Start Your National Security Business in Halifax Today
This page walks you through starting a National Security business in Halifax under NAICS 928110. You’ll get a practical, step-by-step view of the nine regulatory requirements, the permits and licenses you may need, and the likely startup costs and timeline. It’s written to be friendly and actionable, helping you move from idea to launch with confidence.
You’ll learn what to prepare for each requirement, how to handle registrations and approvals at federal, provincial, and municipal levels, and where to access the right resources. We outline typical costs—from setup to ongoing compliance—and provide a realistic schedule so you can plan milestones, buffer for delays, and hit your opening date on target.
Why Halifax? The city offers a strategic Atlantic location, proximity to government and defense partners, a skilled talent pool, and supportive local programs that can streamline licensing and permitting. With a growing security-focused ecosystem, Halifax gives your National Security business a strong launching pad.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Halifax is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is legally required by the Canada Revenue Agency to identify your business for taxes, payroll, and government programs, and you cannot legally operate without it. Having a BN is non-negotiable because it unlocks the tax accounts, invoicing, and official interactions with federal and provincial agencies you’ll rely on in the national security space.
Beyond the BN, there are mandatory operational considerations to keep you compliant and safe. Your work may involve security-sensitive information or environments, so security clearance and screening for applicable personnel are essential. You should also align with Government Program Administration Standards to ensure your projects meet official expectations for reporting, oversight, and accountability. Finally, you’ll need to organize your business properly from the start—whether as a Nova Scotia corporation or a registered partnership—and make sure you have Nova Scotia Workers’ Compensation Board coverage for any employees.
For business registration and tax, you’ll complete Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC) to operate under an official business name, and you’ll set up tax accounts through your BN. If your revenue meets the threshold, register for GST/HST, and arrange payroll deductions for any staff you hire. These steps create a solid, compliant financial and administrative foundation that keeps you moving smoothly whether you’re bidding on government work or serving clients.
If you’re ready to move forward, start with securing your BN, then register your business name in Nova Scotia, and set up the necessary tax and payroll accounts. Gather your security-clearance requirements early, and map out the corporate or partnership structure that fits your project scope. With a clear plan and the right registrations in place, you’ll be well on your way to responsibly and legally operating in Halifax
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a national security in Halifax:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Nova Scotia Business Name Registration (RJSC) RequiredBusinesses in Nova Scotia must register their business name with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies if operating under a name other than the owner's personal name. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and obtaining licenses. Registration can be completed online or in person. Business registrations must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in Nova Scotia: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($53.09 Atlantic or $66.30 Federal) 2. Complete business name registration through RJSC Connect 3. Pay registration fee ($68.55 sole prop, $93.40 LLP) 4. Receive certificate of registration 5. Renew annually before expiry 6. Report any changes within required timeframes
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Security Clearance and Screening ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government personnel in security-sensitive positions must undergo security clearance, background checks, and maintain confidentiality protocols. Federal security clearance and screening. CSIS background checks. Reliability status, Secret, Top Secret levels. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Government Program Administration Standards ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government program administrators must comply with accountability frameworks, performance reporting, audit requirements, and service delivery standards. Government program administration standards for federal contractors. Service standards. Reporting requirements. Performance measurement. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Nova Scotia Corporation ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Nova Scotia. Incorporation under NS law. Apply to Province of Nova Scotia for Nova Scotia Corporation: 1. Contact relevant Province of Nova Scotia department for requirements 2. Complete application form 3. Submit required documentation 4. Pay applicable fees 5. Await approval Check Province of Nova Scotia government website for current requirements and processing times.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of Nova Scotia Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of Nova Scotia government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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Nova Scotia Workers' Compensation Board Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Nova Scotia. Employers in Nova Scotia must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage if they employ workers. WCB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers with one or more workers are required to register, with some industry exemptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of hiring the first worker. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification and assessable payroll. To register with WCB Nova Scotia: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register within 10 days of hiring third worker 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($2.65/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Optional: Special Protection for proprietors/partners
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