Running electoral registration - Scotland

Can a foreign national register to vote?

Can a foreign national register to vote?

Electors of any nationality are eligible to register to vote in local government and Scottish Parliamentary elections, providing they meet with the age and residency requirements and that they are not legally incapable of voting.

A qualifying foreign national is a person who is not:

  • a Commonwealth citizen, or
  • a citizen of the Republic of Ireland

and who has or does not require leave to remain or is treated as having leave to enter or remain in the UK.1  

Subject to meeting the age, residency and legal capacity requirements, citizens from the Republic of Ireland and the Commonwealth are eligible to register to vote in UK Parliamentary elections.

Last updated: 8 August 2023