Stage 2: Prepare to Start
Before you arrive in Scotland, there are several important steps to complete. This stage highlights everything you need to address before your first day, including professional registration and visa arrangements to accommodation, pre-employment checks and practical relocation planning.
This stage covers:
- Professional Preparation
- Professional Support
- Sponsorship and Immigration Support
- Exams, Assessments and Documentation
- Practical Relocation Information
- Relocation Checklist
Focus: Practical preparation for a smooth transition.
If you have any questions about the information in this resource, or you feel there is information which would be useful to add, please get in touch with the Centre for Workforce Supply at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
Professional Preparation
Navigating registration requirements in a new country can feel complex, but support is available.
The GMC offers guidance on registration, professional standards, ethical practice and career development for doctors working in the UK.
Professional Standards and Guidance
Working as a doctor in Scotland means understanding the professional standards, behaviours and responsibilities expected throughout your career. The resources provide guidance on day-to-day professional practice, ethical decision-making, inclusion in the workplace, and regulatory processes.
Use the table below to find guidance and resources based on your specific questions or support needs.
| Where do I need help? | Supporting Resources | Helpful for |
|---|---|---|
What standards am I expected to follow? | Good Medical Practice is the GMC's core guidance for doctors. It sets out the professional standards expected of everyone working in patient care, helping you to provide safe, effective and compassionate care while working positively with colleagues and patients. | All IMGs new to UK practice. |
How do I manage ethical and professional dilemmas? | The GMC's professional standards provide practical guidance for a wide range of situations you may encounter during your career, including communication, confidentiality, consent, prescribing, leadership and professional behaviour. The standards are organised into 11 categories, making it easier to find guidance relevant to the situation you are facing. To help you apply these principles in day-to-day practice, explore the professional standards in action, featuring case studies to test your knowledge. | Doctors looking for guidance on specific professional or ethical issues. |
How can I create an inclusive workplace? | Everyone has the right to work in an environment that is safe, respectful and free from discrimination. The GMC's Ethical Hub: Racism in the Workplace provides practical advice on recognising, responding to and reporting racism while applying professional standards of equality, diversity and inclusion. | IMGs seeking support or guidance on tackling discrimination and promoting inclusion. |
| What happens if concerns are raised about my practice? | Concerns about a doctor's performance, behaviour or health can arise at any stage of a medical career. Understanding the process can help reduce uncertainty and ensure you know what support is available. The GMC explains:
| Any doctor who wants to understand the regulatory process and their responsibilities. |
Professional Support
The organisations below provide professional, legal and representational support for doctors working in the UK. Ensure your indemnity cover is in place when you start working in the hospital.
These organisations can provide valuable support throughout your journey to working and training in Scotland, from specialty training and career development to professional indemnity, legal advice and workplace support.
| Organisation | How they can support you | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Royal Colleges and Faculties | Professional development, specialty training information, examinations, mentoring, networking and career guidance. | Specialty training, examinations and fellowship membership. |
| Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS) | Professional indemnity, legal support and medico-legal guidance for doctors working in the UK. | Indemnity cover, legal advice and complaint support. |
| Medical Defence Union (MDU) | Support and guidance on medico-legal issues, complaints and claims arising from clinical practice. | Indemnity cover, medico-legal advice and professional support. |
| Medical Protection Society (MPS) | Professional indemnity, medico-legal support and resources for doctors joining the UK workforce. | Indemnity cover, legal guidance and IMG-specific onboarding guidance. |
| British Medical Association (BMA) | The trade union and professional body for doctors in the United Kingdom.Advice, representation and support throughout your medical career in the UK. | Employment contracts, pay, workplace rights and wellbeing support. |
Sponsorship and Immigration Support
If you require immigration permission to work or train in the UK, it is important to understand which visa and sponsorship route applies to your circumstances. Seeking guidance early will help you prepare the right documentation and avoid delays.
| Route | Supporting Information |
|---|---|
| Visa Routes | If you are coming to Scotland from overseas, you may require a visa to work or train as a doctor. The most common routes are the Health and Care Worker Visa and the Skilled Worker Visa. Understanding the eligibility requirements, application process and expected timelines early can help you plan your move and avoid delays. You can book a free immigration advice appointment at Scotland's Migration Service | Scotland.org Find out more at Scotland's Migration Service |
| Sponsorship | NHS Scotland employers can act as your sponsor, and the route will depend on your role and training pathway. Find out more at Visa and Immigration Support for IMG Doctors |
| Immigration Support | Dedicated support is available to help you understand visa requirements, sponsorship responsibilities and immigration conditions relevant to training and employment in Scotland. Find out more at Visa and Immigration Support for IMG Doctors |
Exams, Assessments and Documentation
As you progress through your journey to practise medicine in Scotland, you may need to complete a range of examinations, assessments and verification processes. The requirements will depend on your route to GMC registration, previous training and intended career pathway.
Understanding these requirements early can help you plan effectively and avoid unnecessary delays when applying for registration, training programmes or employment opportunities.
What pathway are you following?
Examinations and Assessment Requirements
Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to complete one or more of the following:
- PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board)
- English language tests (IELTS or OET) Evidence of your knowledge of English
- Royal College examinations that support progression within specific specialties
- National recruitment assessments
- Specialty specific assessments and interviews as part of postgraduate training recruitment processes
Requirements can vary according to your qualifications, previous experience and career aspirations. Reviewing the relevant guidance at an early stage can help you understand which examinations apply to you and when they need to be completed.
Preparing Your Documentation
Many registration and recruitment processes require the submission of original documents and supporting evidence. Preparing these documents in advance can help avoid delays and ensure applications progress smoothly.
To help you prepare, review the GMC guidance on the documents and evidence required for registration and licensing: Apply for GMC registration and licensing.
Practical Relocation Information
Moving to Scotland involves more than starting a new role. The information in this section will help you plan ahead, understand what to expect, by covering the everyday essentials to help you and your family settle in key aspects of living in Scotland, like understanding the cost of living, transport, education, opening a bank account, finding accommodation and local healthcare.
Cost of Living
Check the cost of living in Scotland! It varies depending on where you live and your personal circumstances. When planning your move, it can be helpful to consider everyday expenses such as:
- Housing and accommodation
- Transport and commuting costs
- Childcare and education
- Leisure and social activities
Compare living costs and explore typical expenses using the Numbeo Cost of Living Calculator.
Banking and Personal Finances
Managing your finances is an important part of settling into life in Scotland.
Important! You must open a UK bank account to receive salary payments.
Learn more about opening a bank account in the UK by reading the Banking Guide for International Medical Graduates.
National Insurance Number
A National Insurance (NI) number is used to record your tax and National Insurance contributions and is required for employment in the UK. Before applying, it is worth checking whether you already have one.
- Check if you already have a National Insurance number
- Understand how your NI number is used
- Apply for one, if required
Learn more in the UK Government guidance on National Insurance numbers.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG)
Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme is a requirement for many NHS Scotland roles and forms part of the pre-employment checks process. Managed by Disclosure Scotland, the scheme helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and protected adults.
- Pre-employment requirement for NHS Scotland positions
- Supports patient safety and safer recruitment
- Administered by Disclosure Scotland
Learn more about PVG membership on the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme guidance.
Accommodation
Finding suitable accommodation is an important part of preparing for your move to Scotland.
You may choose to rent or buy a property depending on your circumstances and location. NHS Scotland employers may also be able to provide local advice on accommodation and relocation.
Explore the Scotland Rental Guide for practical information on:
- Renting a property or buying a home
- Living in urban, rural and remote communities
- Local amenities, transport links and settling in support
Overseas Documents
Before starting your move gather any documentation that may be required as part of your registration, recruitment and pre-employment checks. Depending on where you have lived or worked, you may need to obtain documents from overseas authorities or previous employers. Most NHS Scotland roles require criminal record information from countries where you have previously lived or worked. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide:
- Police clearance or criminal record certificates
- Professional registration documents
- Employment verification
- Identity and supporting documents
Review the UK Government guidance and supporting documentation to help you prepare for the recruitment process: Criminal record checks for overseas applicants.
Driving in Scotland
If you plan to drive in Scotland, it is important to understand UK driving laws and requirements before setting off. This is particularly important if you are using an overseas driving licence or will be travelling in rural and remote areas.
Before driving, make sure you are familiar with:
| Topic | What you'll find | Resource |
|---|---|---|
| UK road rules and driving regulations | Guidance on road signs, speed limits, driving laws and travelling safely in rural and remote areas. | The Highway Code |
| Driving licences | Information on using an overseas driving licence, exchanging your licence and UK driving licence requirements. | Driving Licences |
| Vehicle responsibilities | Guidance on vehicle insurance, MOT requirements and vehicle tax responsibilities in the UK. | Vehicle Tax, MOT and Insurance |
Use these resources to help you prepare for driving safely and legally in Scotland.
Relocation Checklist
| ✓ | Before you make the move |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Confirm your employment offer, start date and sponsorship arrangements |
| ☐ | Check your visa and immigration requirements |
| ☐ | Research the cost of living and plan your budget |
| ☐ | Check which documents and checks your employer requires |
| ☐ | Obtain overseas criminal record documents, if required |
| ☐ | Complete pre-employment checks |
| ☐ | Complete Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) checks, if required |
| ☐ | Keep secure copies of important documents and certificates |
| ✓ | Before you travel |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Secure accommodation |
| ☐ | Arrange temporary accommodation for your arrival, if required |
| ☐ | Arrange school or childcare provision, if applicable |
| ☐ | Review driving requirements and check your licence eligibility |
| ☐ | Plan transport from your arrival point to your accommodation |
| ✓ | After you arrive |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Open a UK bank account and arrange salary payments |
| ☐ | Check whether you have or need a National Insurance number |
| ☐ | Register with a local GP |
| ☐ | Explore local communities and support networks |
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