Projected growth in FY2017 has been revised up on expectations of continuing strong performance in fisheries, tourism, and construction, though the recent decline in manufactured goods other than food is expected to continue. 

The economy of Samoa has traditionally been dependent on development aid, family remittances from overseas, agriculture, and fishing. The country is vulnerable to devastating storms. Agriculture employs roughly two-thirds of the labor force and furnishes 90% of exports, featuring coconut cream, coconut oil, and copra.

Dated commentary on the basic components of the Samoa economy

This World Bank site ranks Samoa with other world economies for ease of doing business

This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Samoa. 

This site describes the steps and costs related to forming an International Business Company (IBC) in Samoa

The steps required to register a company in Samoa from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour

This World Bank site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Samoa. 

Sales Tax Rate / VAT – 12.5% / 15%

The Corporate Tax Rate in Samoa stands at 27 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Samoa averaged 27.18 percent from 2006 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 29.00 percent in 2006 and a record low of 27.00 percent in 2007.

A resident company is charged at the rate of 27% in its global taxable income while non-resident is charged at the rate of 27% on its taxable income derived from the Samoa source. 

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Samoa stands at 27 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Samoa averaged 27.00 percent from 2004 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 27.00 percent in 2005 and a record low of 27.00 percent in 2005.

In the long-term, the Samoa Personal Income Tax Rate is projected to trend around 27.00 percent in 2020, according to our econometric models.

This site provides a detailed summary of the taxes and mandatory contributions that a medium-size company must pay or withhold in a given year, as well as administrative burden in paying taxes and complying with postfiling procedures.

Samoa visa and passport requirements & Embassy and Colsulate addresses. Full detail on passports, visas and entry requirements for Samoa, including types, costs

Comprehensive Information on Samoa Visa Requirements

Transportation in Samoa is fairly easy to avail. Roads and local rails are the best way to move from one point in Samoa to another.

Samoa Taxis and Car Rental. Taxis are very cheap in Samoa. They are generally found in the main cities and towns on Upolu and Savaii.

This dated (2009) site is about communications systems in Samoa

The Office of the regulator is responsible for the telecom industry and services in Samoa

This site describes the changes enacted by the Labour & Employment Relations Act 2013

Information on the laws of Samoa from the US Library of Congress

This site describes the changes enacted by the Labour & Employment Relations Act 2013

Information on the laws of Samoa from the US Library of Congress

Samoa 2017 bank holidays and Samoa 2017 nationalholidays

See “People and Society” on this CIA site

This site describes the demographic features of the population of Samoa, includingpopulation density, ethnicity, education level, health of the populace

Cost of living comparisons in more than 1,600 cities all over the world.

Do you want to move to Samoa but want to know the cost of living there? Get ready because it is not cheap. There is one for the locals, the Samoans, and there is another for everyone else

Guide to travel, doing business, and studying in Samoa – culture, greetings, gestures,etiquette, taboos, negotiations, gift-giving, and more

Some etiquette dos and don’ts in Samoa are discussed on this site

Although school fees are not charged, families are expected to contribute to maintenance and other school costs. Students sit for a national placement exam for secondary school at the end of grade 8

Discover the complete list of Samoa’s public holidays for 2016 and 2017

The weather in Samoa can be called tropical. You will find year round sunshine with temperatures rarely dropping below 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) by day and sea temperatures averaging around 24 degrees Celsius (75° Fahrenheit).  This site includes links to weather in various Samoa cities.

Samoa’s climate is tropical all year round with two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from May to October while the wet season is from November to April. 

See “Safety and Security” on this US Department of State site

Latest travel advice for Samoa including safety and security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health

The literacy rate is estimated to be 97% in Samoa, where education is provided by the state in tandem with 5 religious missions

Samoa Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border. 

Customs information for individuals entering Samoa

A summary of import and export regulations

A listing of trade agreements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

This site provides key information on Samoa’s participation in the WTO. Samoa has been a member of WTO since 10 May 2012.

Find 8,655 traveler reviews, candid photos, and prices for 54hotels in Samoa.

Find and book budget accommodation in Samoa. Have a South Pacific getaway without blowing your budget. 

Expert Samoa travel guide including detailed information about everything you need to know about Samoa.

TripAdvisor has 20,114 reviews of Samoa Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Samoa resource.