🇼🇸Samoa Visa for Qatari Citizens2026 Requirements, Fees & Documents

Foreign Employment Employee Permit (FEEP)

Authorises a specific foreign national to work for a specific employer in a specific role in Samoa. Issued under Part IX of the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013 (as amended 2023).

The employer (not the employee) must apply before the employee commences work. MCIL reviews applications against local labour market conditions. The permit is non-transferable between employers or roles. Valid for up to 3 years, subject to conditions set by the MCIL CEO. The foreign employee must also hold a valid Residence Permit (issued separately by MPMC). Contact: employmentinfo@mcil.gov.ws or +685 20 442.

Residence Permit

Authorises a foreign national to reside in Samoa for an extended period, required in conjunction with a Foreign Employment Permit for workers.

Administered by the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) - Immigration Division. Required alongside the FEEP for any foreigner working in Samoa. Also required as part of the Citizenship Investment Act 2015 pathway (Temporary Resident Permit stage). Detailed permit types, fees, and eligibility rules were not accessible from the MPMC website (returns HTTP 403) at time of research (June 2026). Applicants are advised to contact MPMC Immigration directly.

Temporary Resident Permit (Investment Pathway)

First stage of the Citizenship Investment Act 2015 pathway, granted to qualifying foreign investors who invest WST 4 million or more in Samoa.

Administered by MCIL under the Citizenship Investment Act 2015 (launched 31 January 2017). Qualifying investments include: leasing/developing government lands; processing/manufacturing of agricultural or fishery products; tourism hotel/resort development; ICT; renewable electricity generation; or other services not restricted under the Foreign Investment Act 2000. The pathway progresses from Temporary Resident Permit → Permanent Resident Permit (minimum 15 days per year physical presence required) → citizenship eligibility after 3 years. No investor has completed the process as of June 2026.

Temporary Resident Permit (Study)

Foreign nationals enrolled in an academic programme at a recognised Samoan educational institution.

One of the six Temporary Resident Permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (administered by MPMC Immigration Division). Requires the MPMC100 application form, a letter of acceptance from the local counterpart in Samoa, a confirmation-of-enrolment letter from the university/institution, and evidence of sufficient funds. Medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports are required for stays exceeding one year. Students may work part-time if authorised on the permit. Applications should be lodged at least 4 weeks before travel; fees are set by the MPMC fee schedule.

Temporary Resident Permit (Medical Elective / Treatment)

Foreign nationals coming to Samoa for medical electives, short-term clinical attachments, exchange programmes, or medical treatment.

Issued as a Temporary Resident Permit for 'medical electives / short-term attachments / exchange programme', per the official Embassy of Samoa (Belgium). Stated fee EUR 470 (approx. USD 510). Medical students must provide a confirmation letter from the Samoa Ministry of Health plus evidence of funds. Requires the MPMC100 form, passport bio-data, acceptance letter from the local counterpart, university confirmation, accommodation confirmation, and medical/police reports. Submit at least 4 weeks before departure.

Temporary Resident Permit (Family Support / Reunion)

Foreign nationals joining or being supported by family members resident in Samoa, including spouses and dependent children.

One of the six Temporary Resident Permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (MPMC Immigration Division). Requires a host accommodation/support letter, the MPMC100 form, and (for stays over one year) medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports. Used for family reunion and dependent support of residents/citizens.

Temporary Resident Permit (Academic and Scientific Research)

Foreign researchers conducting academic or scientific research in Samoa.

One of the six Temporary Resident Permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (MPMC Immigration Division). Requires a letter of support from the sponsoring institution, the MPMC100 form, and (for stays over one year) medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports.

Temporary Resident Permit (Cultural and Religious)

Foreign nationals coming to Samoa for cultural or religious activities or events (e.g. missionaries, performers).

One of the six Temporary Resident Permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (MPMC Immigration Division). Requires a confirmation letter from the event/activity organiser, the MPMC100 form, and (for stays over one year) medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports.

Permanent Resident Permit

Long-term foreign residents, significant investors, and spouses or dependent children of Samoan citizens seeking permanent residence.

One of the four entry-permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020 (MPMC Immigration Division). Typically granted after sustained lawful temporary residence (commonly cited as 10+ years), through significant economic contribution/investment, or via family ties to a Samoan citizen. Requires the MPMC100 form, medical (MPMC102) and police (MPMC103) reports, extensive supporting documentation, and background checks.

Ministerial Permit

Discretionary permit for exceptional or special cases falling outside the standard permit categories.

One of the four entry-permit categories under the Immigration Act 2020. A discretionary permit issued at the discretion of the Minister responsible for immigration, used for special or exceptional cases not covered by the Visitor, Temporary Resident, or Permanent Resident permit categories.