Approved Sales Corporation Licence

Revised May 5, 2026

Forms For This Section

Approved Sales Corporation Licence Application

An Approved Sales Corporation (ASC) licence allows an individual licensee to receive commission income through a registered corporation. It is not the same as a brokerage and does not permit the corporation to trade in real estate independently. The Approved Sales Corporation name may also not be used for advertising real estate services. All trading activities must continue to be conducted through, and in the name of, the brokerage with which the licensee is engaged.

An Approved Sales Corporation licence cannot exist on its own. The licence holder must also hold a salesperson, associate broker, managing associate broker, or broker licence.

An Approved Sales Corporation is optional. It is not required in order to trade in real estate in Nova Scotia; it is an additional licensing option available to licensees. Licensees are encouraged to seek independent financial and tax advice before establishing an Approved Sales Corporation.

Like all real estate licences, an Approved Sales Corporation licence expires on June 30 each year and must be renewed annually.

If a licensee terminates their real estate licence, their Approved Sales Corporation licence is automatically terminated. If a licensee changes brokerages, they must also terminate and reinstate their Approved Sales Corporation licence.

Step 1: Obtain Commission Name Approval

Your business name must be in the format:

Your first name (or approved nickname) + your last name (as it appears on your licence) + “Limited”

To request approval, email the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line “Approved Sales Corporation Name.”

Step 2: Confirm Name Availability With The Registry

Check with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies to confirm your approved name is available.

If the name is already in use, you may add additional words to create a unique name, but this must first be approved by the Registrar.

Step 3: Register Your Corporation

File your incorporation documents with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stock Companies. Legal advice is strongly recommended when preparing and filing these documents.

Step 4: Apply For The Licence

Submit an Approved Sales Corporation Licence application to the Commission, along with copies of the:

• Memorandum of Association (including any amendments)
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Certificate of Registration

Once your application is reviewed and approved, an invoice will be sent by email. After receiving it, log into the NSREC Licensee Portal to pay the required fees.