[NS Provincial Nominee Program] Entrepreneur

 

Program Overview

 

The Entrepreneur Program is currently the only investment immigration program in NS Province. It aims to attract experienced business owners or senior business managers to invest in NS, create more employment opportunities, and promote provincial economic development.

 

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Program Advantages

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• Low investment required

• Low net worth required

• Flexible form of investment: start a new business or purchase an existing business

 

 

 

Program requirements

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• Be 21 years of age or older

• Want to live permanently in NS while owning and actively managing a NS business

• Have a net worth of at least $600,000 CAD

• Be able to invest at least $150,000 CAD to establish a business in NS

• Have at least 3 years’ experience actively managing and owning a business (1/3 ownership minimum) OR more than 5 years’ experience in a senior business management role

• Meet the language requirements: CLB5 or above in English or French

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Eligible Business (Start a new business or purchase an existing business)

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• Own at least one third (33.33%) of the equity of the business and provide active and on-going participation in the day-to-day management and direction of the business

• Additional requirements:

Newly established business: create a minimum of one full-time employment opportunity for a Canadian citizen or PR (non-relative worker)

Purchased business: has been in continuous operation by the same owner for the previous 5 years; similar terms and conditions to existing staff; Complete an exploratory visit to meet the current owner(s)

     

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Program processing time ((about 3 years: 1 year for starting a business, and 2 years for processing application)

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