Nikita Veremeev
05.11.2025 | 6 min read
Updated: 05.11.2025
The main advantages of Samoa International offer entrepreneurs and investors unique opportunities to conduct business at an international level. Among the key benefits are the flexibility of the corporate structure, a high degree of confidentiality and attractive tax conditions, which make Samoa International a popular choice for multinational companies. Below we will consider the main advantages of multinational business in this jurisdiction.
Benefits of Multinational Business
In recent years the COREDO team has carried out dozens of projects to register Samoa International Companies for clients seeking global expansion and asset protection. The key advantage is zero tax on income from foreign sources: a Samoa IBC is exempt from taxation on profits earned outside Samoa, which allows optimization of international financial flows and avoidance of double taxation with proper structuring.
Confidentiality: another factor appreciated by our clients. Samoa has no public register of directors and shareholders, and beneficiary data is protected by law and is not disclosed to third parties without a special request in accordance with international tax information exchange agreements (Tax Information Exchange Act 2012). The solution developed by COREDO for a large EU holding made it possible to preserve the privacy of the ownership structure even in cross-border transactions.
Flexibility of corporate governance – a Samoa International Company allows the appointment of corporate directors and shareholders, holding meetings anywhere in the world, as well as remote management of the business without the need for physical presence. This is especially relevant for entrepreneurs operating in several jurisdictions at the same time.
Comparison of Offshore Jurisdictions
COREDO’s practice confirms that the Samoa IBC compares favorably to classic offshore zones (Belize, BVI, Panama) on three key parameters:
- Tax regime: Samoa guarantees a 0% tax on income from foreign sources, while in a number of other offshore jurisdictions tax incentives are gradually being reduced under pressure from international regulators.
- Confidentiality: Samoa has no public register, and disclosure of information is possible only by court order or under international agreements.
- registration requirements: Minimal requirements for authorized capital (from 1 USD), no mandatory audit and the possibility to register a company entirely remotely.
A real case: the COREDO team supported the launch of an investment fund through a Samoa International Business Company for clients from Asia, providing not only tax optimization but also protection of the structure from automatic information exchange, which was not possible in other offshore jurisdictions.
Registration and Management Process
The registration and management process includes not only the incorporation of the company but also the establishment of all key rules related to the internal structure and governing bodies. At this stage it is important to understand how the rights and responsibilities of directors and shareholders are formed, as well as what requirements exist for their participation in the company’s affairs.
Directors and Shareholders: rules
Samoa Company Formation is characterized by simplicity and flexibility. The minimum requirement is one director and one shareholder, who may be natural or legal persons, with no restrictions on nationality or residency. Corporate directors and shareholders are permitted, allowing the creation of complex holding structures and the use of a Samoa Offshore Company to manage assets and projects in different countries.
COREDO’s experience has shown that for clients from the EU and the CIS it is optimal to appoint a corporate secretary who is a resident of Samoa, which ensures compliance with the requirements of the International Companies Act 1988 and its 2014 amendments, and also simplifies interaction with the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA).
Corporate documentation and accounting
- Key documents of a Samoa International Company: Memorandum and Articles of Association, Register of Directors and Shareholders. All corporate documentation is maintained in English, with the option of notarization and apostille for international operations.
- Accounting: a mandatory requirement, but an audit is not required if the company does not carry out activities in Samoa. The solution developed by COREDO for clients from Asia provides for the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which facilitates opening accounts and interacting with banks in the EU and the Caribbean region.
In addition, the application of international reporting standards contributes to compliance with AML and KYC requirements, which is especially important for lawful activity in global markets.
AML and KYC procedures
AML and KYC procedures: these are mandatory tools for financial companies aimed at preventing money laundering and ensuring transparency of operations. They include in-depth client identification and ongoing monitoring of their transactions to promptly detect suspicious activity and manage risks. Let’s look in more detail at the specific stages that make up the compliance process.
Mandatory procedures – what’s included
- International AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) standards are strictly applied to Samoa International Business Company. The Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA) requires the provision of full information on beneficial owners, sources of funds and the company’s purposes of activity. COREDO’s practice has shown that thorough preparation of the KYC dossier and a preliminary compliance audit help avoid delays when opening accounts and obtaining licenses.
- For a Samoa Offshore Company, procedures for identifying shareholders and directors, address verification, checks of funding sources, and annual data updates in accordance with the requirements of international tax information exchange agreements are mandatory.
Thus, adherence to international compliance standards is a key step when moving on to the process of opening a bank account.
Opening a bank account
opening a bank account: this is the first step to using modern financial services, which are becoming increasingly flexible and accessible thanks to new technologies. Today banks offer clients a wide range of remote services, allowing them to manage their account and perform basic transactions online without the need to visit a branch.
What banking service options are available?
- Samoa International Company provides extensive opportunities for opening bank accounts in the EU, Asia and the Caribbean region. The COREDO team has supported dozens of account-opening projects for Samoa IBC in banks in the Czech Republic, Estonia, Singapore and Cyprus, taking into account AML/KYC requirements and the specifics of banks’ compliance procedures.
- To successfully open an account for a Samoa International Company, the following must be provided:
- Certificate of incorporation;
- Constitutional documents;
- KYC dossier on the beneficiaries;
- Proof of source of funds;
- Ownership structure and a corporate resolution appointing the authorized person.
COREDO’s experience has shown that banks in Europe and Asia prefer transparent structures and are willing to work with a Samoa Offshore Company provided that international compliance standards are fully observed.
Legal support: risks and protection
Legal support is a key tool for assessing and minimizing risks, as well as reliably protecting a business’s interests at all stages of its operations. In an environment of constant legislative change and intense competition, professional support from lawyers becomes the cornerstone of legal security and effective compliance.
Legal risks and compliance
Legal support for a Samoa company requires a deep understanding of international corporate law and the specifics of Samoan legislation (based on English Common Law). Main risks include non-compliance with AML/KYC procedures, errors in corporate documentation, and breaches of requirements for disclosing beneficial owners and ownership structures.
COREDO’s practice confirms that the most frequent legal problems arise when using bearer shares (shares to the bearer) and shelf companies (ready-made companies). In 2024, SIFA tightened disclosure requirements, and failure to comply with these rules can lead to bank account freezes and license revocation.
To minimize risks the COREDO team recommends:
- Conduct an annual compliance audit;
- Ensure transparency of the ownership structure;
- Appoint a qualified corporate secretary;
- Implement international standards for financial reporting and document storage;
- Promptly update information on beneficial owners and shareholders.
Conclusion and recommendations
The “Conclusion and recommendations” section summarizes the conducted research and formulates the main results of the work. Below are the key conclusions that reflect the achieved objectives and the significance of the obtained data for further practice or research.
Key findings
Samoa International Company is a strategic tool for international business, allowing for tax optimization, ensuring confidentiality and managerial flexibility, as well as protecting assets amid tightening global requirements for corporate structures.
Practical steps I recommend:
- Analyze registration goals: determine whether you need a Samoa IBC for a holding, investment fund, insurance company, or payment business.
- Conduct a preliminary compliance audit: prepare a KYC/AML dossier, ownership structure, and business plan.
- Choose a qualified corporate secretary: this is a key element for compliance with SIFA requirements and international standards.
- Implement international reporting standards: use IFRS to facilitate banking operations and interaction with counterparties.
- Ensure transparency and relevance of corporate documentation: regularly update information on beneficial owners, shareholders, and directors.
- Plan tax optimization: use the advantages of 0% tax on foreign income, but take into account international tax information exchange agreements.
Solutions implemented by the COREDO team allow clients from Europe, Asia, and the CIS not only to successfully register a Samoa International Business Company, but also to scale their business, protect assets, and minimize legal risks.
Comparison of Samoa IBC
| Characteristic | Samoa IBC | Other offshore jurisdictions |
|---|---|---|
| Tax regime | 0% on foreign income | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Confidentiality | High, no public registry | Varies, often lower |
| Registration requirements | At least 1 director and 1 shareholder | Different requirements |
| AML and KYC | Mandatory procedures | Mandatory, but may vary |
Samoa International Company is not just an offshore structure, but a platform for long-term and sustainable development of international business. If your goal is to create an efficient, protected, and scalable company, the COREDO team is ready to offer solutions based on deep market knowledge, international standards, and practical case studies.