Everything you need to know about creating an association in 2025

There are several key stages in setting up an association:

1. Drafting by-laws By-laws are the founding document of the association. They must specify the association's purpose, its mode of operation, and the rights and obligations of its members.
2. Setting up a general meeting : A meeting must be held with the founding members to approve the articles of association and elect the officers.
3. Register the association Registration: You can register your association with the Registrar of Associations, or online via the official French government website (Service-Public.fr). You'll receive a receipt with your RNA (Registre National des Associations) number.
4. Publish an ad in the Journal Officiel This publication is mandatory to give your association legal existence.

There are several types of association in France:

• De facto association : Undeclared, it has no legal personality.
• Association loi 1901 The most common, it allows a variety of activities to be carried out, as long as they comply with the corporate purpose.
• Public utility association (ARUP) For projects of national or international scope. Tax benefits.

Your choice will depend on your objectives, the scope of your project, and the resources required.

To form an association under the 1901 law, you need at least two people:

• A Chairman He represents the association in all civil acts.
• A treasurer Head of financial management.

The secretary, while useful, is not a legal obligation.

Although the classic framework requires a chairman and a treasurer, some associations, such as those with collegiate governance, can dispense with a chairman if their articles of association so stipulate. Find out more about associations without a president.

An association under the 1901 law is a not-for-profit entity. This means that :

• Profits cannot be redistributed to members.
• It may carry out economic activities, but these must remain ancillary.
• It is subject to financial transparency obligations.

The declaration can be made in two ways:

• On line Via the official portal Service-Public.fr.
• By post By sending a complete file to the registry of associations at your prefecture.

The file must include :

• A list of officers.
• A copy of the articles of association signed by the founding members.
• The minutes of the constituent general meeting.

You can set up an association online, free of charge. The steps :

1. Go to Service-Public.fr.
2. Fill in the declaration form.
3. Attach the required documents.
4. Confirm your request.

The process is quick and economical, but don't forget the cost of publication in the Journal Officiel (from 44 euros).

Association expenses may include :

• Social security charges : If it has employees.
• Tax expenses If it carries out profit-making activities (VAT, corporation tax).
• Operating expenses Rent, energy, insurance.

Controlling expenses is essential to ensure the association's long-term viability.

Associations can pay :

• Employees : To perform specific functions.
• Leaders : Under certain conditions, in particular if the association's bylaws so provide and its annual resources exceed 200,000 euros.
• External service providers : For one-off assignments.

Caution: excessive remuneration of directors may call into question the non-profit nature of the association.

Making a living from an association is possible, but it requires rigorous management and a solid business model:

• Income diversification membership fees, subsidies, donations, commercial activities.
• Partner support : companies, sponsorship.
• Compliance with legislation Profit-making activities must remain incidental.

Effective communication and financial transparency strengthen stakeholder confidence.

Creating an association in 2025 offers a unique opportunity to bring your projects to fruition while contributing to community life. With simplified procedures, thanks in particular to online registration, and clear legislation, it's possible to build a solid, long-lasting structure. However, choosing the right type of association, managing finances and complying with legal obligations are crucial to its success.