Is Crypto Legal in Samoa?

Cryptocurrency is legal but strictly regulated in Samoa. The Central Bank of Samoa requires anyone wishing to promote cryptocurrency or digital currency to obtain proper licensing from the Bank, as outlined in the Money Laundering Prevention Amendment Act 2018 (1). Any promoter of virtual currency who contravenes this Act is subject to an imprisonment term or penalty fine, or both (1). Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Onecoin, Ethereum, EOS, and Litecoin are not currencies issued or regulated by the Central Bank and do not have legal tender status to be accepted as currency in Samoa (1).

Under the Money Laundering Prevention Amendment Act 2018, any person who wishes to promote cryptocurrency or digital currency is considered a Financial Institution. This means they must have a valid business licence issued in Samoa and are required to follow the Central Bank's reporting requirements for Financial Institutions (1). The Central Bank does not currently endorse unregulated cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Onecoin or any cryptocurrency that has been promoted in Samoa, and does not encourage anyone to invest in them (1).

"Investment in such digital currencies is considered very risky and speculative in nature. People who invest in any of the cryptocurrencies do so at their own risk. There is no guarantee that cryptocurrencies will be accepted as a medium of exchange, or will hold their value."

The Central Bank has consistently warned the public about the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments, particularly fraudulent schemes like OneCoin that have targeted Samoan investors (2). Despite its cautious stance on cryptocurrencies, the Central Bank has acknowledged the potential use of blockchain and financial technology, and is researching it as a platform for promoting financial inclusion in Samoa (1). The government has clarified that it will only support cryptocurrency-related projects that have undergone thorough review and are proven to be safe, beneficial, and sound for the Samoan economy and its people (2).

Source:
https://www.samoaobserver.ws/category/samoa/14684
https://cbs.gov.ws/cryptocurrency

Last updated: 19-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.