This article offers a clear breakdown of company creation and maintenance costs in Samoa (country code: WS) as of 2025. All figures are based on the official fees and average professional service charges for setting up and running a standard Private Company Limited by Shares (Pte Ltd) in Samoa.
Average Company Creation Costs in Samoa (2025)
Establishing a standard Private Company Limited by Shares in Samoa involves several essential fees and a minimal capital requirement. The table below outlines the average costs involved, denominated in Samoan tālā (WST). For international reference, an estimated exchange rate of 1 WST = 0.36 USD is used (WST$100 = USD$36).
| Cost Item | Amount (WST) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration fee (Registrar of Companies) | WST$400 | $144 |
| Name reservation fee | WST$50 | $18 |
| Legal/lawyer fees (average for standard incorporation) | WST$250 | $90 |
| Minimum capital requirement | WST$2 | $0.72 |
| Total Typical Upfront Cost | WST$700 | $252 |
The dominant portion of startup expenses is driven by official registration and legal fees. Notably, Samoa remains highly attractive in terms of minimal capital requirements, with only WST$2 ($0.72) needed to legally constitute the company.
Ongoing Annual Company Maintenance Costs
Once operational, businesses must comply with mandatory annual filings and recommended professional services for accounting and legal review. Current annual maintenance costs for a Private Company Limited by Shares in Samoa fall within the following range:
| Expense | Annual Cost (WST) | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return filing fee (Registrar of Companies) | WST$400 | $144 |
| Basic accounting and tax filing services (average) | WST$400 | $144 |
| Optional legal/accounting review (recommended, average) | WST$200 | $72 |
| Total Annual Maintenance Cost (min–max) | WST$400–WST$1,000 | $144–$360 |
Annual expenses vary depending on whether you opt for additional legal or accounting reviews, but even with additional services, the ongoing obligations remain moderate by regional standards.
Key Points to Note
- Upfront company creation: Most of your initial outlay (over 90%) will be regulated and legal fees, with very little required for share capital.
- Annual maintenance: Maintenance costs are primarily comprised of filing fees and basic professional support. Optional reviews can be added for more comprehensive compliance coverage.
- Regulatory compliance: Filing deadlines and requirements are strictly enforced by the Registrar of Companies. Planning for these recurring obligations is essential.
Pro Tips for Company Setup and Maintenance in Samoa
- Reserve your company name early to avoid administrative delays, as the reservation fee is fixed and non-refundable.
- Engage a consultant or lawyer familiar with Samoan company law for incorporation—even if it’s not mandatory, their expertise can prevent costly missteps.
- Budget for both basic annual filing and professional accounting support to ensure statutory compliance and avoid late penalties.
- The minimum capital requirement is negligibly low (WST$2); focus your financial planning on service fees rather than share capital.
- Monitor the official government registry for any regulatory updates or fee adjustments.
Authoritative Sources
In summary, company formation and maintenance costs in Samoa for 2025 are straightforward, transparent, and remain modest by international benchmarks. The minimal capital requirement is a significant advantage, while administrative and professional fees account for the majority of setup and annual costs. Staying updated with official requirements and planning for both mandatory and optional services will ensure your Samoan company is compliant and cost effective over time.