Administered by Government of Nova Scotia · Last verified: July 2026
Nova Scotia's nominee entrepreneur pathway lets an experienced business owner or senior manager start or buy and actively run a business in the province, then earn a provincial nomination toward permanent residence. It requires a business investment of at least $150,000 inside the Halifax region or $100,000 outside it, and a personal net worth of at least $600,000 (or $400,000 outside Halifax). Applicants are 21 or older with three years of ownership or five years of senior management and CLB 5 language ability. The program was consolidated into four pathways in February 2026.
Review times vary by program, from a few weeks to a few months, so check the official page for its timeline. Grant money is usually paid after you sign a funding agreement, and cost-shared programs often reimburse you once you send proof of what you spent.
Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.
Check my eligibilityNova Scotia Nominee Program: Entrepreneur Pathway is generally open to incorporated, self-employed, partnership businesses, in Nova Scotia. Confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying.
The estimated value is Requires $100,000 to $150,000 investment; pathway to permanent residence. The actual amount depends on your eligible costs, the program's budget, and approval.
1. Confirm net worth and experience thresholds 2. Submit an expression of interest to the Nova Scotia Nominee Program 3. If invited, submit a full application and business plan 4. Run the business actively in Nova Scotia 5. Apply for nomination once targets are met
Expression of interest intake.
Loans, working capital, and lines of credit up to $500,000, with a provincial guarantee up to 90%
INCENTIVE25% to 30% of first-year salary, plus 12.5% to 15% in year two
INCENTIVELoans up to $750,000; non-repayable ABFP contributions up to 40% of expansion costs