Samoa Business Solutions,
Setup Through Ongoing Support,
Simplified for You
Samoa delivers a cost-effective offshore solution with solid international standing. From company registration to apostilled documents, we manage the entire process remotely for you.
International Recognition & Compliance
Samoa maintains 'Largely Compliant' OECD status and continues to strengthen its international compliance framework while serving the Asia-Pacific business community.
OECD Standards & Best Practices
Samoa maintains 'Largely Compliant' status with OECD Global Forum standards and actively participates in tax transparency initiatives.
Why Choose a Samoa Company
Samoa provides a cost-effective Pacific jurisdiction with straightforward regulations, making it particularly popular for forex brokerages and international trading companies.
Zero Foreign Income Tax
Samoa International Companies are fully exempt from all taxes on income derived from outside Samoa. No capital gains or withholding taxes.
Cost-Effective Setup
Among the most affordable jurisdictions for company formation and maintenance. Ideal for startups and smaller international operations.
Quick Registration
Form a Samoa International Company within 24-48 hours. Efficient online processing through the Registrar of International and Foreign Companies.
Privacy Laws
Shareholder and director details are not publicly accessible. Nominee services available for additional confidentiality.
Pacific Location
Strategic timezone for Asia-Pacific business operations. Growing popularity among Asian entrepreneurs and trading companies.
Light Regulation
No audit requirements, no minimum capital, and simple annual compliance. Focus on running your business with minimal bureaucracy.
Privacy Score
Strong privacy with regulatory compliance
Samoa maintains beneficial ownership information with SIFA (Samoa International Finance Authority) and registered trustees, accessible to competent authorities but not the general public. Director and shareholder details are maintained by registered agents and not on a public register. Samoa provides meaningful privacy while meeting international transparency requirements.
Director Anonymity
Not publicly registered
Director information is maintained by the registered agent but is not filed on any publicly searchable register. SIFA maintains regulatory records but these are not publicly accessible. Nominee director services are available through licensed trustee companies. This provides strong director privacy compared to public register jurisdictions.
Beneficial Ownership
Maintained by registered agents, authority access
Beneficial ownership information must be maintained by Samoa's licensed trustee companies and is accessible to competent authorities for law enforcement and tax purposes. The information is not publicly searchable. Samoa meets OECD and FATF transparency requirements through this regulated approach while preserving privacy from general public access.
Information Exchange
FATCA/CRS participant, automatic exchange
Samoa has a FATCA agreement with the United States and participates in CRS automatic exchange. As a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), Samoa adheres to regional AML/CFT standards. Information exchange is functional though the jurisdiction's smaller size means less extensive networks than major IFCs.
Banking Acceptance
Moderate acceptance, enhanced due diligence possible
Samoa international companies are accepted by various international banks, though less universally than BVI or Cayman entities. The EU Annex I listing may trigger enhanced due diligence at European banks. Banks in the Pacific region, Hong Kong, and Singapore generally service Samoa entities. The smaller profile means less familiarity at some institutions.
Financial Reputation
Pacific IFC, EU blacklist impact on perception
Samoa is a recognized Pacific international financial center with a 30+ year track record. However, EU Annex I listing creates perception challenges with European counterparties. Samoa is not on the FATF grey list and maintains 'Largely Compliant' OECD status. The reputation is solid but smaller profile and EU listing affect scoring.
Currency Freedom
WST (Tala), no exchange controls for ICs
Samoa uses the Samoan Tala (WST) domestically, but International Companies can transact in any currency without exchange controls. There are no capital restrictions or repatriation limitations for international business. USD, AUD, and NZD are commonly used for international transactions. Multi-currency flexibility is available.
Banking Partnerships
Limited local banking, offshore banking typical
Samoa has a small domestic banking sector with limited options for international business companies. Most Samoa ICs bank through international institutions in jurisdictions like Hong Kong, Singapore, or New Zealand. This is typical for Pacific IFCs but means additional banking arrangements are required.
Regulatory Framework
Common law system, SIFA oversight
Samoa operates under a common law legal system inherited from New Zealand influence. The Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA) provides regulatory oversight for international companies and trustee services. The International Companies Act provides the corporate framework. The legal system is functional though resources are limited compared to major centers.
OECD Compliance
Largely Compliant rating maintained
Samoa maintains 'Largely Compliant' status with the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. This is a strong rating reflecting effective implementation of information exchange standards. Samoa actively participates in peer review processes and has addressed historical recommendations.
EU Recognition
Listed on EU Annex I (blacklist)
Samoa is currently on the EU Annex I list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. The listing relates to tax governance criteria. This is the most impactful EU listing, potentially affecting transactions with EU entities and requiring enhanced due diligence. Score reflects significant impact on EU-facing business.
FATCA/CRS Compliance
Compliant with reporting standards
Samoa has a FATCA agreement with the United States and participates in CRS automatic exchange. SIFA oversees compliance for licensed entities. As an APG member, Samoa adheres to regional AML/CFT standards. Compliance infrastructure is functional and meets international requirements.
Incorporation Speed
2-3 business days standard
Samoa International Company incorporation typically completes in 2-3 business days. Express same-day service may be available. The process requires registration with SIFA through a licensed trustee company. Documentation requirements are straightforward. Speed is competitive with other Pacific and Caribbean IFCs.
Tax Efficiency
0% corporate tax on foreign income
Samoa International Companies are exempt from all local taxation on foreign-source income, including income tax, capital gains tax, and withholding taxes. There is no stamp duty on share transfers. Only annual government fees apply. Economic substance requirements are less onerous than some jurisdictions. This represents excellent tax efficiency.
Political Stability
Stable Pacific democracy
Samoa is a stable parliamentary democracy with a strong cultural tradition of consensus governance. The country has maintained political stability since independence in 1962. As a Commonwealth member and Pacific Islands Forum participant, institutional frameworks support governance. The small population (approximately 200,000) creates a cohesive environment.
Legal System
Common law, New Zealand influence
Samoa's legal system is based on English common law with New Zealand influence. The Supreme Court handles commercial matters with the Court of Appeal as the highest court. Legal practitioners are trained in common law traditions. While local legal resources are limited, the framework provides familiarity for international business.
Global Reputation
Established Pacific IFC, lower global profile
Samoa is recognized as an established Pacific international financial center with a 30+ year track record. The jurisdiction is popular for Asia-Pacific focused holding and investment structures. However, global recognition is lower than Caribbean IFCs like BVI or Cayman. Score reflects solid reputation within the Pacific niche but limited broader awareness.
Treaty Network
Very limited treaty network
Samoa has minimal Double Taxation Agreements—primarily TIEAs rather than DTAs providing withholding tax benefits. For businesses requiring treaty access to reduce source taxation, Samoa is not suitable. The jurisdiction is optimized for holding structures rather than treaty-based tax planning.
Trade Relations
Pacific Islands Forum, PACER Plus
Samoa is a member of the Pacific Islands Forum and participates in PACER Plus (Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations) with Australia and New Zealand. Commonwealth membership provides additional frameworks. For businesses serving Pacific markets, Samoa offers some trade facilitation, though less than major trading hubs.
Diplomatic Status
Independent Pacific nation
Samoa is an independent nation (since 1962) with UN membership and full diplomatic capacity. The country is a member of the Commonwealth, Pacific Islands Forum, and various international organizations. Independent nation status provides treaty-making capacity and international recognition, though as a small nation, diplomatic influence is limited.
Samoa Corporate Services
Complete Samoa corporate services from International Company formation to ongoing compliance. We manage every aspect of your Samoa IC.
Company Formation
Establish your Samoa International Company through the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA). Samoa offers efficient incorporation in the Pacific region with streamlined processes.
Complete Samoa International Company formation through SIFA. We prepare all documentation, handle filings, and provide your corporate kit ready for operations.
Mandatory Samoa licensed trustee company with professional Apia address. All regulatory correspondence and statutory communications managed on your behalf.
Access international banking partners for your Samoa IC. We prepare applications, compile KYC documentation, and facilitate the account opening process.
Compliance & Filing
Maintain full compliance with SIFA requirements. We manage annual filings, government fees, and regulatory obligations to keep your International Company in good standing.
Comprehensive annual compliance management including deadline tracking, government fee payments, and good standing maintenance with SIFA.
Preparation and submission of annual returns to SIFA. We handle fee payments and ensure timely filing to maintain your company's active status.
Management of beneficial ownership information as required by Samoa regulations. Proper maintenance through licensed trustee companies.
Professional bookkeeping services including transaction recording, bank reconciliation, and financial record maintenance meeting international standards.
Document Retrieval
Obtain official corporate documents from Samoa authorities. Fast processing with authentication services available.
Official document confirming current directors, shareholders, and registered office. Essential for banking and commercial verification.
Confirms your Samoa IC is active with no outstanding fees. Essential for banking relationships and international transactions.
Certified copy of your original incorporation certificate from SIFA. Available with authentication for international use.
Corporate Administration
Professional Samoa company administration and nominee services. Maintain proper governance with qualified professionals managing your IC requirements.
Professional nominee director services for Samoa International Companies. Includes appropriate documentation and indemnity arrangements.
Nominee shareholder services with declaration of trust arrangements. Handles all shareholder responsibilities while protecting beneficial owner information.
Complete corporate secretarial support including board minutes, shareholder resolutions, statutory register maintenance, and document management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential information about Samoa as a jurisdiction for international business
Samoa operates under a common law system influenced by New Zealand law, reflecting historical ties. The Supreme Court handles commercial matters, with the Court of Appeal as the highest appellate body. This common law framework provides familiarity for international business structuring while the legal profession follows common law traditions.
Samoa International Companies are exempt from all local taxation on foreign-source income, including income tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax, and stamp duty. Only annual government fees apply. There are no exchange controls for international business. Economic substance requirements are less onerous than in some other jurisdictions.
Samoa is currently on the EU Annex I (blacklist) for certain tax governance criteria, which may affect dealings with EU counterparties. However, Samoa maintains 'Largely Compliant' status with the OECD Global Forum for tax transparency and is not on the FATF grey list. The jurisdiction continues working toward addressing EU listing criteria.
The Samoa International Company (IC) is the primary vehicle for international business, governed by the International Companies Act. Samoa also offers International Trusts, International Partnerships, and Segregated Fund International Companies for collective investment schemes. The IC structure offers flexibility with no minimum capital and no local director requirements.
Samoa maintains beneficial ownership information with licensed trustees, accessible to authorities through proper legal channels but not publicly disclosed. Director and shareholder information is not filed on any public register. SIFA maintains regulatory records that are not publicly searchable. This provides meaningful privacy within international compliance standards.
Samoa is a stable Pacific Island nation, independent since 1962, and a member of the Pacific Islands Forum and Commonwealth. The jurisdiction has developed expertise serving Asia-Pacific business needs, with time zone advantages for Australasian operations. Political stability and cultural traditions of consensus governance provide a reliable business environment.
Samoa International Companies must file annual returns with SIFA, maintain a registered office through a licensed trustee company, and keep proper accounting records. There is no mandatory audit requirement for most structures. Beneficial ownership information must be maintained by the trustee. The compliance burden is relatively straightforward compared to onshore jurisdictions.
Evaluate Samoa for Your Needs
Asia-Pacific focused holding structures or international companies—discover if SIFA-regulated Samoa suits your business objectives.
