Immigration to Samoa

Here is your opportunity to immigrate to a paradise island away from the hustle and bustle in Singapore. Enjoy life on the beach, drinking coconut juice and dancing all night.

Samoa, located east of the international date line and south of the equator, about halfway between Hawai‘i and New Zealand in the Polynesian region of the South Pacific Ocean.

Samoa has the world's second-largest Polynesian group, after the Maori. Its deeply conservative and devoutly Christian society centres around the extended family, which is headed by an elected chief who directs the family's social, economic and political affairs, and the church, which is a focus of recreational and social life. Many Samoan villages hold up to 20 minutes of prayer curfews in the evenings.

Samoa was governed by New Zealand until its people voted for independence in 1961.

Facts and Figures

Capital: Apia

Official languages: Samoan, English

Government: Parliamentary republic

Independence from: New Zealand

Population (2008) estimate: 188,540

GDP (2007 estimate): Total $1.030 billion[2]

Application for Permanent Resident in Samoa



The Permanent Resident Permit is for foreign citizens who wish to make Samoa their principal place of residence. Any individual who considers that they are able to meet the established eligibility criteria is able to make an application for a Permanent Resident Permit. The established eligibility criteria are:

• age of the principal applicant;
• employment history;
• professional qualifications and skills;
• Samoan language skills;
• planned activity in Samoa;
• period of residence in Samoa;
• health;
• character;
• connections with Samoa;
• reference reports.

There is a small annual quota of Permanent Resident Permits allocated by the Government of Samoa and once this quota is filled, unsuccessful applications will be placed in a pool for consideration in the next quota. Applications will remain in the pool for a maximum of three (3) years and if not successful in that period will lapse.


In accordance with the provisions of Section 14(1)(2) of the Immigration Act 2004, the Cabinet of the Independent State of Samoa by a decision recorded on the 8th day of February 2006 F.K.(06)05 determined as follows:

1. that the maximum number of Permanent Resident Permits to be granted by the Minister Responsible for Immigration for the year beginning 1 July 2005 and ending 30 June 2006 be 15 ('the Quota');
2. the Quota is to be allocated as follows:
   1. 12 Permits are to be made available to persons normally resident in Samoa; and
   2. 3 Permits are to be made available to persons normally resident outside Samoa.
3. the dependents of successful applicants who are under the age of 21 are not to be included in the count for the Quota and will be entitled to receive Permanent Resident Permits.

Residency conditions



Any holder of a Permanent Resident Permit is subject to a number of residency conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions may lead to the cancellation of the permit in accordance with the Immigration Act (2004).

1. The Permit holder is expected to make Samoa their principal place of residence. This will normally be evidenced by being resident for more than 50% of any year.
2. Absence from Samoa for more than twelve (12) months may lead to cancellation of the permit unless the absence is considered to be in the interest of Samoa. Examples of absences that are in the interest of Samoa include official business of the Government of Samoa and private business activities beneficial to Samoa.
3. The Permit holder must continue to remain in good health, of a good character and abide by the laws of Samoa.

In cases where permanent residency has been granted for business and/or investment, the following also applies:

• The holder will pursue the business/investment purpose for which the permit was granted or such other activity as may be assessed as in the interest of Samoa.
• Permanent residency is conditional on the activities of the holder continuing to be of benefit to Samoa.

In cases where permanent residency has been granted with particular recognition of family relationships with Samoan citizens:

• The holder will continue to maintain strong family relationships and continue to develop and contribute to the social and economic development of Samoa.

Requirements

All applicants for the Permanent Resident Permit must supply original or certified copies of all supporting documentation sufficient to facilitate the assessment of the application in reference to the established criteria listed above. Copies of documents should be certified as being a true and accurate copy of the originals and must be certified by an individual who is a responsible and reputable member of the community. Examples include senior law officers, a Justice of the Peace and a Commissioner for Declaration.

Costs

Applications for the Permanent Resident Permit cost (in WST):

For applications where there is no blood connection to Samoa

• $2000 for the principal applicant, spouse and dependents over 18 years of age; and
• $500 for each dependent under 18 years of age.

For applications where there is blood connection to Samoa

• $500 for the principal applicant, spouse and dependents over 18 years of age; and
• $100 for each dependent under 18 years of age.

Forms

All applicants must fill out the Permanent Residence Application Form. One copy of the form should be used for both the principal applicant and all 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 ten (10) years.

Attachment: Permanent Residence Application Form

Completed forms should be send to:

In Singapore:

Consulate of Samoa
163 Penang Road
#02-01 Winsland House II
Singapore 238463

Telephone 65332611
Fax 65325092

Office Hours Mon - Fri
8.30 am - 5.30 pm

In Samoa:

Immigration Division
Ministry of Prime Minister & Cabinet
PO Box L 1861
Apia, SAMOA
Phone (685) 20291 or 20292
Fax (685) 22243

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