Samoa — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
205,557 people · Capital: Apia · Polynesia
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Samoa is located in Polynesia, with a population of 205,557. Its currency is the Samoan tālā. Our database tracks 12 visa pathways for Samoa, each linked to a named source.
See also: Samoa country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (12)
Sponsored Employment (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Permit (Employment) | — | €197 | 6 mo | — |
Investment / Golden Visa (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Permit (Business/Investment) | — | €197 | — | — |
Study (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Permit (Study) | — | €148 | — | — |
Research & Academia (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Permit (Academic/Scientific Research) | — | €394 | — | — |
Family Reunification (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Permit (Family Reunion) | — | €197 | — | — |
Spouse & Partner (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Marriage to Samoan Citizen | €1,071/mo | €161 | 24 mo | — |
Ancestry & Descent (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Descent | — | €80 | 24 mo | 60d |
Birthright (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samoan Citizenship by Birth (jus soli + parent) | — | €48 | 24 mo | — |
Permanent Settlement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residence Entry Permit (Samoa) | — | €1,049 | — | — |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citizenship by Permanent Residence (5 years) | €1,339/mo | €321 | 24 mo | — |
Religious Workers (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Permit (Cultural/Religious) | — | €197 | — | — |
Tourism & Short Stay (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Permit (90 days on arrival) | — | — | 3 mo | — |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €16,000 |
| Education | €13,000 |
| Engineering | €22,000 |
| Finance | €20,000 |
| Healthcare | €15,000 |
| Hospitality | €9,500 |
| IT | €24,000 |
| Retail | €8,500 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developer (Information Technology)
- Nurse (Healthcare)
- Construction Engineer (Construction)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Samoa | — | 28 | €4,200 |
| Samoa Polytechnic | — | 12 | €3,500 |
| University of the South Pacific (Samoa campus) | — | 35 | €5,100 |
| Samoa Teachers' College | — | 8 | €2,800 |
| Pacific Theological College (Samoa) | — | 15 | €3,200 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 12 of the 12 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 4 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- mpmc.gov.ws · 6 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- data.globalcit.eu · 4 pathways · verified 2026-06-23
- mpmc.gov.ws · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-22
- mpmc.gov.ws · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-08
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Temporary Resident Permit (Business/Investment) · 1 verified requirement
Minimum investment: “MPMC's Temporary Resident Permit page and the linked MPMC100 application form/info sheet do not state a minimum investment figure for the business/investment category; the permit is administered by MPMC while any foreign-investment capital threshold (referenced third-party as…” — mpmc.gov.ws, 2026-07-07
Temporary Resident Permit (Study) · 1 verified requirement
Savings / proof of funds: “To apply for temporary residence for Study purposes, applicants must: Attach a confirmation letter of enrollment from the relevant Educational institution; Provide evidence of funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay” — mpmc.gov.ws, 2026-07-06
Citizenship by Marriage to Samoan Citizen · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “Samoan government MPMC fee schedule (corroborated by UN Mission fee sheet): Citizenship by Marriage SAT$5,400.00. Converted at 3.134681 WST/EUR = 1,722.65 EUR.” — mpmc.gov.ws, 2026-07-08
Temporary Resident Permit (Family Reunion) · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “Temporary Residence in Samoa can be issued for the following purposes: Family Support or Reunion ... Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support your extended stay. (Exige prova de fundos suficientes sem figura monetária.)” — mpmc.gov.ws
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Samoa have?
Our database tracks 12 visa pathways for Samoa across 12 categories, the largest being Family Reunification, Investment / Golden Visa, Naturalisation & Citizenship. Each entry links to a named source — 67% direct to an official government portal, the rest to a named embassy or professional reference while we complete direct verification.
What is the minimum income for the Citizenship by Marriage to Samoan Citizen?
The Citizenship by Marriage to Samoan Citizen lists a minimum income of EUR 1,071 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-08).
What is the average salary in Samoa?
The average gross salary in Samoa is EUR 527 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 260 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Samoa?
The top personal income tax rate in Samoa is 15%. The standard VAT rate is 15%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in Samoa?
Among the pathways we track, the Citizenship by Permanent Residence (5 years) lists 5 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
Start Preparing for Samoa
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