Samoa

The Polynesian group of islands known as Samoa located in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately half-way between New Zealand and Hawaii, consists of 2 main islands Upolu and Savai’i and 7 smaller islets. To the east are the islands of American Samoa. Upolu is home to nearly three-quarters of Samoa’s population. The capital of Samoa is Apia, which is situated on the island of Upolu.

The legal system of Samoa, consisting of Court of Appeal, High Court and Magistrates Court, is based upon principles of English and Commonwealth statutory and common law.

The International Companies Act 1987 governs the operations of offshore companies. The Samoa International Company (IC) is licensed by the Samoa International Financial Authority (SIFA).

    Key features of the Samoa IC: 

    • Exempt from all forms of taxation for business conducted outside Samoa
    • Company registration may be for periods of 5, 10 or 20 years in advance with discounted government license fees
    • Simple corporate structure – resident directors are not required
    • Information on shareholders and directors is not available for public inspection
    • No minimum share capital is required
    • Shares can be issued with or without a nominal or par value
    • Chinese company name and Chinese Memorandum and Articles of Association can be registered with the Registrar
    • No requirement for audited accounts
    • No requirements for filing annual returns and holding of annual general meetings