Visitor & short-stay visas
Samoan Business Visitor Permit
A short-stay permit for people employed and paid offshore who visit Samoa for business meetings, a company branch or a conference.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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
- Business Visitor Permit
- Route type
- Short-stay business visitor permit
- Work in Samoa
- Not a work permit — for offshore-paid business visits only
- Application form
- MPMC100 Temporary Resident Permit application (Government of Samoa)
- Where to apply
- Immigration Division in Apia, or a Samoan mission overseas (Wellington, Auckland, Canberra, New York, Brussels)
- Photographs
- 2 recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant and each dependant
- Lodge by
- At least 30 days before your intended date of travel to Samoa
- Immigration Division contact
- Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Apia; +685 20291 / 20292; immigration@samoa.ws
- Confirm the current fee and permitted length of stay directly with the Division.
Who it is for
- People employed and paid outside Samoa visiting for a short business trip
- Those attending business meetings, negotiations or conferences, or visiting a company branch
What you can do
- Attend meetings, negotiations and conferences
- Visit a branch of your own company
- Cannot take up local employment — that requires a Temporary Resident Permit for Employment
How to apply
- State the purpose of your visit clearly, with supporting documentation
- Contact the Immigration Division for the current process and any applicable fee
Requirements
- You must be normally employed and paid offshore, visiting Samoa for a short business trip — a company branch visit, business negotiations with a Samoan company, or a business conference
- Any other business activity carried out in Samoa requires a Temporary Resident Permit instead
- A passport valid for onward travel, together with an onward or return ticket and a visa for your next country if one is required
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during the visit
- Documentation confirming the business purpose of your visit and your contact/business partner in Samoa
- A copy of any Investment Permit or Business Licence issued by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, if you hold one
- It is an offence for a non-citizen to undertake employment in Samoa unless the entry permit specifically authorises it
Documents you may need
- Completed and signed MPMC100 Temporary Resident Permit application form
- 2 recent passport-sized photographs of the applicant (and of each dependant)
- Passport valid for onward travel
- Onward or return ticket, and a visa for your next destination if required
- Evidence of sufficient funds, such as a recent bank statement
- Documentation setting out the business purpose (meeting, negotiation, conference or company-branch visit) and your business contact in Samoa
- Copy of your Investment Permit or Business Licence from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour, if applicable
- Medical and Police reports are only required where the intended stay is 1 year or more, so they generally do not apply to a short business visit
Frequently asked questions
No. The permit is only for people employed and paid offshore who are attending meetings, negotiations or a conference, or visiting a branch of their own company. Taking up local employment or any other business activity in Samoa requires a Temporary Resident Permit, and it is an offence to work unless your entry permit specifically authorises it.
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.
Related Samoan visas
- SHORT STAYVISA-FREEON ARRIVALVisitor Permit (on arrival)A free entry permit issued on arrival for tourism, holidays and short visits, needing no advance visa or form.View visa details
- SHORT STAYEXTENSIONVisitor Permit ExtensionFor visitors already in Samoa who wish to extend a visitor's stay beyond the permit granted on arrival, lodged from within the country.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITTransitShort transit through Faleolo International Airport, with entry-permit rules applying only if you leave the airport.View visa details
