Association (vereniging)

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.

The vereniging in a nutshell

• Establishment: Notarial deed of incorporation for a vereniging with full legal capacity
• Capital required: None apart from 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: Corporate income tax if the vereniging operates as a business

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.