Nova Scotia Business Program

Nova Scotia Program is dedicated to international entrepreneurs who wish to invest in Nova Scotia.

Key Features

Investment

Investment of at least CAD $150,000 

Net Worth

CAD 600,000 worldwide including values of current and fixed assets

Outcome

This program offers Work Permit. Must operate the business within 12 months to get the permanent residency

Nova Scotia Business Program – Entrepreneur Stream

A founding province of Canada, Nova Scotia is nearly surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its high tides, lobster, blueberries and apples. The nomination process starts with submitting an Expression of Interest to run a business and reside in Nova Scotia.  The top-scoring applicants will be notified by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration that they are being invited to submit their full application to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.

Applicants will be issued a temporary work permit in order to start or acquire a business in Nova Scotia. Applicants will be able to land in Nova Scotia with their family, settle, and start or acquire their business.

When applicants satisfy the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement by making the required investment, operating the business continuously for a minimum of one year, and submitting a Business Establishment Progress Report, they can then apply to be nominated for permanent residence by the province of Nova Scotia under the NSNP.

Eligibility Requirements

Nova Scotia Business Program

 A founding province of Canada, Nova Scotia is nearly surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its high tides, lobster, blueberries and apples.

The nomination process starts with submitting an Expression of Interest to run a business and reside in Nova Scotia.  The top-scoring applicants will be notified by the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration that they are being invited to submit their full application to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program.

Applicants will be issued a temporary work permit in order to start or acquire a business in Nova Scotia. Applicants will be able to land in Nova Scotia with their family, settle, and start or acquire their business.

When applicants satisfy the conditions of the Business Performance Agreement by making the required investment, operating the business continuously for a minimum of one year, and submitting a Business Establishment Progress Report, they can then apply to be nominated for permanent residence by the province of Nova Scotia under the NSNP.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

  • Have a minimum CAD $600,000 in Net Business and Personal Assets
  • Have a minimum of three years of business ownership or more than five years of experience in a senior business manager role in the last 10 years
  • Agree to make a minimum capital investment of CAD $150,000 in Nova Scotia;
  • If staring new business; have to create a minimum of one full time (or equivalent) employment opportunity for a Canadian or Permanent Resident in Nova Scotia
  • Have CLB 5 in either English (IELTS score: Listening: 5.0, Reading: 4.0, Writing: 5.0, Speaking: 5.0)
  • Have a minimum of high school diploma

Buying an existing Business

  • The business must have been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous 5 years
  • Applicant must complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owner
  • Applicant must provide evidence that reasonable efforts were taken to establish a fair market value for the business
  • The business must be in operation and not in insolvency
  • The takeover must result in a complete change in ownership where an applicant will assume full control of the business and maintain existing wages.

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