Immigrants from Europe have made a "more positive fiscal contribution" to the economy than people who were born in the UK, a new report suggests.
While it said the evidence is "contested", the Scottish Government study stated that research indicated migrants from the European Economic Area (EEA) "have made a more positive fiscal contribution" than both Britons and people coming to the country from the rest of the world.
The most recent census showed almost 370,000 people from outside the UK were living in Scotland, making up 7% of the country's population.
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Almost two third (63%) of migrants had arrived in Scotland in the 10 years leading up to the 2011 census.
Those coming to Scotland "tend to be young and economically active", the report revealed, saying: "In general, they arrive with qualifications, so have the potential to complement the stock of human capital in the host country.
"However, qualifications are often not fully recognised or utilised in host countries, and some migrants with higher level qualifications are working in jobs of low skill and minimum wage rates."
Almost three quarters (72%) of those who have come to Scotland from the EEA in the last 10 years are either in work or self-employed, according to the research.
Meanwhile, 89% who are aged three and over could speak, read and write English, with just 2% reporting they had no skills in the language.
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The report said: "Migrants from outside the UK are, in general, young and have low healthcare needs. Consequently, there is little evidence of increased demand for health services resulting from migration into Scotland."
In addition, migrants from Europe are "less likely to claim out-of-work benefits, but more likely to claim in-work benefits, compared with people born in the UK".
The report said: "While it is not possible to conclude whether the fiscal impact of migration is generally positive or negative, there are indications that recent EEA migrants are the most likely to have a positive fiscal impact, and that all non-UK migrants are likely to make a more positive contribution than people born in the UK."
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Europe Minister Alasdair Allan said: "These statistics and the impact report confirm the long standing view of the Scottish Government that our migrant workforce make positive contributions to our economy and local communities.
"Many sectors of the Scottish economy are reliant on migrant labour, which helps meet demand for labour, and also address skills shortages.
"It is extremely important that we remain part of the European family, so that we can continue to have access to the European Single Market, and access to the free movement of people who may wish to live and work here.
"Our priority is to protect all of Scotland's interests and we are considering all possible steps to ensure Scotland's continuing relationship with the EU."
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