(902) 424-7770 or the Access Nova Scotia toll free number: 1-800-225-8227 (All office locations)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (except holidays)
This telephone number connects you to an automated answering system, which gives you several options, including speaking to a member of the Registry staff.

Any Access Nova Scotia Centres
OR
Head office location:
Maritime Centre, 9 North
1505 Barrington Street (at Spring Garden Road)
Halifax, N.S. B3J 3K5
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (except holidays)

1. Businesses being incorporated in Nova Scotia do not need to make a separate application for business registration, as this registration occurs automatically as part of the incorporation proces.
   
   
2. Businesses incorporated outside of Nova Scotia, before they can actually apply for business registration, must have their business name approved for use in this province. (See Business Name: Search and Reservation)  If the Registry's name search reveals that the proposed business name is already in use in Nova Scotia, then the applicant may be required to register a different business name for use in Nova Scotia.
   
   
3. Once the business name is reserved, the applicant must then file an application for registration of the company.

Application forms can be obtained from the Registry or from any Access Nova Scotia Centre OR they can be downloaded from the Registry of Joint Stock Companies web site.

Once completed, they can be submitted by mail, or in person at the Registry Office or any Access Nova Scotia office, along with the appropriate fees.

If all requirements are met and the application is approved, the Certificate of Registration will be sent to the applicant by mail.

Name Search:
Nova Scotia Corporation: $48.99
Extra-provincial Corporation: Free (included in Registration fee)
Initial Application and Annual Renewal:
1) If incorporated outside of N.S.: $220.00
2) If incorporated in N.S.: $95.00
3) Financial Institutions: $430.00
4) Insurance Companies: $270.00
Note: Fee must accompany application.

Designation of someone in N.S. to act as Agent for the company: Free

1. If the business will be retailing taxable goods or services, they will need an HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) Registration with Canada Revenue Agency .
   
   
2. Most businesses operating in Nova Scotia must pay Business Occupancy Tax to the municipality where they are located.
   
   
3. Within one week of opening, a business must notify the Regional Director of Assessment, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations .
   
   
4. If the business hires any employees, it is responsible for deducting and remitting personal income tax, unemployment insurance premiums and Canada Pension Plan deductions to Canada Revenue Agency - Taxation.