Samoan nationality law is regulated by the
1962 Constitution of Samoa, as amended; the Citizenship Act 2004, and its revisions; the Citizenship Investment Act 2015; and international agreements entered into by the Samoan government. These laws determine who is, or is eligible to be, a national of Samoa. The legal means to acquire
nationality
Nationality is a legal identification of a person in international law, establishing the person as a subject, a ''national'', of a sovereign state. It affords the state jurisdiction over the person and affords the person the protection of the ...
, formal legal membership in a nation, differ from the domestic relationship of rights and obligations between a national and the nation, known as
citizenship
Citizenship is a "relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection".
Each state determines the conditions under which it will recognize persons as its citizens, and ...
. Samoan nationality is typically obtained either on the principle of
jus soli (by birth in Samoa) or under the rules of
jus sanguinis (by birth abroad to parents with Samoan nationality). It can be granted to persons who have lived in the country for a specific period of time, who have contributed to the country's development, or who have an affiliation to the country through naturalisation.
Acquiring Samoan nationality
Nationality in Samoa is acquired at birth or later in life by naturalisation.
By birth
Birthright nationality applies to:
* Persons born in Samoa to at least one parent who is a Samoan national;
* Persons born abroad to at least one parent or grandparent, who was a native-born Samoan national; or
* Persons born abroad to at least one parent or grandparent, who was a Samoan national and who was born abroad but had lived within the national territory for three years at the time of the child's birth.
By naturalisation
Regular naturalisation in Samoa is acquired by submitting an application to the Minister with the responsibility for the administration of immigration. Applicants must provide evidence that they are of good character, have familiarity with Samoan
civics
Civics is the study of the rights and obligations of citizens in society. The term derives from the Latin word ''civicus'', meaning "relating to a citizen". The term relates to behavior affecting other citizens, particularly in the context of ur ...
, intend to live in Samoa, and have resided within the territory for five years. A special naturalisation process for persons who have performed distinguished service to the public or nation is permitted for economic development or sporting achievement. The program requires a minimum net worth of $2.5m tālā (equivalent to $1,000,000 USD in 2020) and an investment of $4m tālā (equivalent to $1,400,000 USD in 2020). It also requires a 3 year established residency and thereafter an annual physical presence in Samoa of fifteen days. Naturalisation is also available to:
* Persons who are born in Samoa (or on a Samoan ship) and deemed to be
stateless may be granted nationality by a Cabinet member or Minister;
* Adoptees;
* Spouses of Samoans who have been married and resided in the territory for five years; or
* Persons (including their family members) who have made a significant financial investment to the development of the country.
Loss of nationality
Samoan nationals may