Samoa — Offshore Banking License (SIFA) 2026
Samoa's offshore banking framework under the International Banking Act 2005 provides Class A (full scope) and Class B (restricted scope) banking licenses through the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA). USD $10M+ minimum capital for Class A, confidentiality-oriented jurisdiction, no income tax on offshore income. One of the Pacific's established offshore banking frameworks.
Samoa's Offshore Banking Framework
Samoa has maintained an international banking framework since the passage of the International Banking Act 2005, supervised by the Samoa International Finance Authority (SIFA). The framework is designed for international — non-Samoan-domestic — banking operations, with two distinct license categories offering different scope and capital requirements.
Samoa's offshore banking framework is not positioned at the institutional prestige level of Cayman or Mauritius. It is a Pacific jurisdiction with a well-established offshore financial services tradition, offering a relatively accessible banking license structure for operators who specifically need Pacific-jurisdictioned banking authorization or are looking for an alternative to Caribbean offshore banking options.
| Feature | Class A (Full Banking) | Class B (Restricted Banking) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | SIFA | SIFA |
| Scope | Full international banking | Restricted — defined client categories or activities |
| Min. capital | USD $10,000,000+ | Lower — SIFA assessed |
| Permitted clients | International non-Samoan clients | Defined per licence conditions |
| Income tax | 0% on offshore banking income | 0% on offshore banking income |
| Confidentiality | High — not publicly disclosed | High |
| Annual audit | Required | Required |
| Physical presence | Registered office in Samoa required | Required |
| Timeline | 8–14 months | 6–10 months |
Class A vs. Class B
The two license categories serve different business profiles:
Class A — Full International Banking
Broadest scope of permitted banking activities for international clients. USD $10M+ capital. Suitable for operators establishing a full-scope offshore bank with deposit-taking, credit, trade finance, and treasury capabilities.
Class B — Restricted Banking
More limited permitted activities — scope defined per licence conditions. Lower capital than Class A. Suitable for operators needing banking authorization for a specific defined activity set rather than full-scope banking.
Permitted Activities (Class A)
- •Deposit-taking from international non-Samoan clients
- •Credit and lending facilities
- •Trade finance — letters of credit, trade guarantees
- •Treasury operations — foreign exchange, interest rate management
- •Correspondent banking services
- •Investment activities as permitted by licence conditions
The same practical banking access challenges that apply to Dominica and SVG offshore banks also apply to Samoa. Correspondent banking relationships with tier-1 SWIFT-connected institutions are difficult to establish for Samoa-licensed banks. The license is most useful when the specific client base or transaction flow does not require tier-1 correspondent banking infrastructure, or when combined with an existing banking relationship built on the operator's reputation rather than the Samoa license itself.
Requirements
- •Samoa-registered company under international banking legislation
- •USD $10M+ paid-up capital (Class A) — verified by SIFA
- •Directors with banking industry experience — fit and proper assessment
- •AML/CFT programme compliant with FATF standards
- •Business plan and detailed operational description
- •Registered office in Samoa — through licensed Samoa service provider
- •Annual audited financial statements
How Zitadelle AG Assists
- ✓Samoa company incorporation under international banking legislation
- ✓SIFA application preparation and submission
- ✓Class A vs. Class B assessment and recommendation
- ✓Business plan development and financial projections
- ✓AML/CFT framework and compliance manual
- ✓Banking introductions for correspondent banking relationships
- ✓Annual compliance and regulatory reporting support
Frequently Asked Questions
A SIFA banking license under the International Banking Act 2005 — Class A (full international banking) and Class B (restricted scope). USD $10M+ capital for Class A. Non-Samoan domestic client focus, 0% income tax on offshore banking income.
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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. SIFA requirements may change. Correspondent banking access varies. Always consult a qualified advisor before making licensing decisions. Last updated: April 2026.