Setting up an association
Thinking of setting up a student association? Find out which steps you need to take.
Costs
Setting up an association costs between 500 and 1000 euro, depending on notary fees. Consider in advance how you will fund the process.
Steps to take
- Association plan
Draw up an association plan describing the following- The goals of your organisation
- The conditions of membership
- Who will fulfil each role on your association board
- The positions and corresponding responsibilities within your association board
- Policy plan
- Budget
- Charter
When setting up an association, you must draw up a charter describing the goals and activities of your association. Drawing up a charter (or making changes to it) must be done with a notary. Be aware that there are costs involved. Consider carefully what you want to include in your charter.
- Chamber of commerce
On the basis of your charter you can register your association with the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel in Dutch). This is necessary to make your association a ‘legal entity’.
- Business bank account
Once you are registered with the chamber of commerce, you can open a business bank account for your association. This is required to make payments and receive membership fees. Compare business bank accounts for associations (in Dutch).
Liability
Important: to ensure that your association is considered a ‘legal entity’, you must follow all the above-mentioned steps. If you set up an association without a notary or registration with the chamber of commerce, your association will not be considered a ‘legal entity’ and instead, your board members will hold personal liability.