Definition and advisories

The Temporary Resident Permit for Employment is designed for individuals wishing to undertake employment in Samoa. The permit is required for individuals intending to work for either Samoan or foreign businesses and organisations based in Samoa. Furthermore, foreign investors in, or owners of, a Samoan-based business are required to obtain this permit if they wish to work for the business (in addition to applying for a Temporary Resident Permit for Business or Investment).

As is common across many nations, foreign citizens can only be employed if the required skills and expertise cannot be supplied locally. The Labour Division of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour assesses all applications to guarantee that they meet this criterion.

Requirements

All applicants for the Temporary Resident Permit for Employment must have:

  • an Employer Sponsorship Form (MPMC101) completed and signed by the employer;
  • originals or certified copies of employment references, training, academic qualifications and any other supporting information for Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour consideration; 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.

Costs

Applications for the Temporary Resident Permit for Employment 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 completed and signed Employer Sponsorship Form (MPMC101);
  • originals or certified copies of all supporting documentation required for the application;
  • 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 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.