Samoa company registration
Samoa international companies operate under a registration regime distinct from domestic companies. The intended cross-border ownership or trading activity should be identified before preparing the incorporation documents.
Registration and ongoing requirements
- Registration: incorporation is handled through a licensed Samoa trustee company, whose principal office is the registered office.
- Directors and capital: at least one director is required. A director need not be resident in Samoa, and no minimum capital is prescribed.
- Records: accounting records reflecting the company’s financial position must be maintained, with the required information supplied to the registered office.
Information to prepare
- Preferred company name and alternatives; intended activities and main trading locations.
- Directors, shareholders, beneficial owners and ownership proportions.
- Identity and address evidence for the relevant parties; corporate ownership documents where a shareholder is a company.
Samoa incorporation fees and inclusions
Company formation process
- Review the intended activities and ownership structure, then confirm the jurisdiction and package.
- Prepare name-checking and application documents.
- Complete local registration and receive the company documents.
Management after incorporation
Keep transaction records and company details up to date, and confirm renewal and filing dates with the local service provider. Tax treatment also depends on where the company is managed, operates and earns income.
Frequently asked questions
Can an international company simply trade locally in Samoa?
International and domestic companies are different regimes. Transactions with local residents and domestic companies are restricted, so plans for local operations require a separate assessment.
Does incorporation guarantee a bank account?
No. Bank-account applications are assessed separately against the bank’s requirements for activities, ownership and source of funds.
Other jurisdictions
Compare offshore jurisdictions and existing formation packages
Enquire about Samoa incorporation
Provide the company’s intended activities and ownership structure to discuss documents and fees.