[8] Birthright nationality applies to: Regular naturalisation in Samoa is acquired by submitting an application to the Minister with the responsibility for the administration of immigration.

[9] Applicants must provide evidence that they are of good character, have familiarity with Samoan civics, intend to live in Samoa, and have resided within the territory for five years.

[9] A special naturalisation process for persons who have performed distinguished service to the public or nation is permitted for economic development or sporting achievement.

[11][12] It also requires a 3 year established residency and thereafter an annual physical presence in Samoa of fifteen days.

Political authority was granted to a paramount chief through ruling villages and title holders who represented designated territories and kinship networks.

[23][24] No permanent European settlements occurred until John Williams of the London Missionary Society established a mission in the islands in 1830.

[23] Charles Wilkes led the United States Exploring Expedition, which surveyed the islands and drafted commercial regulations in 1839 and in 1845, George Pritchard arrived as the British consul.

[28][29] Germany established an administration under the Governor Wilhelm Solf in 1900, which utilized traditional leaders to implement policies.

[39][Notes 1] However, in 1923, New Zealand amended the 1921 Samoa Act with the specific intent to provide naturalisation to Samoans as British subjects.

[46] The uniform law, which went into effect on 1 January 1915, required a married woman to derive her nationality from her spouse, meaning if he was British, she was also, and if he was foreign, so was she.

[44] The statute reiterated common law provisions for natural-born persons born within the realm on or after the effective date.

[49] For those born abroad on or after the effective date, legitimacy was still required, and could only be derived by a child from a British father (one generation), who was natural-born or naturalised.

[51] The 1928 Act also incorporated provisions that people naturalised anywhere in the empire were automatically British subjects in New Zealand.

[54] In 1935, New Zealand passed legislation to allow married women who might become aliens by marriage to retain their British nationality while residing its territory.

Foreign-born inhabitants of Western Samoa who had resided in the territory for five years could opt for Samoan nationality after the effective date by declaring their intent and taking a loyalty oath.

[62][70] The action was controversial and rights groups argued that the new law was racist because it required Samoans to give up their birthright to New Zealand nationality.

[70] Discussion continued for years about repealing the legislation and imposed restrictive quotas for Samoans wishing to immigrate to New Zealand.