain in detail the Points Based System for immigration and give advice on which routes are available to you for employing international workers who need permission to work in the UK. 

• Useful business resources - including our Employing Migrant Workers booklet 
• Business Case Studies - of companies who have employed international workers
• More information on our service for businesses

"The information and support from RAS has made it much easier for us to recruit from abroad. Undoubtedly this has contributed to the growth of our business." – Colin MacDonald, Real Time Worlds

"RAS gave our business support on immigration issues, general advice as well as for individual cases. RAS also helped by supplying our new employees with welcome packs in English and polish - giving practical advice on living and working in Scotland." – Christina Ruz, Babcock Engineering

"If you are looking to start up a business in Scotland, it's a good idea to take advice from RAS. They will give you contact details of many organisations who can help." – Liliana Dabic, Designer and dressmaker

• Read more Business Case Studies

The RAS team are often out 'on the road' attending events and giving presentations to Employers.

Contact the team if you would like us to attend an event or lead a presentation.

Find out about Forthcoming events.

By email

• RAS Form (Word, 446Kb)

Please email your completed RAS form to: info@scotlandistheplace.com

By tel or fax

Tel: 0300 244 6826 (from UK); + 44 (0) 141 278 8826 (from overseas); RNIB/BT Typetalk

To make an appointment please contact RAS in advance to arrange a suitable date and time. Please do not visit the office without making an appointment first.

Our offices are based in the centre of Glasgow:

5 Atlantic Quay
150 Broomielaw
Glasgow
G2 8LU

The 2009 Polish Welcome Guide is now available:

• Polish Guide 2009 - English Version (PDF, 221Kb)
• Polish Guide 2009 - Polish Version (PDF, 560Kb)

Full-colour hard copies of the guide in Polish are available from the RAS free of charge. Contact the RAS: info@scotlandistheplace.com.