business

Business Name Registration

Business Name Registration Form

Verified January 12, 2024Last updated: January 12, 2026

Timeline

Complete before starting business operations

Time to Complete

20-30 minutes

Cost

$70.00

Processing Time

3-5 business days

Handled by

Registry of Joint Stock Companies

Available

✓ Online

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Summary

Eligibility

You May Qualify If:

Sole proprietors
Partnerships
Any individual or group starting a business in Nova Scotia

You May NOT Qualify If:

Businesses already incorporated (they don't need name registration)
Businesses using their legal name as the business name

Requirements Checklist:

□Available business name
□Registration fee
□Valid identification

Examples:

• A freelancer registering "John's Consulting Services"
• A partnership registering "Smith & Jones Legal Services"

Name registration is different from incorporation. If you plan to incorporate, you may not need name registration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️ Name already taken

Always do a name search first to ensure your chosen name is available

⚠️ Choosing a name too similar to existing business

Make sure your name is distinct and won't be confused with existing businesses

After You Submit

What Happens Next

Your registration will be processed within 3-5 business days
You'll receive a confirmation email or letter
Your business name will be registered in Nova Scotia

Check Your Status

Check status online

What to Keep

• Registration confirmation
• Receipt of payment
• Name search results

Follow-Up Actions

□Consider registering for HST if your business will make over $30,000/year
□Set up a business bank account
□Consider business insurance
□Register with CRA for a business number

Expected Timeline:

Registration is typically processed within 3-5 business days. You'll receive confirmation by email or mail.

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