Nationality of Samoa: all obtaining pathways
Samoa requires five years on a permanent residence permit for citizenship by registration, and five years of marriage plus shared cohabitation for registration through a link with a Samoan. Citizenship is transmitted by birth and descent with no residence requirement.
1Citizenship by birth and descent
Citizenship by birth and descent
Requirements
- Born in Samoa to a Samoan parent at birth; born abroad to a citizen Samoan father/mother not by descent, or by descent with a parent who resided 3 years or more (the official Citizenship Services page)
Documentation
- Complete birth record of the applicant and of the parent
- Parent's Samoan passport
2Citizenship by permanent residence
Citizenship by permanent residence
Requirements
- A foreigner who has held a valid Samoan permanent residence permit for 5 years may apply to be registered as a citizen
Documentation
- Proof of employment in Samoa in the last 5 years
- Proof of business/social activity
- State of health and character
3Citizenship by marriage
Citizenship by marriage
Requirements
- A foreigner married to a Samoan citizen: registration if the marriage and cohabitation have lasted a period of 5 years (in Samoa or abroad)
Documentation
- Proof of cohabitation with the spouse during the last 5 years
- Evidence of the marriage's continuity
- Marriage certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Samoa
How many years of residence does Samoa require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Samoa (Citizenship by permanent residence), the term is 5 years on a permanent residence permit. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
How much does the nationality of Samoa cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is SAT$150 (certificate); check the current fee in the official guide. Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of Samoa be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage pathway (5 years of marriage and cohabitation; with a referenced cost of SAT$5,400). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Samoa require?
The Citizenship by permanent residence pathway requires: Proof of employment in Samoa in the last 5 years; Proof of business/social activity; State of health and character.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Samoa?
Samoa provides 3 pathways: Citizenship by birth and descent, Citizenship by permanent residence, Citizenship by marriage.
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Anything to correct or add about Samoa?
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