First entry of an association in the register of associations

If you have founded an association for non-commercial purposes, you can have it entered in the register of associations.

An association acquires full legal capacity when it is entered in the register of associations. This means that it can have rights and obligations according to the German Civil Code. Among other things, it can sue and be sued in court. The association must have a board of directors that represents it in and out of court.

Register court (at the local court) at the location of the association's registered office

• Application for registration with certified signature(s) by a notary public or the local court of the member(s) of the statutory board of directors in the number authorized to represent.
• Copy of the minutes of incorporation showing the election of the board of directors, signed by the person(s) required to sign the minutes in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association.
• Copy of the articles of association, signed by at least seven members, stating the date on which the articles of association were drawn up.

Forms available: No

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: No

Online services available: No

If an association is founded for non-commercial purposes, it can be entered in the register of associations at the competent local court.

• No appeal in the event of registration
• if the application is rejected - appeal pursuant to sections 382 (4) sentence 2, 58 FamFG

The association must be registered by the Management Board for entry in the register of associations. This registration must be carried out by the board of directors in a number authorized to represent the association, i.e. the registration must be carried out by as many board members as are required to represent the association in accordance with the articles of association. The signature(s) under the registration must be notarized by a notary public or the local court. Notarization by other offices or departments is not sufficient. Protocols and statutes to be submitted do not require a notarized signature.

The following documents must be enclosed with the application:

1. copy of the articles of association, signed by at least seven members, stating the date of establishment of the articles of association,

2. copy(s) of the minutes of incorporation showing the election of the board of directors, signed by the person(s) required to sign the minutes in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association.

The registration is checked by the competent registry court at the local court. If an entry can be made, this will be completed in the register of associations, otherwise the application will be rejected.

There is no deadline.

There is no statutory processing deadline.

Fixed fee € 75 and additional variable fee 1/3 of the fee determined for the registration (KV 13100 and 13102 GNotKG)