Independence: what you need to know

International relations

The Scottish Government’s policies for an independent Scotland at a glance

• apply to join the United Nations and European Union
• take decisions on international policy to reflect our national interests and focus on being a good global citizen
• put in place border arrangements that best suit Scotland’s needs
• a written set of rules, or ‘constitution’, for Scotland would give an opportunity to commit to further international human rights treaties, further protecting the rights of the people of Scotland
• a simple and straightforward processes for anyone in the world to choose Scotland as their home and become a Scottish citizen

International relations in an independent Scotland

An independent Scotland would be a good global citizen, working towards peace and security in the interests of its people, and building partnerships with other countries and international organisations to address global challenges.

An independent Scotland would:

• take its place in the international community alongside 193 United Nations member states
• apply to re-join the European Union
• have the powers to protect its citizens and prosper in the global economy

This Scottish Government believes the challenges of the 21st century are best faced through more, not less, co-operation.

Through membership of the United Nations, European Union and NATO, Scotland would have the opportunity to play a full role internationally, promoting prosperity, peace and climate action.

With independence, Scotland could do more to tackle global poverty, climate change and protect human rights.

The rest of the UK would remain Scotland’s closest friends and allies. With Independence, Scotland would renew and strengthen this relationship as equal partners.

With the full powers of independence, this Scottish Government would:

• commit to meet the UN target of 0.7% of Gross National Income on official development assistance
• establish a new ministerial portfolio for international development
• champion the perspectives of those in the Global South on the climate and biodiversity crises, making a positive contribution to the planet and its people
• negotiate directly to become a state party to international treaties, conventions and agreements that reflect Scotland’s values and ambitions – including the Revised European Social Charter, which provides a range of workers’ rights

Under this government’s proposals, an independent Scotland’s diplomatic network would give Scotland a distinctive voice across the world by:

• providing consular support around the world, offering advice and emergency assistance
• promoting Scotland as a hub for innovation, trade and investment

You can read more about these proposals in the Scotland’s place in the world paper.

Borders 

Under an arrangement called the Common Travel Area, people in Scotland would be able to live, work and move freely within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

All British and Irish citizens would continue to live, work and move freely in Scotland.

An independent Scotland would have the powers to set immigration policies that would welcome and attract talent from around the world. This would provide more flexibility for people and business. 

As an EU member state, Scotland would protect its place in the single market which requires checks on certain goods from outside the EU – either at the border or elsewhere.

The Scottish Government would prepare measures to help traders adapt to new procedures and requirements.

This Scottish Government would establish safe routes for refugees and displaced people to come to Scotland in a new immigration system in an independent Scotland. You can read more about these in the migration section of these pages, or in the migration paper.

You can read more about EU membership in the European Union section of these pages, or in the Independent Scotland in the European Union paper.