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Step 2 of 12

Register your sole proprietorship with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies

Reserve your business name, then register it, unless you trade under just your own name.

Time
1–2 hours, then 1–2 weeks for the certificate
Cost
$60.52 name reservation plus $68.55 a year (seen October 2026; confirm current fee)
Nova Scotia — register a sole proprietorship ↗

Register your sole proprietorship with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies: step-by-step guide

Screenshots use a made-up example business. Official sites change, so yours may look slightly different.

  1. Nova Scotia register a sole proprietorship page with the $68.55 registration fee highlighted
    1. Reserve your name first, then register the sole proprietorship. Registration costs $68.55 and must be renewed every year for the same fee.

Screenshots captured 2026-10-18. See something different? Report a problem

Who has to register

Nova Scotia says most sole proprietorships must register with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies. You are exempt only if you trade under just your personal name.

Reserve the name first

The registry must approve your name before you register. A name reservation with an Atlantic name search costs $60.52, or $75.58 if you plan to trade beyond the Atlantic provinces. Once approved, you have 90 days to register.

Register

You can register online, by mail or in person at an Access Nova Scotia centre. Registration costs $68.55. The province says it takes 1–2 weeks to receive your Certificate of Registration, and the registry has warned of processing delays.

Renew every year

Unlike most provinces, Nova Scotia renews every year, for $68.55, and you must also file an annual return. The registry sends a reminder, but renewing on time is your job.

Your details are public

Information filed with the registry is a public record. If you work from home and do not want customers to see your address, ask about using a PO box or a mailing address service.

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