POLITICAL STRUCTURE
Samoa has been independent since 1962 and its constitution provides for a parliamentary government, which as in many Pacific Island nations combines the traditional Samoan social structure and a democratic voting system. There is a forty-seven member Legislative Assembly which consists of forty-five Matai title holders who are elected by their peers and two non-Samoan residents who are registered on the Universal Voters’ Roll. Parliamentary elections are held every three years.

The first Superior Court of Samoa possesses and exercises all the jurisdiction, power and authority necessary to administer the laws of Samoa. It is backed up by a Court of Appeals and a Supreme Court.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMY
Samoa has a modern international airport can accommodate 747 type aircraft. Air services provide direct access to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Cook Islands and Hawaii.

The country has adequate docks and is well serviced by Pacific regional shipping services.

Samoa has good international telecommunications with telex, facsimile and international direct dial facilities via satellite.

Agriculture employs 50% of the workforce and contributes more than 50% to GDP and 90% of exports. Tourism has now become the most important growth industry. Unlike most offshore jurisdictions, financial services play a relatively small role in the economy. Furthermore, its isolation in the Southern Pacific and its independence makes it less subject to interference by the OECD, EU and U.S.

LANGUAGE
English is widely spoken and is taught in all schools. Samoan is the official language.

CURRENCY
Samoan Dollar (Tala).

EXCHANGE CONTROL
None

TYPE OF LAW
Based on English Common Law.

PRINCIPAL CORPORATE LEGISLATION
International Companies Act of 1987, as amended
International Trusts Act, 1987
The Offshore Banking Act, 1987
The International Insurance Act, 1988
There is separate corporate legislation for domestic companies.

COMPANY INFORMATION:

TYPE OF COMPANY FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT
Companies incorporated under the International Companies Act of 1987, as amended.

PROCEDURE TO INCORPORATE
By submission of the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association and registration fee to the Registrar of International and Foreign Companies.

POWERS OF COMPANY
An International Company has all the powers of a natural person.

RESTRICTIONS ON TRADING
An International Company cannot trade with Samoans nor own local real estate. An International Company cannot undertake the business of banking, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, fund management, the management of collective investment schemes, trust management, trusteeship or any other activity that may suggest an association with the bank or insurance industries without obtaining the appropriate licence.

LANGUAGE OF LEGISLATION AND CORPORATE DOCUMENTS
The corporate documents of an International Company may be in any language.

REGISTERED OFFICE REQUIRED
Yes, must be maintained in Samoa at the address of a licensed trust and management company.

TIME TO INCORPORATE
One day. This makes it possible, if you are in the right time zone, to incorporate yesterday. Of course, we have shelf companies that make it possible for you to have been incorporated long before that.

NAME RESTRICTIONS
Any name that is identical or similar to an existing name. Any name which in the opinion of the Registrar is undesirable, offensive or indecent. Any name that may suggest royal or government patronage. Any name that suggests an association with the banking or insurance industries.

LANGUAGE OF NAME
Names may be expressed in any language. The Registrar may request an English translation to satisfy him that the proposed name is not a restricted or licensable name. If you are not using a shelf company and are providing a foreign language name other than Spanish, Japanese, Chinese or Korean, then please provide us with an English translation of the name that we may pass on to the Registrar.

NAMES REQUIRING CONSENT OR A LICENCE
Bank, building society, savings, loans, trust, trustees, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, co-operative, council, Chamber of Commerce, university or their foreign language equivalents.

SUFFIXES TO DENOTE LIMITED LIABILITY
Limited, Corporation, Incorporated, Sociètè Anonyme, Sociedad Berhad Anonima or the relevant abbreviations.

DISCLOSURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TO AUTHORITIES
None.

AUTHORISED AND ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL
The normal authorised share capital is US$ 1,000,000, which may be expressed in any currency. The minimum issued capital is one share of no par value or one share of par value.

PERMITTED CLASSES OF SHARES
Registered shares of par or no par value, bearer shares, preference shares, redeemable shares, shares with no voting rights and discounted shares.

BEARER SHARES PERMITTED
Yes.

TAXATION
Companies incorporated under the International Companies Act of 1987 are not liable to pay any income or corporation tax.

DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS
Samoa is not party to any double tax agreement.

LICENCE FEES
An International Company pays an annual licence fee of US$ 300, you may pay up-front for longer periods and save money and inconvenience:

• 5 years US$ 1,000
• 10 years US$ 1,500
• 20 years US$ 2,000

FINANCIAL STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS
A company is required to keep financial records, which reflect the financial position of the company but there is no requirement under the International Companies Act of 1987 to file accounts.

DIRECTORS
A minimum of one, natural or corporate of any nationality. Need not be resident in Samoa.

COMPANY SECRETARY
An International Company must appoint a company secretary. Can be natural or corporate of any nationality. Need not be resident in Samoa.

SHAREHOLDERS The minimum number of shareholders is one unless a specific type of debenture is outstanding in which case it is permitted to have no shareholders. Details do not appear on the public register.

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