Samoa

Samoa currently has no specific cryptocurrency legislation and maintains a cautious stance towards crypto activities. The Central Bank of Samoa has not issued any crypto-specific regulatory framework, indicating a restricted environment for crypto operations.

Overview

StatusRestricted
Risk Score55/100 (High Risk)
Regionasia pacific
CurrencyWST

Tax Information

VAT on CryptoNo

No explicit crypto tax regulations are stated; VAT does not apply to crypto transactions.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorCBS
FrameworkNo crypto-specific legislation
Easevery_complex

Enforcement Activity

Level: Moderate

No detailed enforcement information available

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleNo
FATF MemberYes
FATF Statuscompliant
FATF BodyAPG
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Restricted

DeFi activities are not explicitly regulated and generally face restrictions due to the lack of clear regulatory framework.

Stablecoins

Status: unknown

No specific regulations or frameworks addressing stablecoins are currently in place.

NFTs

Status: unregulated

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.25/kWh
Renewable Energy15%
Infrastructurefair

Mining legality is not explicitly stated; electricity costs are high and renewable energy share is low, which may limit mining attractiveness.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitymoderate
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index45/100
Banking Accessmoderate
Sanctions Program ActiveNo

Risk Factors

Samoa is politically stable with moderate corruption and moderate ease of doing business. It faces risks from natural disasters and limited infrastructure, impacting crypto business environment.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Samoa?

Samoa currently has no specific cryptocurrency legislation and maintains a cautious stance towards crypto activities. The Central Bank of Samoa has not issued any crypto-specific regulatory framework, indicating a restricted environment for crypto operations.

What is the FATF status of Samoa?

Samoa is classified by FATF as: compliant.

Are VASPs licensed in Samoa?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Samoa?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-09-26 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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