By Adam CivicoDecember 22nd 2025

Make Your Move to Shetland in 2026 and make the UK's most northerly islands community part of your life's adventure. With excellent careers in new and established industries, and lively, safe communities surrounded by nature and dramatic landscapes to explore, why not discover a better work-life balance?

Choose Shetland because...

There are excellent career opportunities...

With diverse industries offering excellent roles and unique opportunities, Shetland is an ideal place to develop your career. Whatever your chosen vocation, Shetland is always on the lookout for ambitious and skilled professionals and creative and entrepreneurial people. Check out the latest vacancies.

It's a wonderful place for families to thrive...

Shetland's safe and welcoming communities, combined with the sense of freedom, make the islands an exceptional place to nurture your family. Throw in the high-quality schools with small class sizes, excellent clubs and groups, and the opportunity for endless outdoor adventures, and you'll start to understand why young people in Shetland have the chance to thrive.

The dynamic economy combines cutting-edge and traditional industries...

Shetland boasts a diverse regional economy, including everything from traditional crafts to emerging energy engineering, deepwater harbours to space ports, and artisan producers to state-of-the-art fishing vessels. With excellent careers in new and established industries, and lively communities surrounded by nature and incredible landscapes to explore, why not discover a better work-life balance in the islands?

You're never far from nature...

If you love nature, it is hard to imagine anywhere better than Shetland as a place to call home. Set in some of Northern Europe's most spectacular natural surroundings, the islands are home to diverse and fascinating native and migratory wildlife. Whatever your chosen profession, there is no shortage of opportunities. Imagine working in a place where in your downtime you can watch otters, seabirds and even orcas.

There's a thriving social scene to get involved in…

Life in Shetland is rich with opportunities to connect, share interests and enjoy good company. Whether you're drawn to live music, creative pursuits or staying active, you’ll find plenty of ways to join in. Local pubs often double as music venues, bringing people together for relaxed nights out and lively performances. Across the islands, community halls host everything from craft groups to football matches, while festivals and informal gatherings help newcomers feel quickly at home. Whatever your age or background, Shetland offers a social life that’s welcoming, down-to-earth and deeply rooted in community spirit.

Why move to Shetland?

If you're considering Shetland as the spectacular location to start a new adventure in 2026, we've got inspiration for you. Hear it from those who already call the islands home, including some who recently moved to Shetland start a new job and a new life.

If that could be you, check out our Reasons to Move to Shetland.