Definition and advisories

The Temporary Resident Permit for Business or Investment is designed for individuals who wish to establish a business in Samoa or invest in a Samoan business venture. Before the application for the entry permit can be made, the appropriate Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour and Ministry of Revenue requirements must be met, as there are legislative Acts that define how investment and labour must be undertaken in Samoa.

Being an investor or owner of a business registered in Samoa does not automatically confer the right to undertake employment in Samoa. Any owner of, or investor in, a business who wishes to work for the business must also obtain a Temporary Resident Permit for Employment.

Requirements

All applicants for the Temporary Resident Permit for Business or Investment must have:

  • a copy of an Investment Certificate issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour; and
  • a passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the intended period of stay in Samoa for the principal applicant and any dependents.

Individuals who wish to establish a business in Samoa (as opposed to just investing in one) must also obtain:

Costs

Applications for the Temporary Resident Permit for Business or Investment cost (in WST):

For offshore applications

  • $600 for the principal applicant; and
  • $300 for each dependent.

For in-country applications

  • $1200 for the principal applicant; and
  • $300 for each dependent.

Forms

All applicants must fill out the Temporary Resident Application Form (MPMC100) (PDF document). One copy of the form should be used for both the principal applicant and all dependents. For applicants intending to stay in Samoa for one year or more a Medical Report Form (MPMC102), and a Radiology Report Form (MPMC103) must also be completed. One copy of each form must be used for each applicant (principal and dependents). Any applicant or dependent 18 years of age or older must also submit police reports from authorities of every country they have lived in for more than one (1) year in the last five (5) years.

Application checklist

Before submitting an application please review the following checklist to confirm that the application is complete. Make sure you have:

  • a copy of an Investment Certificate issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour;
  • a single completed Temporary Resident Application Form for yourself and any dependents;
  • a passport valid for a minimum of six (6) months after the intended period of stay in Samoa for yourself and any dependents; and
  • funds to cover the processing cost for yourself and any dependents.

If you are intending to establish a business in Samoa, make sure you also have:

  • a copy of a Business License issued by the Ministry of Revenue; and
  • Company Registration confirmation from the Labour Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.

If the purpose of your residence in Samoa will involve you attending classroom and/or food preparation environments, make sure you also have:

  • a completed Medical Report Form; and
  • a completed Radiology Report Form.

If you are intending to reside in Samoa for one year or more, make sure you also have:

  • completed Medical Report Forms for yourself and any dependents 16 years of age or older;
  • completed Radiology Report Forms for yourself and any dependents 16 years of age or older; and
  • police reports for yourself and any dependents 18 years of age or older.

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 but remember that all applications made in-country are twice as expensive as those made offshore for the principal applicant.