Residence & citizenship
Samoan Samoan Citizenship
Acquisition of Samoan citizenship under the Citizenship Act 2004, by birth, descent, permanent residence, or marriage.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Citizenship application fees and detailed marriage/permanent-residence conditions are not confirmed on accessible official pages — verify with the Citizenship Services division.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Samoa government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Samoan citizenship (Citizenship Act 2004)
- Route type
- Citizenship by birth, descent, permanent residence, or marriage
- Residence basis
- Five years holding a valid permanent residence permit for citizenship by permanent residence
- Cost
- Set out in the Immigration fee table
- Citizenship application fees are not confirmed on accessible official pages — verify with the Immigration Division.
Who it is for
- By birth: a person born in Samoa with at least one Samoan-citizen parent at the time of birth
- By descent: a person born outside Samoa with at least one qualifying Samoan-citizen parent
- By permanent residence: an alien who has held a valid permanent residence permit for 5 years
- By marriage: an alien married to a Samoan citizen
Requirements
- Meet the eligibility basis under the Citizenship Act 2004
- For naturalisation-type routes: good character, understanding of Samoan language and customs, and intention to continue residing in Samoa
- Complete the relevant citizenship application form and lodge with the applicable fees
How to apply
- Complete the citizenship application form for your route (descent, permanent residence, or marriage)
- Lodge with the Immigration Division in Apia or a Samoan government mission overseas, with the required fees
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.