Jurisdiction: Nova Scotia

ATLANTIC
STRATEGY.

The Ocean Playground.
Where lower capital meets higher quality of life.

Nova Scotia is the gateway to the Atlantic. Its Provincial Nominee Program (NSNP) is aggressive in attracting talent to offset an aging population. It offers one of the lowest investment thresholds in Canada for businesses outside Halifax.

Primary Route

Entrepreneur

For experienced business owners and senior managers. You must start or buy a business and actively manage it for 1 year before nomination.

  • Experience3 Years Owner / 5 Years Mgr
  • OwnershipMin 33.33%
  • StatusWork Permit First
Student Route

Graduate Entrepreneur

Exclusive to graduates of NS universities (Dalhousie, Saint Mary's, NSCC). If you start a business post-graduation, you can bypass the Net Worth requirement entirely.

NO Minimum Investment

You just need to prove the business is viable and pays you a salary.

The Halifax
Divide

Like Ontario, Nova Scotia incentivizes investment outside its capital. Leaving Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) lowers your entry cost significantly.

Inside HRM

Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford

Net Worth$600,000 CAD
Investment$150,000 CAD
Best Value

Outside HRM

Sydney, Truro, Wolfville

Net Worth$400,000 CAD
Investment$100,000 CAD

Restricted Sectors

NSNP is strict. The following business models are automatically disqualified as they do not provide "significant economic benefit".

Remote Businesses (Must be physical)
Property Rental / Investment
Real Estate Development (Passive)
Payday Loan / Cheque Cashing
Pawnbrokers
Home-Based Businesses
Co-operatives
Passive Investment Income
The Score

67 / 100

Minimum eligibility score. However, meeting this does not guarantee an invitation. You are ranked against other candidates in the pool.

Invitation Only

Nova Scotia does not accept direct applications. You must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Draws happen periodically based on the province's economic needs.

  • Priority given to Export-oriented businesses
  • High points for Business Succession (buying existing)

Chart your course.

Whether you are targeting Halifax or the scenic Annapolis Valley, we structure your entry to maximize your EOI score.