Healthcare, banking, schooling and more

Healthcare in Scotland

Health care in Scotland is provided by NHS Scotland. If you have relocated from outside the EU, you (and your accompanying family members) will have paid NHS surcharges as part of your application fee. Most healthcare in Scotland has no extra charge. The exceptions are dental care and eye care.

NHS dentists are subsidised by the government, however, there is usually a small charge to pay depending on the treatment you require. Opticians don't charge for testing your eyes, but any treatment required is chargeable.

Access to Healthcare

When settled in a place of residence in Scotland you and your family should register with a local doctor – a GP (General Practitioner). Your GP will be able to care for your health conditions and to provide treatment if you become unwell. Any prescriptions prescribed by your GP are free of charge. To register for a GP please click here.

Registering with a Dentist

You and your family can get care, advice and treatment from NHS Scotland to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. Scotland also provides free dental checks. You can find a dentist near you using the links at Dental treatment - NHS Scotland | NHS inform

NHS Eye Care

Scotland is the only country in the UK to provide free universal NHS-funded eye examinations. In some cases, the NHS will also give an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. 

Opening a UK bank account

To open a bank account, you usually have to fill in an application form. Often, you can do this in a branch or online, and sometimes you can also do this over the phone.

You will have to provide proof of your identity including your full name, date of birth and address. You usually have to show the bank two separate documents that prove who you are, for example, your passport, and where you live, for example, a recent bill.

Local Banks and Building Societies

• Bank of Scotland - 65-69 Murraygate, Dundee, DD1 2EA

• Virgin Money - 7-8 High St, Dundee, DD1 1SS

• Royal Bank of Scotland - 3 High Street, Dundee, DD1 9LY

• Santander, 47-49, Reform Street, Dundee, Angus, DD1 1SW

• TSB - 29 Meadowside, Dundee, DD1 1DD

• Nationwide Building Society, 9 Reform St, Dundee DD1 1TF

• Barclays - 24 High St, Dundee, DD1 1SZ

Online banks

These banks do not have branches, you open and use your account through an iOS or Android app.

• Monzo

• Starling

Bank accounts you can open without visiting a branch.

The following is a list of bank accounts that can be opened entirely online without needing to visit a branch.

• Monzo - Monzo current accounts

• Nationwide - Nationwide Flex Basic

• Santander - Santander Essentials Current Account

• Starling - Starling current accounts

• Virgin Money - The Virgin Money Current Account