Definitions and advisories

Samoan citizenship by descent may be granted to all individuals who are born outside of Samoa to parents of which at least one is a Samoan citizen at the time of birth. There are different rules that apply for individuals whose parents are Samoan citizens by descent themselves or otherwise. Individuals born in Samoa to at least one Samoan citizen are elligible for Samoan citizenship by birth.

Requirements

Applicants must meet one of two sets of requirements before they will be elligible for Samoan citizenship by descent. They must have been born outside of Samoa and have at least one parent who is either

  • a Samoan citizen but not by descent; or
  • a Samoan citizen by descent who has lived in Samoa for a combined total of at least three years at any time of their life.

Documentary evidence to support either of the above requirements is necessary. These include evidence of Samoan citizenship held by the parent(s) and evidence to support the three year Samoan residence requirement for parents who are citizens by descent. Only originals or certified copies of such documentation are accepted. In both cases an original or certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate is required.

Costs

Applications for Citizenship by Descent cost $100 WST.

Forms

All applicants must fill out the Application for Samoan Citizenship by Descent (MPMC201) form (PDF document).

Application checklist

Before submitting an application for Samoan citizenship by descent, please make sure you have:

  • an original, or certified copy of, your birth certificate; and
  • documentary evidence of Samoan citizenship of your Samoan parent(s) (typically their birth certificate or Samoan passport).
  • funds to cover the processing cost.

If applying for citizenship by descent where at least one of your parents is themselves a Samoan citizen by descent, make sure you also have:

  • documentary evidence to support the three year Samoan residence requirement, such as a passport, school records or employment records.

Submitting an application

Applications for this permit can be submitted by post to the Samoa Immigration office in Apia, Samoa or to any of the Government of Samoa overseas Missions. Postal addresses for these offices can be found on our contacts page. Applications can also be submitted in person at our office in Apia.