Immigration to Samoa for Laos citizenship

Language Samoan, English

Car traffic Left-hand

Phone code +685

Currency Samoan tala

Recognition of dual citizenship yes

Covid There are no COVID restrictions

Insurance policy Insurance policy recommended

Minimum passport validity at least 6 months

Citizenship

Citizenship by Investment

Samoan citizenship is acquired at birth, by marriage, by registration or naturalization, by investment.

By birth: Individuals born in Samoa where at least one parent is a Samoan citizen.

By descent: A child born abroad to at least one parent or grandparent who was a citizen of Samoa and who was born abroad but had resided in the territory for three years at the time of the child's birth. A child born abroad to a Samoan mother out of wedlock.

By registration: British Commonwealth citizens can register for Samoan citizenship if the following conditions are met: the person has lived in the country for at least three years, is of good behavior, understands the language and customs of the country, and intends to continue living in the country.

Marriage: Individuals who are married and have lived in the territory for five years are eligible for citizenship.

By naturalization: Regular naturalization in Samoa is acquired by application. Applicants must provide evidence that they are of good character, familiar with Samoan citizenship, intend to live in Samoa, and have resided in the territory for five years. A special naturalization process for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society or the nation is allowed for economic development or athletic achievement. The program requires a minimum net worth of $2.5 million and an investment of $4 million. A 3-year established residence is also required, followed by an annual physical presence in Samoa for fifteen days.

Naturalization is also available for:

Persons who were born in Samoa (or on a Samoan ship) and are considered stateless;
Adopted persons;
Persons (including members of their families) who have made significant financial investments in the development of the country.

Loss of citizenship

Samoan citizens may renounce their citizenship if they are of legal age and have acquired another citizenship. Denaturalization can happen to a person who obtained citizenship through fraud, misrepresentation, or concealment of important information. It can also happen if a person has committed disloyal or treasonous acts or if a naturalized Samoan has been granted permission to live abroad. In the case of a person who acquired citizenship by investment, denaturalization can occur if they have failed to make the necessary investments or maintain the required net worth.

Dual citizenship

Since 2004, Samoa has allowed dual citizenship.

Samoa launched its citizenship by investment scheme under the Citizenship by Investment Act 2016 and its Regulations 2016. The method is administered by the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Samoa. Applications must be submitted to the Citizenship Committee.

Citizenship by Investment is granting citizenship to an individual and immediate family members after a specific and quantified investment in Samoa. This new program will provide individuals and immediate family members with an additional opportunity to acquire Samoan citizenship by investment.

Foreign investors and any members of their family are eligible to apply for Samoan citizenship within three months prior to the expiry of their permanent residence permit.

Benefits

Visa-free travel to 129 countries, including Canada, Europe, Russia, Great Britain, Ireland
Family and children have the right to receive the status of lifelong citizenship.
Investors receive permanent residence, citizenship, and passport.
The minimum requirement is to live in the country for 15 days a year.
A second passport may allow visa-free travel to jurisdictions not available to the country of birth.
Tax planning for HNW individuals.
Some consider the citizenship and passport of a small, peaceful country to be a protection when traveling, especially during political unrest, civil war, terrorism, and other situations.
Citizenship is seen as an alternative investment in the future.
Dual citizenship is allowed in Samoa.

All investors must prove a minimum net worth of S$2.5 million ($1 million).

Real Estate: 4 million SAT ($1.5 million) in lease and development of public lands.

Agriculture, tourism, technology: 4 million SAT ($1.5 million) in fisheries, agriculture, tourism, hotels, resorts, and information technology.

Energy: 4 million SAT ($1.5 million) in solar energy, power generation, and biofuels.

State fund: SAT$ 4 million for the national development fund.

Stages of application

The Citizenship by Investment Committee will only be able to consider an application if:

Application and due diligence fees paid in full;
There is a confirmation of opening a permanent deposit account and payment to this account of at least 70% (or instead of the established percentage, at least 50%) of the investment amount;
A report on proper verification of funds has been received
There is permanent residence and citizenship

Step 1: The investor and any family members may be issued a temporary residence permit upon application

Step 2: the investor and any family members are eligible for a permanent residence permit valid for three (3) years once the application is accepted. Still, this permit is subject to the following conditions:

a. The investor can withdraw any amount from the time deposit account for use in accordance with the investment plan. Still, the investor must maintain at least 15% of the initial amount deposited into the account.

b. The Committee may continue to review and monitor the progress of the qualified investment during the investor's three years of permanent residence in accordance with the investment plan or instructions or as the Committee deems appropriate.

Step 3: the investor and any family members are eligible to apply for Samoan citizenship within three (3) months before the permanent residence permit expires. This requires that the investor (including a family member or members) reside in Samoa for at least 15 days per year during the three years of validity of the permanent residence permit and complete an investment plan.

The investor and their family members named in the application are reminded in writing of the closing dates and eligibility period for applying for Samoan citizenship at least six months before the permanent residence permit expires. However, an investor can apply to extend their permanent residence permit (including any family members) if it expires before citizenship is obtained.

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