close

Vereniging - Association

Vereniging - Association

The vereniging, or association, is a business structure that is used by two or more individuals with a common focus. Familiar examples include the VvE (Vereniging van Eigenaars) for property owners who share a building, the vereniging ondernemers association for business owners in a shopping street, and sports or educational associations. The purpose of a vereniging is usually the fulfilment of common goals and the maintenance of shared facilities and resources.

A vereniging is made up of members and an appointed committee including a chair, secretary and treasurer. Staff can be employed if necessary but should not be on the committee.

Two kinds of vereniging

There are two kinds of vereniging in the Netherlands:

Association with full legal capacity (vereniging met volledige rechtsbevoegdheid)

Members are not liable for its obligations. This type must have a deed drafted by a notary and be registered in the KvK.

Association with limited legal capacity (vereniging met beperkte rechtsbevoegdheid)

Members are personally liable for its obligations. This type does not require a notarial deed or KvK registration.

The vereniging in a nutshell

  • Establishment: notarial deed of incorporation for a vereniging with full legal capacity
  • Capital required: none, notarial costs
  • Governance: committee (chair, secretary, treasurer)
  • Liability: private except for a vereniging with full legal capacity
  • Social security: no social security benefits for committee members
  • Taxation: corporation tax if it operates as a business

    Read also

    • Business structures

      Business structures

      Want to start your business? Info about Dutch business structures including Eenmanszaak, Maatschap, VOF, CV, BV, NV, Stichting, Vereniging and Coöperatie.
      read more
    • Becoming an entrepreneur in the Netherlands

      Becoming an entrepreneur in the Netherlands

      Becoming an expat entrepreneur in the Netherlands is easy due to the local startup climate. See how to start your own business!
      read more
    • Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)

      Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)

      Information and contact details of KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce, or Kamer van Koophandel).
      read more
    • Dutch tax services & advisors

      Dutch tax services & advisors

      Looking for taxation advice and services in the Netherlands? Check out our list of Dutch tax advisors, consultants, accountants and tax services for expats.
      read more
    • Lawyers & Legal services

      Lawyers & Legal services

      In need of legal advice or services in English? Here is a list of expat-friendly Dutch and international law firms, lawyers and advisors in the Netherlands.
      read more
    • Official issues

      Official issues

      There are some issues expats in the Netherlands need to deal with e.g. permits, visas, citizenship, passport, registration, BSN, DigiD, banking and more.
      read more
    • Working in the Netherlands

      Working in the Netherlands

      Starting your own business? Here's what you need to know about the working environment in the Netherlands.
      read more
    • Relocation services

      Relocation services

      Looking for an expat-friendly company to assist your international employees in relocating to the Netherlands? Check out these companies!
      read more