Samoa: immigration

How much is a visa for Samoa?

A visitor entry permit for Samoa costs SAT $200, with a processing time of 10 working days, according to Samoa Immigration's immigration page at the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. A temporary residence permit for employment or business costs $900 for a main applicant applying from off island and $1,800 in country, plus $450 per dependant.

A study permit costs $450 for the main applicant. These are application fees and must be paid when applying. The page does not list which nationalities can enter without applying in advance.

Official sources: Samoa Immigration

How do you get Samoan citizenship?

Samoa Immigration charges SAT $60 to apply for citizenship by birth, $150 for citizenship by descent and $5,400 for citizenship by marriage, according to its immigration page. Renouncing citizenship costs $3,200, and a review of a refused application $1,500.

The Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet sets out eligibility and the process on its citizenship services page. International migrants made up 1.8% of Samoa's population in 2024, according to the World Bank's World Development Indicators.

Official sources: Samoa Immigration · Samoa Immigration: Citizenship services · World Bank API: international migrant stock, Samoa

What share of Samoa's population are immigrants?

The UN Population Division puts the share of people born abroad in Samoa at 1.8% in 2024. That compares with 2.1% in 2015. It is 16th highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 2.1%. Worldwide: 132nd of 193.

What is net migration in Samoa?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2025, is -2,815. The peak was -2,299 in 2020 and the low -3,805 in 2005. It is 22nd highest of 30 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is -373. Of 193 countries with 2025 data, 103rd highest.

How many refugees live in Samoa?

5: that is the number of refugees in the country in Samoa for 2018, according to UNHCR. East Asia & Pacific median: 1,254; Samoa is 12th highest of 18. Worldwide: 158th of 168.

How many people from Samoa are refugees?

In 2025, the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Samoa was 17, according to UNHCR. That is the highest since at least 2008. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 73, and Samoa placed 21st highest of 29. Worldwide: 171st of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Samoa?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in Samoa at 22.4% of GDP in 2025. Since 2005 it has ranged from 15.3% of GDP (2017) to 31.5% of GDP (2022). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 2.2% of GDP, and Samoa placed 2nd highest of 15. Worldwide: 7th of 127.