A shared project without profit-sharing

An association may operate in sports, culture, community support or civic affairs. It may receive income and generate surpluses, but must not distribute them among its members as a company would distribute its profits.

Formation and registration

In principle, an association can be formed freely, without prior authorisation. Registration and publication allow an association under the 1901 Law to acquire the legal capacity provided for by law.

A territorial exception

In Alsace-Moselle, associations are governed by a separate system of local law. The term “association under the 1901 Law” should therefore not be applied indiscriminately to all French associations.