Samoa

About Samoa Citizenship and Residency

The Samoa citizenship by investment application process is extremely efficient, and the government of Samoa is committed to the highest standard of due diligence and vetting of investor applicants ensuring only persons of impeccable standing and repute will be admitted. The first step in applying for the Samoa Citizenship by Investment Program is to carry out an Investment in Active Business worth at least $ 1,400,000 in any project with the aim of generating local jobs and remaining active for at least three years.

The applicant and applicant’s spouse, dependent children (up to 28 years), and parents and grandparents above the age of 65 (living with you) can also obtain citizenship under one application with additional government fees payable. There are also additional fees such as due diligence fees, notary fees, background checks, and advisor and lawyer fees. The amount of these fees depends on the size of the families who will apply.

Under the Citizenship by Investment Program, The Government requires foreigners to invest and follow two conditions.

• The investor must invest a minimum amount of WST$ 4M ($1.4M)
• The investor must have a minimum net worth of WST$ 2.5M ($1M)

 

The Samoan Citizenship by Investment program is administered by the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Labor (MCIL), the legislation requires the office to submit an annual report to the minister.

 

Qualifying Investments

All investors must prove a minimum net worth of SAT$ 2.5M ($ 1 million)

• Real Estate – WST 4M (USD 1.5m) in leasing and development of government lands.
• Agriculture, Tourism, Technology – WST 4M (USD 1.5m) in fishery, agriculture, tourism hotel resorts, and information technology.
• Energy – WST 4M (USD 1.5m) in Solar power, electricity generation, and biofuel.
• Government fund – WST$ 4M for the national development fund.

 

General Requirements

For an investor to be considered eligible for Citizenship by Investment, the investor must satisfy the following criteria:

∘ The investor must intend to invest in any of the qualifying investment areas;

• leasing and developing of government lands
• processing or manufacturing of agricultural procedure
• tourism
• information or communication technology
• electricity generation through bio-fuel, solar, water, or wind
• investment in a government development fund for national development or investment in a prescribed charitable trust
• any services other than any services listed in the Reserved list under the Foreign Investment Act 2000 

∘ The investor must invest a minimum amount of WST$ 4m;

∘ The investor must have a minimum net worth of WST$ 2.5m

 

Permanent Residence and Citizenship

Step1: The investor and any family members may be issued a Temporary Resident Permit when an application is lodged

Step 2: The investor and any family members are entitled to be granted a Permanent Resident Permit valid for three (3) years when an application is granted however this permit is subject to the following conditions;

a. Investor may withdraw any amount in the fixed deposit account to be used by the investment plan, but the investor must maintain at least 15% of the original sum deposited in the account.

b. The Committee may, during the 3 years of permanent residence of the investor, continue to review and monitor the progress of the qualifying investment under the investment plan or guidelines or as the Committee considers fit.

Step 3: The investor and any family members are eligible to apply for Samoan Citizenship within three (3) months before the expiry of the Permanent Resident Permit, if the investor, a. (including a family member or members) has resided in Samoa for at least 15 days a year during the 3 years of the permanent resident permit, and b. has complied with the investment plan.

The investor (and family members included in the application) will be reminded by the Secretariat (in writing) at least 6 months before the expiration of the permanent resident permit of the due dates and eligibility period for submission of the Samoan Citizenship application. However, the investor may apply to extend his or her (including any family members) permanent residence permit if the permanent resident permit expires before the citizenship is granted.

 

Benefits Of Samoa Citizenship By Investment Program

• Second citizenship and passport from a small, peaceful country
• Visa-free travel to 133 countries including Canada, Europe, Russia, the UK, Ireland
• Samoa has the 39th best passport in the world
• Family and children eligible for lifetime citizenship status
• Investors receive permanent residence, citizenship, and passport
• The minimal requirement is to live in the country 15 days a year
• A second passport may afford visa-free travel to jurisdictions not available to the country of birth.
• Tax Planning for HNW individuals
• Citizenship and a passport from a small, peaceful country are considered by some as protection when traveling, especially in times of political unrest, civil war, terrorism, and other situations.
• Citizenship is considered an alternative Investment in the future
• Dual citizenship is allowed in Samoa

 

Samoa Citizenship Requirements And Qualifications

The requirements and qualifications required to obtain Samoa Residency and Citizenship are listed above in the ” About Samoa Citizenship and Residency” section.

 

Steps And Timeline

Step 1: The investor and any family members may be issued a Temporary Residence Permit when an application is lodged.

Step 2: The investor and any family members are entitled to be granted a Permanent Resident Permit valid for three (3) years when an application is granted however this permit is subject to the following conditions:

• • the investor may withdraw any amount in the fixed deposit account to be used by the investment plan but the investor must maintain at least 15% of the original sum deposited in the account.
  • the Committee may, during the 3 years of permanent residence of the investor, continue to review and monitor the progress of the qualifying investment under the investment plan or guidelines or as the Committee considers fit.

Step 3: The investor and any family members are eligible to apply for Samoan Citizenship within three months before the expiry of the Permanent Resident Permit, if the investor;

• • (including a family member or members) has resided in Samoa for at least 15 days a year during the 3 years of the permanent resident permit; and
  • has complied with the investment plan.

 

Our Services

Privacy World offers its services to anyone, not only looking to obtain residency and/or citizenship processes but our experts figure out legal ways to:

• Find the best solution for your needs.
• Identify and deploy a strategy to help you accomplish your goals.
• Activate our network of people in the country where you need help without having you search for the best solution or lawyer. We only work with licensed people in every country whom we carefully vet and pass the guidelines and principles of privacy we stand for.
• Focus on cutting through the red tape and expedite your process.
• Provide proper communication with you about your case.
  …. and above all: Offer you legal strategies to provide additional layers of privacy for your identity, while obtaining your residency or citizenship!

Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in Samoa, assisting in getting you settled in the country, and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.

Want Privacy World to handle your case? Have any questions? Contact us!

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