The statistics in this publication are for flow–based migration estimates for the year ending 30 June (mid-year) which show people moving to or from an area.
Following Scotland’s Census 2022, revised population estimates for Scotland from mid-2011 to mid-2021 were first published in July 2024. In September 2024, the ONS identified an error in Scotland's long-term international migration data for the year to mid-2022, resulting in a minor change to Scotland’s population for mid-2022. These amended estimates incorporate this latest change to migration estimates, as well as the latest data on births, deaths, and other unattributable changes for 2011–2022. Additionally, improvements were made to the age distribution of UK student-age nationals who migrated to Scotland during the intercensal period.
Main Points
- Net migration into Scotland in the year to mid-2022 was substantially higher than any other year in the past decade. Net migration more than doubled between the year to mid-2021 and mid-2022, from 22,200 to 55,100. The next highest figure from the last decade was 28,100 in mid-2019.
- Total migration into Scotland is a combination of international migration and migration from other parts of the UK. The increase in total migration was largely due to an increase in international migration.
- Average net migration from other parts of the UK has been fairly stable over the last decade, averaging +9,500 people. It was higher in the year to mid-2022, at +12,500 people.
- Most of the increase in total migration in the year to mid-2022 was due to higher levels of international migration. The net figures for international migration increased from 13,300 in mid-2021 to 42,600 in mid-2022. This was due to a combination of more in-migration in the last year, and lower levels of out-migration over the past two years.
- Published data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency shows that the increase in international migration is largely due to a significant increase in the number of international students studying at universities in Scotland.
Open data and interactive map
An interactive map showing migration flows between council areas within Scotland over the year to mid-2022 is available here. We will also aim to update rebased migration flows on statistics.gov.scot as soon as possible.
