Definition and advisories

All Temporary Resident Permit holders are able to make an application to extend their permit. In all cases, applicants must have a genuine reason for requesting the extension and they must provide all required documentation to facilitate the assessment of their application.

Requirements

All applicants for a Temporary Resident Permit extension must have:

  • a genuine reason for requestion the extension;
  • evidence of sufficient funds for self-support for the entire duration of their stay and for the cost of an onward ticket (typically a copy of a bank statement);
  • continuing sponsorship as applicable for permits for employment, cultural or religious purposes, family reunion or support; 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.

Temporary Resident Permit for Employment holders who are switching jobs are not elligible for an extension. They must apply for a new employment permit.

Costs

Applications for a Temporary Resident Permit extension cost (in WST):

Business or Investment
$600 for the principal applicant, $300 for each dependent.
Employment
$600 for the principal applicant, $300 for each dependent.
Study
$300 for the principal applicant, $150 for each dependent.
Academic or Scientific Research
$600 for the principal applicant, $300 for each dependent.
Religious or Cultural Purposes
$100 for the principal applicant, $50 for each dependent.
Family Reunion or Family Support
$100 for the principal applicant, $50 for each dependent.
Purpose Approved by the Minister
$200 for the principal applicant, $100 for each dependent.

Forms

All applicants must fill out the Temporary Resident Extension Application Form (MPMC108) (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.

If an applicant (principal or dependent) has already undergone full medical checks and supplied Samoa Immigration with completed Medical and Radiology Report Forms they do not need to undergo full tests again. Instead they should submit a certification letter from Medical Doctor or General Practitioner confirming good health status.

Application checklist

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

  • documentation confirming your genuine reason for extending your stay in Samoa;
  • evidence of sufficient funds for self-support;
  • documentation confirming continued sponsorship from your employer, family, institute of study, etc., as appropriate;
  • a single completed Temporary Resident Extension 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 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;
  • police reports for each applicant 18 years of age or older.

Where you have already submitted completed Medical and Radiology Report Forms, make sure you have a letter from a Medical Doctor or General Practitioner confirming good health.

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.