Regulations

Business Name Registration

Unless your business name is just your first and last name, you must register it with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies - no matter what form of ownership you choose for your business. When you register your business name you are ensuring that no one else can carry on business in Nova Scotia under that name. For more information, please visit the Registry of Joint Stock Companies web site.

Additional Regulations

Depending on the type of business that you are starting, additional regulations may apply.

Search the Federal and Provincial Government Programs & Services.

Search or browse the Nova Scotia Permits Directory

Contact your municipality for zoning, special permits, by-laws, etc.

Or you can contact us.

Fast Facts

Need help determining the necessary regulations and permits required to start your business? Have a look at our Fast Fact sheets (listed below), they provide an overview of the regulations and permits you may need to operate specific types of businesses.

• Beauty/Barber Shop/Aesthetics/Tanning Fast Facts
• Bed & Breakfast Fast Facts
• Child Care Centre Fast Facts
• Cleaning Service Fast Facts
• Construction/Contractor Fast Facts
• Consulting Fast Facts
• Graphic/ Web Design Fast Facts
• Landscaping Fast Facts
• Massage Therapy & Alternative Medicine Fast Facts
• Organic Agriculture and Products - Fast Facts
• Restaurant Fast Facts
• Retail Store Fast Facts 
• Security/Private Investigator Fast Facts