The Samoa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has proposed lowering the minimum investment threshold for Samoa’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program from $4 million tālā to $2 million tālā.
The Samoa Observer reports that the government is reviewing its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which allows foreigners to gain citizenship through investment in approved industries.
The Samoa Chamber of Commerce said the current requirements make Samoa less competitive compared to other countries with similar schemes.
“The Chamber noted that the existing program’s $4 million tālā minimum investment and three-year residency requirement made it uncompetitive globally,” the SCCI said in the draft policy.
The Chamber recommended that the reduction in the threshold be tied to job creation and stronger engagement with local businesses.
“The Chamber suggests around $2 million tālā for active business investments—provided those investments create jobs and link with local businesses.”
SCCI suggested that investors who contribute $2 million tālā should be required to generate “either 15 skilled jobs or 50 jobs in total,” depending on the sector.
The existing program, requires applicants to make a minimum investment of $4 million tālā and have a minimum net worth of $2.5 million tālā.
Photo: Samoa Observer
