How to Register as a Sole Trader in Samoa

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Samoa is situated in the South Pacific Ocean and composed of 9 islands - two main ones and seven smaller isles. The country's full name is the Independent State of Samoa, and it has been independent since 1962. The country's administrative and commercial center is its capital city, Apia. About 2000,000 People live in Samoa, most of which (92%) are of native Samoan origin. The basic local language is English.

Disclaimer: Be aware that this article is not a substitute for legal advice. Please always check official websites or seek legal advice before you take action.

What is a sole trader?

A sole trader is a person trading on their own. 

The sole trader in Samoa:

• Has full control over their business (manages and owns the business)
• is personally liable for all the business's debts and taxes
• Is entitled to all the profits from the business
• Can employ other people to help with the business

Registering as a sole trader in Samoa

The registration process is easy and requires little time spent at the counter. Unfortunately, all applications have to be done in person, and almost all fees must be paid in cash or check. Here's 

Company registration

Every business must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour. A sole trader can use their own business name as the name of their business or register their business under a different name. 

After an application has been reviewed, the sole trader will receive a company registration certificate.

• Documentation: Passport, Application for Company Registration (can be filled out online), an address of residence or business operations
• Fees: WS$ 300
• Duration: 2 - 3 days

Obtain a Foreign Investment Certificate (for foreigners)

All foreign citizens planning to do business in Samoa must register for an FIC with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour.

• Documentation: Sole traders need to provide their passport and a Foreign Investment Certificate Application Form
• Fees: WS$ 200
• Duration: 1 day (can be done in 1h)

Obtain a business license

Sole traders must register their business with the Ministry of Revenue and obtain a business license after paying fees.

Fees are paid per business activity, so businesses with more activities will pay higher fees.

The license is valid for a year and needs to be renewed.

• Documentation: FIC, Passport, Sole Trader Business Application Form
• Fees: WS$ 352 per activity for sole traders
• Duration: 2 - 3 days 

Obtain a temporary residence permit (for foreigners)

Filed with the MPMC Immigrations Office, this permit is required for every business activity, and it is recommended for the foreign sole trader to get one as soon as possible.

Documentation: Copy of passport, confirmation of residence (some document containing the address and a signed statement from the landlord) 

Fees: WST 900 or 1,800 depending on whether you're applying off-island or in-country

Duration: processing takes up 10 working days

Employing people in Samoa

Sole traders can employ people to assist them with running their business. However, every business owner whose business is based in Samoa and who wants to hire foreign nationals needs to obtain a Foreign Employment Employee Permit.

Taxes in Samoa

Income Tax is paid on all income generated or earned in Samoa. The tax year in Samoa is from January 1st to December 31st, while the returns for any tax payments are due by March 31st the following year. Sole traders can file a sole trader tax return for any income that qualifies.

Every business with a turnover higher than $130,000 is required to apply for Value Added Goods and Services Tax, which is 15%.

Furthermore, Samoa has a double taxation agreement with New Zealand, which means that income taxed in each of the countries cannot be taxed again in the other one.