Offshore companies in Samoa must renew their registration annually by paying a government renewal fee and maintaining a licensed registered agent within the jurisdiction. The renewal process is overseen by the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA), which ensures that companies remain in good standing and compliant with local regulations. As part of the company registration in Samoa, timely renewal is essential to preserve the legal status and operational continuity of the offshore entity.
Samoa IC Formation
Register a company in Samoa in 2-3 days with tax advantages, strong asset protection, and expert guidance for an efficient incorporation process
About Samoa
Samoa Offshore Company Registration
Samoa has established itself as a trusted Pacific jurisdiction for offshore company registration, offering modern legislation, strong confidentiality, and a fully tax-free corporate framework. Through Samoa offshore company registration, entrepreneurs and investors can form an International Business Company (IBC) that pays no corporate income tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax.
A Samoa IBC is widely used for asset protection, intellectual property structuring, and international trading activities. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership, no local director requirements, and no exchange controls, giving maximum flexibility for global operations. The registry is efficient, and most incorporations are completed within 24 to 48 hours with electronic corporate documents provided.
Privacy is a key benefit of Samoa company formation. Details of shareholders and directors are not part of the public record, ensuring discretion while remaining compliant with international regulatory standards. Grounded in the Samoa International Companies Act, this legal framework provides security and predictability for offshore businesses.
For those seeking speed, stability, and confidentiality, registering a Samoa IBC is a practical choice in the Pacific region.
Benefits
Register a Company in Samoa
Tax-free structuring
A Samoa IBC pays no income, capital gains, or withholding tax, making it a fully exempt offshore entity
Quick incorporation
Samoa offshore company registration can usually be completed in 24–48 hours with immediate issuance of digital company documents.
100% foreign ownership
Investors can own a Samoa IBC without the need for local shareholders or directors.
No exchange controls
A Samoa IBC can hold accounts and transact in any currency worldwide.
Confidentiality
Shareholder and director names are not published in public registries, providing business owners with discretion.
Legal certainty
Based on the Samoa International Companies Act, the jurisdiction ensures a modern and reliable offshore corporate system.
Features – International Business Company (IBC)
Offshore Company Registration in Samoa
Incorporation in as little as 2 days
Flexible corporate structuring for holding, trading, or IP companies
Simple annual renewal process with no hidden fees
No audit requirements for most Samoa offshore companies
Nominee services available for added privacy
Banking and multi-currency account support offered
Business Company
Samoa Company Formation Packages
Basic
$840
Annual Renewal: USD 755
Unlimited Name Availability Check: Ensure your chosen company name is unique and available.
Document Preparation and Filing: All necessary documentation is prepared and submitted on your behalf.
Expedited Incorporation Process: Company incorporation completed efficiently.
One Year of Secretarial Services: Comprehensive company secretarial support for one year.
One Year Registered Agent and Address: Provision of a local registered agent and address for one year.
All Government Fees Included for One Year: Covers all government-related fees for the first year.
Digital Corporate Documents: Receive all essential corporate documents in digital format.
This package provides all the necessary services for a foreigner to establish a new Samoa International Company (IC) from start to finish.
Standard
$1,040
Annual Renewal: USD 755
All Core Services from the Basic Package Included: This package builds on the Basic tier and includes everything needed to successfully set up your Samoa IC from start to finish.
One Bank Account Application Included: After your company is incorporated, we assist with one full application to a supported bank.
OVZA’s Service Fee Fully Covered: Our bank account opening support fee is included in this package—no additional OVZA charges.
Bank Introduction: We introduce your company to a reputable bank we work closely with and provide hands-on guidance throughout the application process.
Premium
$1,140
Annual Renewal: USD 755
Everything in the Standard and Basic Packages Included: Includes full company formation, one initial bank application, and our standard bank account support.
Premium Bank Support – Up to 5 Applications: We apply to up to 5 different banks on your behalf, stopping as soon as the first approval is received.
All OVZA Application Fees Covered (Up to 5 Banks): Our bank account opening service fees are fully covered for each application—up to five total.
Bank Matched to Your Industry or Needs: We’ll recommend and apply to banks that best suit your business model, region, or niche industry requirements.
Fast Response Time: As a Premium client, you’ll usually receive a reply from our team within 30 minutes—including during evenings and weekends.
Frequent Progress Updates: We keep you informed every step of the way with regular updates on your bank applications and overall progress.
Refund Guarantee
We offer a full refund, no questions asked, if we have not yet started the company. Read our policy
Offshore Company Incorporation Process
Steps to Register an Samoa International Business Company (IBC)
Step 1
Select Your Service Package
Choose between our Basic package (Samoa IBC formation only), the Standard package (IBC plus one offshore bank account application), or the Premium package (priority service and up to five banking applications). You can also decide whether to use OVZA’s notary partners or provide your own notarized KYC documents.
Step 2
Complete Payment
Once payment is made securely through our checkout system (supporting credit cards, bank transfers, and over 300 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, and USDC), we immediately begin your Samoa offshore company registration
Step 3
Submit and Verify Documents
Provide your passport and proof of address for compliance. If you choose our notary option, legalization is handled for you. Otherwise, you may submit notarized KYC documents independently. Our legal team verifies compliance before filing your Samoa IBC.
Step 4
Finalize Company Registration
In 24–48 hours, your tax-free Samoa IBC is incorporated. You will receive the Certificate of Incorporation and supporting documents electronically. If banking support was selected, we also proceed with your offshore bank account applications to ensure your Samoa company is operational globally.
Samoa KYC Requirements
In Samoa , all individuals and entities must submit KYC documents to complete company registration. Below, you’ll find a list of the required documents to register a company in Samoa
All Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact Persons are required to submit the following documentation.
Proof of Identity
A notarized true copy of a valid passport, notarized within the last 3 months, provided as a scanned copy
Proof of Address
A notarized true copy (scanned) of a proof of address is required. Acceptable documents include:
- Bank reference letter or bank statement
- Utility bill (electricity, water, gas, internet, etc.)
- Driver’s license
- Any other official document issued by a government or financial institution
The document must clearly show the holder’s full name and physical residential address in English. P.O. Box addresses are not accepted.
All documents must be dated within the last 3 months.
To verify the identity of a corporation or legal entity, company formation documents must be provided along with proof of identity for all relevant members.
Company Documents
The following certified true copies of company documents are required:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association (or Constitution)
- Register of Directors
- Register of Shareholders or Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)
Company Members
All individuals associated with the corporation—including Directors, Shareholders, and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs)—are required to provide valid proof of identity and proof of address.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register an offshore company in Samoa?
To register an offshore company in Samoa, you must choose a unique company name, appoint at least one director and one shareholder, and submit the required incorporation documents to the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA). The incorporation process typically takes one to three business days. All Samoa International Business Companies (IBCs) must have a registered agent and a local office within the jurisdiction to comply with the International Companies Act 1988.
What are the benefits of registering a company in Samoa?
Registering a company in Samoa provides several advantages for international businesses:
- Tax Efficiency: Samoa offers a tax-friendly environment with no corporate tax, capital gains tax, or withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid to non-residents.
- Full Foreign Ownership: 100% foreign ownership of companies is permitted in Samoa, offering complete control to international investors.
- Asset Protection: Strong asset protection laws safeguard company assets from potential liabilities and creditors.
- Confidentiality: Samoa maintains high levels of corporate confidentiality, with no public disclosure of company ownership or directors.
- Flexible Corporate Structuring: Businesses have the flexibility to choose from various company structures to suit their specific needs.
- No Minimum Capital Requirements: There is no requirement for a minimum capital investment to start a company.
- No Exchange Controls: Samoa imposes no restrictions on the movement of funds in and out of the jurisdiction.
- Stable Regulatory Environment: The Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA) ensures a secure and business-friendly regulatory framework.
These benefits make Samoa company registration an attractive option for entrepreneurs and investors seeking a legally sound, confidential, and tax-efficient offshore structure.
What types of offshore companies can I register in Samoa?
When you register a company in Samoa, you have several options for structuring your offshore business:
- International Business Company (IBC): This is the most common type of offshore company in Samoa, widely used for international trade, investment holding, and wealth management.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): This structure offers flexibility and combines the benefits of a partnership and a corporation, making it suitable for a variety of business models.
- Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC): An SPC allows for the segregation of assets and liabilities into separate portfolios within a single legal entity—ideal for fund management and asset protection.
- International Trust: This legal arrangement is commonly used for estate planning and long-term asset protection, offering enhanced confidentiality and control.
Each of these structures is available under the flexible and efficient company registration in Samoa framework, allowing international entrepreneurs to tailor their offshore entities to meet specific business goals and regulatory requirements.
What documents are required to register an offshore company in Samoa?
To incorporate a Samoa IBC, the required documents include a passport copy for each director and shareholder, proof of address such as a utility bill or bank statement, proposed company name, business structure details, and the Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation. A registered agent licensed by the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA) must manage the incorporation process in accordance with the regulations set by the Samoa company registry. These requirements ensure proper due diligence and compliance while maintaining Samoa’s reputation as a secure and efficient offshore jurisdiction.
Do I have to pay taxes if I register a company in Samoa?
No, if you register a company in Samoa as an International Business Company (IBC), and it does not conduct business within Samoa, it will be fully exempt from all local taxes under the Samoa company registration framework.
This includes:
Corporate income tax
Capital gains tax
Withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties
This tax-free status is protected under the International Companies Act 1988. However, it is essential to comply with the tax laws of your country of residence or any jurisdiction where the company actively operates or generates income.
Are bearer shares permitted if I register a company in Samoa?
Yes, Samoa is one of the few remaining jurisdictions that still permits bearer shares, but under strict regulatory conditions. If you choose this option during company registration in Samoa, the bearer shares must be held by an approved custodian authorized by the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA). This custodial requirement is designed to ensure compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) and financial transparency standards, helping to maintain Samoa’s reputation as a responsible offshore financial center.
What is the renewal process for an offshore company in Samoa?
Does Samoa impose taxes on offshore companies?
No, Samoa IBCs are fully exempt from corporate tax, income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax, provided they do not operate within Samoa. This tax-free environment is a key advantage for international investors and businesses.
Are there foreign currency restrictions in Samoa?
No, there are no foreign currency restrictions in Samoa. Offshore companies can conduct transactions in any currency without limitations, making it a flexible jurisdiction for international business operations. The financial sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Samoa.
Does Samoa have exchange controls or capital-repatriation restrictions?
No. Samoa enforces no exchange controls, allowing ICs to:
Hold multi-currency accounts (USD, EUR, SAT)
Repatriate capital and profits freely
Convert currencies without Central Bank approval
What are the annual compliance requirements for a Samoa IBC?
A Samoa IBC must maintain a registered agent and office in Samoa, pay an annual renewal fee, and keep internal business records. There are no financial reporting or audit requirements unless the company engages in regulated activities such as banking, insurance, or financial services. Compliance is overseen by the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA).
Is there a requirement to file annual financial statements?
No, Samoa offshore companies are not required to file annual financial statements or tax returns. However, it is recommended that companies maintain internal records for corporate governance and potential regulatory requirements.
Is it possible to open an offshore bank account for a Samoa IBC?
Yes, a Samoa IBC can open offshore bank accounts in major financial centers such as Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Caribbean. Samoa also has offshore banking institutions that offer multi-currency accounts, online banking, and financial privacy. Offshore banking services are regulated by the Central Bank of Samoa.
What documents are required to open a bank account for a Samoa offshore company?
Most banks require a Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation, a resolution appointing authorized signatories, passport copies of directors and shareholders, proof of address, and a business plan or nature of business statement. Banks also require compliance documents such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) records, in accordance with international financial regulations.
Can a Samoa IBC open a bank account remotely?
Yes, many offshore banks allow Samoa IBCs to open accounts remotely without requiring a physical visit. The process varies by bank but typically includes submitting notarized or apostilled documents, video verification, or an introduction from a corporate service provider. Some banks may also require a reference letter from an existing financial institution. Offshore banking services are regulated by the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA).
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