Every Samoan non-citizen seeking employment in the country must apply for a Foreign Employee Employment Permit (FEEP). The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Labor accepts these applications and issues employment permits.

Before granting an employment permit, the Ministry will consider:

• Preparation and qualifications of the applicant.
• Latest trends and development of the industry.
• Number of citizens employed in the same industry.

Employment requirements are set out in the Foreign Investment Act of 2000.

The Minister may impose conditions on individual work permits, including fixed periods of validity. Although this decision may depend on the expected length of employment, all FEEPs (Foreign Employee Employment Permits) expire within two years of issuance. In the Department of Trade, Industry and Labour, the Industrial Relations, Permits to Work and Health and Safety (IRWPOSH) Division deals with all FEEP matters.

Requirements for obtaining a Samoa work visa

To obtain a work visa, employees will need several documents that confirm their identity and confirm various personal data:

• Cover letter explaining the need for an international employee
• A completed and signed FEEP application
• Application fee
• Two color passport-size photos
• Copy of passport or travel document
• Company information and details
• Medical reference
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Evidence of relevant training and qualifications certified by the Samoa Qualifications Authority (SQA)
• A copy of the job offer letter and job description
• A signed employment contract or other documents outlines the job offer's terms.

FEEP holders must carry their identification cards at all times. Anyone with a work permit can only do the work they have been authorized for.

If you or the employee terminate the employment contract before the contract or permit expires, you must notify the Department of Trade, Industry, and Labour. If the Ministry cancels the permit, your international worker must leave the country.