Register an extra-provincial, federal or foreign corporation
Register a corporation that was incorporated in another jurisdiction and wants do business in Nova Scotia. Corporations that are incorporated and registered in New Brunswick don’t have to register in Nova Scotia.
Use the Extra Provincial Corporation Registration Form to register an extra-provincial, federal or foreign corporation in Nova Scotia.
Most extra-provincial, federal or foreign corporations that operate in Nova Scotia need to register with Registry of Joint Stock Companies. Corporations that are incorporated and registered in New Brunswick don’t have to register in Nova Scotia.
Extra-provincial corporations are incorporated under provincial or territorial legislation in Canada. Federal corporations are incorporated under the federal laws of Canada and foreign corporations are incorporated under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of Canada.
Recognized agent
Every corporation needs a recognized agent. The recognized agent needs to be someone who lives in Nova Scotia. Notices and legal documents are served to the recognized agent on behalf of the company.
Public record
Information you file with Registry of Joint Stock Companies is available to the public.
Eligibility
Extra-provincial, federal or foreign corporations need to register if they want to operate in Nova Scotia.
How to register
- Reserve a name for your business (Registry of Joint Stock Companies needs to approve name).
- Complete the Extra Provincial Corporation Registration Form online.
- Check the registration form for details on all required supporting documents.
- Include payment with your registration, if required.
- Submit your completed registration, supporting documents and payment.
- If you meet all the requirements, Registry of Joint Stock Companies issues a Certificate of Registration and Business Number.
How long it takes
It should take 1 to 2 weeks to get the Certificate of Registration and Business Number. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your registration hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
Calculate the initial registration fee by multiplying a monthly amount for each month up to, but not including, the month you incorporated in your home jurisdiction.
| Activity | Fee |
|---|---|
| Extra-provincial corporation initial registration | No cost |
| Federal corporation initial registration | $22.84 per month |
| Foreign corporation initial registration | $22.84 per month |
| Renewal for extra-provincial corporation | No cost |
| Renewal for federal corporation | $274.10 |
| Renewal for foreign corporation | $274.10 |
Initial registration fee calculation example
You incorporated your company under federal legislation or a foreign jurisdiction on 01 January 2018. You register your company in Nova Scotia in November 2018. You pay an initial registration fee of $45.68 (for November and December).
Calculation:
(fee: $22.84) x (# months: 2) = $45.68
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 register.
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 extra-provincial, federal or foreign corporation from Registry of Joint Stock Companies
- date and jurisdiction of incorporation
- names and addresses of all officers and directors, including office held
- name and address of your recognized agent
- director or officer of the company available to sign form
- notary public, commissioner of oaths or lawyer available to swear the form
- document that proves the company name from its home jurisdiction (for example, a copy of a certificate of incorporation, certificate of name change, certificate of amalgamation, or a company profile on file with the home jurisdiction)
Register online
When you register online you need to create an account or sign in. You also need to upload any supporting documents in PDF format, including required signatures and Home Jurisdiction Certificate of Status.
You can use the Application for Registration of an Extra-provincial, Federal or Foreign Corporation to do Business in Nova Scotia Form (ZIP 1.7 MB) if you’re unable to register online. Send your completed registration, supporting documents and payment by mail. Or drop them off at Registry of Joint Stock Companies or Access Nova Scotia.
Renewal
You need to renew your registration each year on the anniversary date of the incorporation in the home jurisdiction. You should get a renewal notice by mail or email before the renewal date. It’s your responsibility to renew on time.