Can a club also operate abroad and what legal requirements apply?
May 9, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Emilia Vöss
Dear lawyer,
I am Marcus Bergmann and a member of a German association that advocates for environmental protection. Lately, we have received an increasing number of inquiries about whether we can also operate internationally. We would like to expand our activities internationally to further advance our goals and to collaborate with other organizations worldwide in the fight for environmental protection.
However, I am unsure whether a German association is allowed to operate abroad and what legal requirements need to be considered. What consequences could there be if we operate abroad without adhering to the necessary legal framework? Are there specific permits or registrations that we need in order to operate internationally?
I am concerned that we may inadvertently violate laws or encounter unwanted problems with authorities abroad. Therefore, it is crucial for us to know in advance the exact legal requirements we need to comply with in order to operate safely and legally abroad.
Could you please explain in detail the legal requirements for a German association wishing to operate internationally? Are there specific laws or regulations that we must absolutely adhere to? What steps do we need to take to ensure that we operate legally abroad and can successfully pursue our goals?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Marcus Bergmann
Dear Mr. Bergmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the international activities of your association in the field of environmental protection. It is very commendable that you are committed to protecting our environment and wish to be active beyond national borders.
In principle, it is possible for a German association to be active abroad. However, there are some legal requirements that need to be considered in order to avoid possible consequences. First and foremost, it is important to check whether the statutes of your association already allow for international activities. If this is not the case, amendments to the statutes may need to be made to legally secure activities abroad.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the legal framework in the target country of your international activities. Legal requirements and regulations can vary significantly depending on the country. Therefore, it is advisable to inform yourself in advance about the legal situation in the respective country and, if necessary, seek legal advice on site.
Regarding permits and registrations abroad, there are various options depending on the nature and scope of the planned activities. Often, it is necessary to register as a foreign organization in the target country and possibly obtain a special permit to operate there. Tax aspects should also be taken into account to avoid potential issues with authorities.
To ensure that your association operates legally abroad and can successfully pursue its goals, I recommend that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with the legal framework and, if necessary, seek professional legal advice. Only in this way can you ensure that your international activities comply with applicable laws and avoid potential consequences.
I hope that my explanations are helpful to you and wish you success in your international environmental protection projects.
Sincerely,
Emilia Vöss
Attorney specializing in association law
