Excellent
| 4.89 out of 5 (677 reviews)
Form an association online with a lawyer
We draft your association's statutes, the founding minutes and, for a registered association, the application to the register of associations. Unregistered association, e. V. or charitable association: you choose the right option. No office appointment, no hourly rate.
Processed within 24 hours
Documents in 3 to 5 business days
Directly from a lawyer
Fixed price from €259 net, all inclusive
As seen in
Start a business
Form an association at a fixed price
We draft your association's statutes, the founding minutes and, for a registered association, the application to the register of associations. Unregistered association, e. V. or charitable association: you choose the right option. No office appointment, no hourly rate.
from €259 fixed price
Documents ready in 3 to 5 business days
For groups pursuing a shared non-profit purpose together
Why Recht 24/7
Formation with a lawyer.At a fixed price.
Documents from a lawyer
Lawyers on our staff prepare your documents individually, since 2003 and with liability for our advice.
All documents within 24 hours
After you order, we check the company name and prepare all formation documents within one business day.
Help with the notary appointment
We help you schedule your notary appointment near you. You are free to choose the notary.
What's included
What you get from us
net plus VAT, for an e. V. plus notary and register costs
Association name check by a lawyer
Individual drafting of all formation documents
Statutes and founding minutes, individually drafted by a lawyer.
Drafting of the application to the register of associations
For an e. V. and a charitable association.
Not included: Notary fee for certifying the register application · Register of associations fee · Ongoing tax advice (that is your tax advisor's job)
How it works
It's that simple.
5 steps to a registered association (e. V.). For an unregistered association, the notary appointment and registration are not needed.
Day 1
You answer our online questionnaire on purpose, board and membership structure.
Days 2 to 5
We draft the statutes, the founding minutes and the register application. For a charitable association, we draft the statutes to comply with the AO.
Weeks 1 to 2
You hold the founding meeting: at least 7 members adopt the statutes and elect the board.
Week 2
The board has its signatures on the register application certified by a notary.
Result
Your association is entered in the register of associations as an e. V.
Options & prices
Three ways to form an association
From an informal group to a recognized charitable association, depending on what you have in mind.
Unregistered association
€259
The fastest route: from two adults, with no register entry and no notary appointment.
Statutes and formation documents from a lawyer
Formation advice from a lawyer included
No notary appointment needed
Note: members are jointly and severally liable
Registered association (e. V.)
€319
A legal entity with its own legal capacity, from seven founding members. The standard case.
Individual drafting of all formation documents
Drafting of the application to the register of associations
Help scheduling your notary appointment near you to certify your signatures
Members are not liable with their personal assets
Charitable association
€829
Including a statement from the tax office on AO compliance. You apply to the tax office for recognition of charitable status yourself after formation.
Individual drafting of all formation documents
Drafting of the application to the register of associations
Statutes meeting the requirements of the German Fiscal Code (AO)
Statement from the tax office on AO compliance
All prices net plus VAT. Notary and register of associations together cost around €200. It usually takes four to six weeks until the register confirms the registration.
Decision guide
Is this right for you?
A good fit if …
several people want to pursue a non-profit purpose long term (sports, culture, social causes, education) and want a democratic structure with a general meeting of members. No starting capital needed.
Not a good fit if …
you want to form it on your own (then you lack the members), your main goal is to earn money commercially, or business decisions need to be made quickly and without a members' vote.
Alternative
For 1 or 2 founders with a charitable purpose: form a gUG for €829 or a gGmbH for €949.
Learn moreComparison
Compared: association vs. gUG vs. gGmbH
In short: the association is the cheapest form and the one built for many members. If you are founding alone or want to steer like a business, a gUG or gGmbH is the better choice.
Starting capital
Notary
Total formation costs
Founders
Starting capital
Decisions
Notary
Total formation costs
Charitable status possible
Our price
With charitable status, the process is different
If your association is to become charitable, we obtain a statement from the tax office on whether the statutes comply with the AO before the notary appointment. Only then does the notary appointment follow. We help you schedule your notary appointment near you. You apply to the tax office for recognition of charitable status yourself after formation. This makes the formation take longer, but it prevents the costly case where you file statutes with the register that the tax office then does not recognize as charitable. Amending the statutes after registration means paying the notary and the register again. By the way: not all board members have to attend the notary appointment. The number authorized to represent the association is enough. If each board member can represent the association alone, one person will do.
Why Recht 24/7
One law firm. No middlemen.
Our lawyers are employed by us, not brokered. Since 2003.
Lawyer Christina Schröder
founder and managing director of Recht 24/7
Formation by a lawyer
Articles of association, statutes and the register filing are drafted by a lawyer: no generator, no template.
Fixed price incl. advice
Formation advice on your order is included in the price, with no hourly rate.
Documents within 24 hours
You get all formation documents within 24 hours. We help you schedule your notary appointment near you.
Insured up to €2.5 million
Professional liability insurance with HDI. For every matter, without exception.
Clients since 2003
60,000+
supported on all legal matters.
Client rating
4.9/5
from 677 Trusted Shops reviews.
Insured amount
€2.5M
Professional liability cover for every matter.
Client stories
They worked with us. Here's what they say.
01 / 13
UG formation
Recht 24/7 helped us form a UG and working with them was excellent. Not only because they live up to their name, but also because they work through everything with you step by step. Questions were answered super quickly by a top-qualified lawyer, and the notary appointment was handled outstandingly fast.
Ahmed Sassi
Signum Label Marketing UG
Translated from German
Client reviews
What our clients say
4.89 out of 5 stars from 677 verified Trusted Shops reviews.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Our awards and reviews reflect the highest level of client satisfaction.
At a glance
Form an association: the essentials
Forming an association in Germany
The registered association (e. V.) is the oldest and most widespread legal form for community engagement in Germany: more than 600,000 associations are entered in the registers of associations. It is the only legal form that works without starting capital, without notarization of the founding act and with a purely volunteer structure.
Formation in three acts
First, the statutes: they are the association's constitution and must cover the mandatory content of §§ 57 and 58 BGB. Second, the founding meeting: at least 7 people adopt the statutes, sign them and elect the board. Third, registration: the board registers the association with the local court, and the signature is certified by a notary. With registration, the initiative becomes a legal entity, recognizable by the suffix "e. V.".
Where formations fail
Registry courts review statutes strictly for form. Common objections: no rule on convening the general meeting, unclear rules on the board's power of representation, contradictions between purpose and activity. Every objection means corrections, a new resolution and often a new certification. Statutes drafted by a lawyer avoid this loop.
Registration and charitable status are two different things
The registry court gives the association legal capacity, the tax office gives it tax-privileged status. If you want to issue donation receipts or apply for funding, you need the assessment notice under § 60a AO. For this, the statutes must reflect the requirements of §§ 51 to 68 AO word for word: charitable purpose, selflessness, asset lock. If you plan for charitable status from the start, you save yourself a later amendment to the statutes along with a new meeting and register application.
Life with the association
The board represents the association externally and is elected by the general meeting. Every change to the board must be reported to the register. Membership fees, cash audits and the annual general meeting are part of the routine. For tax purposes, the association files a return every 3 years for the review of its charitable status; the details belong in the hands of a tax advisor.
When another form is a better fit
The association is democratic: the general meeting is the highest body and can vote out the board. If you want to run a social enterprise alone or in a small team, plan investments or build up paid staff, a gUG or gGmbH is often the better choice. Both can be formed by 1 person and still be charitable.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Not listed? Write to us using the contact form.
Our fee: €259 for an unregistered association, €319 for an e. V., €829 for a charitable association, each as a net fixed price. For an e. V. and a charitable association, the notary and registration in the register of associations come on top, together around €200. For an unregistered association there are no notary or register costs. An association needs no starting capital.
To register as an e. V., at least 7 founding members (§ 56 BGB). An unregistered association can also have fewer members. If the number later drops below 3, the registry court can withdraw the association's legal capacity.
Our documents are ready in 3 to 5 business days. After that it depends on your founding meeting and the local court: depending on location, registry courts take 2 to 8 weeks for registration.
Mandatory under §§ 57, 58 BGB: name, registered seat, purpose, the intention to register, and rules on joining and leaving, membership fees, forming the board and the general meeting. For charitable status, the clauses of the German Fiscal Code (AO) are added: selflessness, exclusive pursuit of the purpose, and the asset lock.
No. Registration in the register of associations and charitable status for tax purposes are two separate procedures. The tax office confirms charitable status on application by a notice under § 60a AO. Only then may the association issue donation receipts.
Exemption from corporate income tax and trade tax in the non-profit area and in purpose-related operations, donation receipts, access to many funding programs, and the trainer allowance (€3,000 a year tax-free) as well as the volunteer allowance (€840 a year) for volunteers. Your tax advisor will clarify the details of the tax treatment.
As a rule, the association's assets are liable. Volunteer board members who receive no more than €840 a year are only liable to the association for intent and gross negligence (§ 31a BGB). Personal liability can arise from breaches of duty, such as social security contributions not paid over or a late insolvency filing.
Within limits. The main purpose must remain non-profit (the ancillary purpose privilege). Catering at the clubhouse, jersey sponsorship or admission fees are possible, but are treated differently for tax purposes: non-profit area, purpose-related operations, asset management or commercial business operations. The classification belongs in the hands of your tax advisor.
Yes, practically always: for membership fees, funding and donations. Most banks ask for the register extract and the minutes of the board election.
Since January 1, 2023, registered associations are generally transferred automatically from the register of associations. If the details are incorrect or there are other beneficial owners, the association must file a report itself. We check and handle this for €129.
Yes, with the consent of their legal guardians. For the board: board members must have full legal capacity.
An e. V. has legal capacity: it can conclude contracts, sue and hold assets, and liability is concentrated on the association's assets. An unregistered association works similarly internally, but those acting on its behalf can be personally liable (§ 54 BGB).
Yes, by resolution of the general meeting, usually with a 3/4 majority (§ 33 BGB), followed by an application to the registry court. For charitable associations, every amendment to the statutes should be agreed with the tax office in advance.
Documents in 3 to 5 business days
Directly from a lawyer
Fixed price from €259 net, all inclusive
