Advantages of starting a company in Samoa
The process required to register in Samoa
first
Name approval and retention
Two to three alternative English names (with the suffix "Limited" or "Ltd") are submitted to the Samoa Monetary Authority through a licensed agent. Approval is usually completed within one hour, and the Chinese name can be retained simultaneously.
second
Document preparation and verification
Shareholder/Director passport and proof of address within the last 3 months (English version), Memorandum of Association (1998 standard template can be selected), registered capital statement (default $1 million), all documents can be signed electronically.
third
Government approval and certification
After payment of the first year registration fee (approximately US $1,000), an electronic registration certificate including the company number and date of incorporation will be issued within 1 working day (expedited up to 6 hours for a fee).
four
Bank account opening and activation
With the registration document package (including the company's articles of association, the list of directors, etc.) in the global mainstream offshore bank account, Samoa does not require local capital verification or capital injection.
Information required to register a Samoa company
- Shareholder/Director identification: provide HD scan copy of passport (valid for more than 6 months) and English address proof (such as utility bill/bank statement) for nearly 3 months, without notarization.
- Articles of Association: The standard template or customized version shall be adopted, and the registered capital (default $1 million), share structure and business scope shall be clearly defined. The English version is supported.
- Company Registration Application Form: Complete an electronic application form containing company name, director/shareholder information, registered address (which can be provided by the agent) and a statement of the actual controller.
- Compliance Declaration Document: Sign the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Declaration and the Economic Substance Act (ESR) Preliminary Declaration form, stating the source of funds and the nature of the main business.
Information is available upon registration

Certificate of registration

Articles of association

Company signature seal

Company shareholder certificate

Company information card

Letter of authorization of nominal director

Commercial Secretary authorization document

Fancy data box


Tax filing service
Details may vary depending on the type of company, its size and location
Zero tax reporting obligations
Companies in Samoa have no corporate income tax but are required to submit an annual Declaration of Economic Substance (ESR) confirming their eligibility for tax exemption (new 2025).
Annual registration fee is renewed
Pay the government renewal fee (starting from about US $1,100) by June 30 each year, late payment will incur a 10% late fee, which must be handled through a licensed agent.
Financial record filing
Complete financial records (including bank statements/contracts) must be maintained for a minimum of 7 years without audit but subject to SIFA compliance tests.
FATCA/CRS declaration
Financial institutions need to take the initiative to declare the US FATCA and global CRS information, and the balance of personal holding account exceeds $250,000.