Registered association (Verein, e.V.)
Also: Verein, eingetragener Verein, e.V., nicht eingetragener Verein, unregistered association
In short
A registered association is an association of persons with a non-commercial purpose that acquires legal capacity by entry in the register of associations at the local court. It should only be registered if it has at least seven members.
Registered association (Verein, e.V.) explained
On registration, the e.V. becomes a legal entity (Sec. 21 BGB); the minimum number of seven members is set out in Sec. 56 BGB. The basis is the statutes and the founding minutes, and the application to the register of associations is notarially certified. The notary and the register of associations together cost around €140 to €170, and registration usually takes four to six weeks. An association can also exist without registration and then needs neither a notary nor a register. If the association pursues charitable purposes, it can be tax-privileged. For a commercial business, a company such as the GmbH or UG is a better fit.
