Associations

What are associations?

An association is a group of people (two or more) working towards common goals and operating without the aim of making a profit. Associations also operate without government interference. The law on free association in Iceland allows everyone to establish associations. The law also states that everyone in Iceland is free to join and leave the associations they choose.

How do I establish an association?

The first step in establishing an association is to hold a founding meeting, and those who attend the meeting are considered the founders of the association. At the founding meeting, the founders should elect a board that represents the members and works for their interests. In all boards, an authorized signer must be elected who has financial authority over the association, has legal access to its bank account, and has the power to financially commit the association. At the founding meeting, a proposal for the association's bylaws must be presented, which a majority of the meeting attendees must approve. The bylaws are called resolutions, which the newly elected board must sign and submit with the association's application to the company registry.

Example of resolutions with the tax authorities: Sample resolutions for associations

To register the association, you need to fill out: Application for registration of associations

Related topics

• Open dialogue - Establishing a non-governmental association