Entrepreneur Stream

The Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. They must start a new business or buy an existing business and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business. After operating the business for a year, the entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent resident status. Application to the stream is by invitation only.

There are six (6) steps an applicant must complete:

Step 1: Expression of Interest Criteria and Process

Step 2: Invitation to Apply

Step 3: In Person Interview and Business Performance Agreement

Step 4: Work Permit and Business Establishment in Nova Scotia

Step 5: Request for Nomination

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Applicants:

Applicants must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria:

Have no less than $600,000 CAD in unencumbered net business and personal assets that are readily available for transfer to Canada, verified by NSOI-designated third party professionals.
Demonstrate accumulation of claimed net worth through legal means, verified by NSOI designated third party professionals.
Have a minimum of three years of business ownership experience including 33.33% ownership in the last 10 years or greater than five years of experience in a senior business manager role in the last 10 years.
Have Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 in either English or French in listening, speaking, writing and reading. Verified by Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General test, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training test or Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) taken within two years prior to the date the EOI is submitted.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicant’s Business:

In addition to meeting the minimum eligibility criteria above, the applicant’s proposed business must also meet the following criteria:

The applicant must own at least one third (33.33%) of the equity of the business.
The applicant must provide active and on-going participation in the day-to-day management and direction of the business.
Businesses must meet the legal requirements of the community in which they operate.
The business must be a for-profit entity with the primary purpose of earning profits through the sale of goods and/or services.
The business must be considered a “permanent establishment” as defined under subsection 400(2) of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations, 1985.
The business is liable to pay income tax on taxable income earned as a result of a “permanent

establishment” in Nova Scotia, irrespective of income or other taxes which may also be payable in other jurisdictions as a result of income earned or other business activity.

The business must be actively managed by the applicant from the place of business in Nova Scotia. The business must not be managed from another location in Nova Scotia or from another Canadian province or territory or other country.
The business must have the potential to create significant economic benefit to Nova Scotia.