Definition and advisories

The Temporary Resident Permit for Academic or Scientific Research caters to individuals who are travelling to Samoa for the purposes of academic and scientific research. There are a number of conditions for researchers wishing to conduct research in Samoa and these conditions must be met and agreed upon with the Secretary to Government before a permit application will be considered.

The Temporary Resident Permit for Research can only be applied for prior to travelling to Samoa. Applications cannot be made in-country.

Requirements

All applicants for the Temporary Resident Permit for Academic or Scientific Research must have:

  • a letter from the Secretary to Government approving the research;
  • a letter from the sponsoring educational institution(s) supporting the research;
  • evidence of sufficient funds for self-support (typically a copy of a bank statement);
  • as applicable, a letter from any educational institution(s) in Samoa supporting the research; 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 Academic or Scientific Research cost (in WST):

  • $600 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 letter from the Secretary to Government approving your research;
  • a letter from the educational institution(s) supporting your research;
  • if applicable, a letter from any educational institution(s) in Samoa supporting your research;
  • evidence of sufficient funds for self-support;
  • 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; 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 each applicant 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. Please note that applications for the Temporary Resident Permit for Academic or Scientific Research cannot be submitted after arrival in Samoa.