Registered association (Germany)
An eingetragener Verein (e.V.) is a registered non-profit association in Germany. It has legal personality, meaning it can own property, sign contracts, and sue or be sued in its own name. The name must show that it is registered, for example with “e.V.” or “eingetragener Verein.”
Who can form one: Any group of people or organizations can form a Verein. It can be a local club, a nationwide organization, or a federation of other associations. It’s not limited to private clubs.
Minimum and size: At least seven members are needed to form a registered association. There is no upper limit on membership. The association can be dissolved with at least three members.
Charitable status: An e.V. can apply for charitable status (Gemeinnützigkeit) if it serves the public good.
Registration: To become an e.V., the group must register with the Vereinsregister at the district court where the association is based (or a central register in some states). Registration grants the organization its legal status and rights.
Context: The e.V. is the basic form of a legal person for many non-profit groups in Germany and is governed by specific association laws. Many clubs, sports groups, and citizen organizations use this structure.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 04:16 (CET).