Samoa permanent residence permit

The Government allocates a small annual quota of permanent resident permits. Once the quota is filled, unsuccessful applications are placed in a pool for the next quota; an application can stay in the pool for at most three years and lapses if it has not succeeded by then.

Assessment takes into account the principal applicant's age, employment history, professional qualifications and skills, Samoan language skills, planned activity in Samoa, period of residence in Samoa, health, character, connections with Samoa and reference reports. Particular consideration is given to the economic and social benefit the applicant can provide to Samoa.

Form MPMC105 asks for personal details of the applicant and spouse, relatives or friends in Samoa with their village or address, business activity or employment for the past five years with tax returns and bank statements, average income over the past five years with evidence, religion, social commitments, recreation and educational qualifications. Dependent children under 18 are listed separately, with two passport photos of every person included.

In a separate statement, set out why you seek permanent residence, stressing the economic and social benefits you will bring and addressing each criterion. Submit originals or certified copies; certification must be by a responsible member of the community such as a senior law officer, a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations.

The current MPMC fee table lists SAT$3,200 per adult, SAT$1,100 per child aged 17 or younger and SAT$550 where there is a connection to Samoa by blood. A review of a permanent residence decision costs SAT$300, reissue or endorsement of a permit SAT$150 and an urgent request SAT$100. The fee is non-refundable; if you lodge outside Samoa, check the current amount in local currency with the office of lodgement.

Under the Citizenship Act 2004, a foreign national who has held a valid Samoan permanent residence permit for five years may apply to be registered as a citizen. The application shows employment, business and social activity in Samoa over the past five years and evidence of health and character, and is lodged with the Immigration Division or a Samoan mission.

A medical report is required for everyone included in the application, so that no one represents a health threat to the Samoan community or a cost to its health system. A police report is required for everyone over 18, normally from the police in each country of residence of more than one year in the last ten years. Applicants who have lived in Samoa for the past two years can instead give a letter from their medical practitioner and a police letter; those resident less than a year use forms MPMC102 and MPMC103.

Holders are expected to make Samoa their principal place of residence, normally shown by living there for more than half of any year. An absence of more than 12 months may lead to cancellation unless it is in Samoa's interest, such as official Government business or private business that benefits Samoa. Holders must stay in good health and character and obey Samoan law.

Where the permit was granted for business or investment, the holder must pursue that purpose or another activity assessed as in Samoa's interest, and the permit stays conditional on continuing benefit. Where it rests on family ties, the holder is expected to maintain strong family relationships and contribute to Samoa's social and economic development.