Samoa

Move to Samoa

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overview

Welcome to Samoa

Samoa, an island nation in the South Pacific, is known for its pristine beaches, traditional Polynesian culture, and commitment to preserving its natural environment. Its economy focuses on tourism, agriculture, and remittances, with strong emphasis on maintaining cultural authenticity.

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Samoa Essentials

National Anthem

O le Fu'a o le Sa'olotoga o Samoa

Independence Day

January 1, 1962

Haiko

Palm trees sway gently / Ocean meets volcanic shore / Fa'a Samoa lives

Interesting Tradition

Holds 'ava ceremonies where a ceremonial drink is prepared and served according to strict protocol

Weirdest Local Superstition

The ghost of a dead relative (aitu) may possess people or bring bad fortune

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to forget to attend church on Sunday

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the fa'a Samoa, stay for the serenity: Samoa preserves authentic Polynesian culture while embracing sustainable tourism development. Life flows between morning village ceremonies and afternoon work in eco-friendly resorts, while evenings celebrate traditional dancing and storytelling. Recent initiatives promoting cultural tourism and environmental conservation have made Samoa an attractive destination for those seeking authentic Pacific experiences.

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O mai

Let's discover where tradition isn't just custom, but the compass for tomorrow. Here, Pacific waves carry ancient wisdom into sustainable futures.

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Talofa i Samoa

A tropical paradise of Polynesian culture, Samoa is where island time slows and traditions thrive amid azure waters!

Samoa isn't just a country—it's a gentle embrace by the Pacific. Here, time moves at the pace of ocean tides, and even a simple sunset can turn into an adventure in natural wonder and spiritual reflection. This is a land where ancient Polynesian wisdom and island warmth flow together like the eternal rhythm of waves on volcanic shores.

From the bustling markets of Apia to the pristine beaches of Savai'i, Samoa offers something for every global citizen. Whether you're drawn to the cultural ceremonies of traditional villages, the adventure of rainforest waterfalls, or the peaceful rhythm of coastal life, you'll find a quality of life that prioritizes family bonds, respect for nature, and the pursuit of inner peace.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

palusami (coconut cream in taro leaves) - oka (raw fish with coconut)

Drink

kava (ceremonial root drink) - fresh coconut water (natural coconut juice)

overview

E te fia inu vai?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

17.90

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.55

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

12.20

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Fa'a Samoa customs govern daily life - ignoring them shows deep disrespect
#2
Sitting properly in fale requires legs tucked - stretching them out is offensive
#3
Gift exchange (fa'alavelave) is obligatory - not participating breaks social bonds
#4
Speaking loudly in public is considered very rude - quiet voices show respect
#5
Traditional greetings require proper protocol - casual approaches offend elders

overview

Samoa Essentials

Representative Novel

Where We Once Belonged by Sia Figiel (Novel exploring the clash between traditional Samoan and Western values)

National Animal

National Pasttime

Rugby

National Souvenir

Tapa cloth artwork

National Dish

Oka (raw fish marinated in coconut cream)

Famous Festival

Teuila Festival

Famous Dance

Siva Samoa

Famous Music

Choral music

overview

Did You Know?

overview

Samoa’s Key Historical Events

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MOBILITY

Access Samoa Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

1
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MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
5 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
5 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

114

Performance Class

Global Contender

Passport Grade

B-

Rank

87

Score

113.3

This visa grants access to:

• 27% of the world's population 

• 60% of UNESCO sites 

• 33% of global GDP 

• 36% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

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MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Samoa by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Samoa
426
473
528
582
675
743
837

MOBILITY

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Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
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Rankings

Samoa's Global Rankings 

Samoa has limited data available but still shows promising performance with light tax burden (#87).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
Cost of Living
2024
Quality of Life
2024
Safety
2024
Happiness
2024
87
Tax Burden
2024
Light Load
English Proficiency
2023
Rule of Law
2024
Healthcare System
2024
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

24.1

years

Life Expectancy

71,7

years

Obesity Rate

47.30%

Tobacco Use

42.70%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

6.80%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

4

per 1000 people

Doctors

0.34

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

25.80%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

National Health Service (NHS)

Samoa provides publicly funded healthcare through the Ministry of Health. Services are mostly free or low-cost for all residents, including legal migrants.

Private Healthcare Sector

Private healthcare options are limited but growing, mainly in Apia. These clinics offer faster service and are often used for non-emergency care.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates can use public services, but many opt for private care or international insurance, especially for serious conditions requiring overseas treatment.

Focus on Preventive Care

Samoa emphasizes immunization and maternal-child health. Preventive care is a core part of national healthcare programs, especially in rural outreach.

Pharmaceutical Affordability

Basic medications are available at low cost, but specialty or brand-name drugs may be scarce and require importation at higher prices.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

Samoa Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Samoa offers a low to moderate cost of living, making it an attractive destination for those seeking affordability. Apia, the capital, has higher living costs compared to rural areas. Housing is generally affordable, though options may be limited. Food costs are moderate, with local produce being more economical than imported items. Utilities are reasonably priced, but electricity costs can be higher due to reliance on imported fuel. Public transportation is limited, and many residents use private vehicles. Education costs are moderate, with public schools being more affordable than private institutions. ​

Cost of Gasoline

per liter

Cost of Meal

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

15%

cost of living

Samoa Cost of Living plus Rent Map

map visualization

cost of living

Samoa Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Samoa Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before moving to Samoa, it's essential to understand its tax system. Samoa taxes residents on their worldwide income while non-residents are taxed only on Samoan-source income. Personal income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 27%. Capital gains are not specifically taxed. Social security contributions are mandatory through the National Provident Fund. The standard VAT rate (VAGST) is 15%. Property taxes apply. A Tax Identification Number is required for tax purposes. Samoa does not have a double taxation treaty with the United States.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

No

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0%-27%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

27%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

0%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

15%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

15%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they are physically present in Samoa for 183 days or more in any 12-month period.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

%

taxation

Samoa Tax Burden Map

map visualization

taxation

Samoa Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical marine climate with a rainy season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October)

Average Temperature

26.5°C (79.7°F)

Humidity

80

%

Average Annual Precipitation

2880

mm

Rainless Days per Year

190

Best Time to Travel

May-October

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Samoa

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Samoa.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Samoa?

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Do I need to speak Samoan to apply for Samoan Mobility Assets?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Samoa with me?

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How will GlobalPassport™ help me move to Samoa?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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