Nova Scotia: Registry of Joint Stock Companies
How to search
Start with the official search. It is listed first because it comes straight from the registry.
What you get
A search shows names and addresses, recognized agents, partners, directors and officers, and the filing history.Source
Step-by-step guides
Fees
| Search | FreeSource |
|---|---|
| Profile report | $12.45Source |
| Certificate of status | $37.40Source |
| Name reservation | $60.52 (incl. tax)Source |
| Name search report (NUANS or equivalent) | Set by the NUANS vendorSource |
| Business name registration | $68.55Source |
| Business name renewal | $68.55 every yearSource |
| Incorporation | $200Source |
| Annual return | $118.35 every yearSource |
| Extra-provincial registration (Canadian corporation) | FreeSource |
| Name reservation with a federal search (names with Canada or Canadian) | $75.58Source |
| Name reservation with your own recent NUANS report | $15.12Source |
| Copy of a document | $12.45 per documentSource |
| Copy of articles, by-laws or an amalgamation | $24.95 per documentSource |
| Extra-provincial registration (federal or foreign corporation), first year, prorated | $22.84 per monthSource |
| Extra-provincial renewal (federal or foreign corporation) | $274.10 every yearSource |
Good to know
- When to register a business name: You trade under a name other than your own personal name, unless you only farm or fish, or are already registered in New Brunswick.Source
- Sole proprietorships have to reserve a name before they register, like companies.Source
- The registry checks a proposed name against Nova Scotia and New Brunswick records, federal corporations and the Canadian trademarks database. It takes about two days.Source
- A NUANS report isn't required, but uploading a recent one lowers the reservation fee.Source
- You don't need an account to search or to order copies, and certifying a copy is free.Source