Trust

The general law relating to trusts in Samoa is derived from the English Courts of Equity. The International Trusts Act 1987 provides a simple registration procedure, the effect of which is that general trust law as modified by the International Trusts Act, governs the trust. A registered trust is not subject to any form of taxation whatsoever.

To register a trust the name and the date of the trust and the name of the trustee or trustees must be filed with the Registrar. The names of the settlor and beneficiaries do not have to be disclosed to the Registrar. The trust instrument does not have to be filed. The trust can be discretionary and can provide for the exclusion or inclusion of particular beneficiaries.

The above is only intended as a general outline of some of the significant features of the laws relating to Samoa international trusts. Please contact Portcullis TrustNet (Samoa) Ltd for further details.