Samoa
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Samoa.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Samoa welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Mixed (Common Law and customary)
- Primary registration authority: Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL)
- Registry website: https://www.mcil.gov.ws
- Tax authority: Samoa Revenue Service (SRS)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 27% - Source: CIT: 27% (Samoa MFAT). VAT: 15%.
- VAT / sales tax: 15%
- Estimated formation timeline: 7-14 days - Via MCIL. Source: MCIL Samoa
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Samoa Tax Overview
27%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 27% (Samoa MFAT). VAT: 15%.
15%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 27% (Samoa MFAT). VAT: 15%.
Samoa Revenue Service (SRS)
Tax Authority
https://www.srs.gov.ws
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Mixed (Common Law and customary)
Primary registry: Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL)
Tax rate: 27% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Samoa market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: WST fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.mcil.gov.ws before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Samoa setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Samoa. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANZ Samoa | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| BSP Samoa | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| National Bank of Samoa | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Samoa Revenue Service (SRS). Rate: 27%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 15%. Verify threshold with Samoa Revenue Service (SRS). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Mixed (Common Law and customary) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Samoa. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Samoa specialist
Get personalised guidance on entity types, costs, timelines and banking — free, no commitment needed.