Incorporate a for-profit co-operative
Incorporate a for-profit co-operative by filing the required form and documents with Registry of Joint Stock Companies.
Incorporate your for-profit co-operative.
Help incorporating
Registry of Joint Stock Companies can’t give you legal advice. The registry can help by describing the incorporation process and telling you what documents you need for incorporation, but it can’t help you prepare them. If you have questions about preparing incorporation documents, you should discuss this with your legal and accounting advisors. You can also contact the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council for advice.
Public record
Information you file with Registry of Joint Stock Companies is available to the public.
Who can use this form
For-profit co-operatives need to use this form to incorporate.
What you need to do
- Reserve a name for your co-operative (Registry of Joint Stock Companies needs to approve name).
- Complete the Co-operative Incorporation Form online.
- Check the form for details on all required supporting documents.
- Include payment with your form.
- Submit your completed form, supporting documents and payment.
- If the Inspector of Co-operatives approves the incorporation form, Registry of Joint Stock Companies issues a Certificate of Incorporation and Business Number.
How long it takes
It should take 1 to 2 weeks to get the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Number. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Incorporation | $133.35 |
| Renewal | $33.00 |
Payment options
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit card, cheque, money order, cash. Make your cheque or money order payable to the Minister of Finance. Payment options may vary depending on how you submit the form.
When you pay online you need to pay the fee by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Visa Debit, Debit Mastercard).
Before you start
Make sure you have:
- approved name for your co-operative from Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- Articles of Incorporation and by-laws for your for-profit co-operative
- at least 3 people (includes individuals and companies) or 2 co-operative associations (called subscribers) available to complete and sign the form in the presence of a witness
- witness available to sign the form
Online
When you file online you need to create an account or sign in. You also need to upload any supporting documents in PDF format, including required signatures.
You can use the Articles of Incorporation and By-laws for a For-profit Co-operative Form (PDF 490 kB) if you’re unable to file online. Send your completed form and payment by mail. Or visit Registry of Joint Stock Companies or Access Nova Scotia.
Renewal
You need to renew your co-operative’s incorporation each year. You should get a renewal notice by mail or email a month before the renewal date. It’s your responsibility to renew on time.
Along with your renewal notice, you need to submit the following to Registry of Joint Stock Companies:
- renewal fee
- copy of the co-operative’s most recent financial statements