Yhdistyksen perustaminen

“The best way to get a good idea is to have lots of ideas.”
(Greek proverb)

Finland is a free country. In Finland, there is the freedom of association and the freedom of assembly. All Finnish residents are free to assemble and establish an association.

Establishing an association in Finland is easy. Only three people are required to form an association, but it is advisable to involve more people.

The process involves three practical stages: founding the association, drafting of the rules and registration.

How to establish an association (Miten yhdistys perustetaan?)

The founding of an association can occur in two ways:

• By drawing up a free-form founding agreement, or charter.
• By holding a founding meeting.

More information is available in the Yhdistystoimintaopas (Guide on Association Activities for Immigrants) under ”Yhdistystä perustamassa” ("Founding an association").

Information on founding an association can also be found on the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland website.

Most important in the beginning is deciding on the idea and objective of the association. The association's objectives are defined according to the interests of the association's members. The association may be, for example, a sports association, a cultural association, a friendship association, a religious association, etc. Association objectives may include the obtaining and distributing to members of information from outside sources, cultural activity and meeting people, hobby activities, assisting with immigrant integration, reducing crime, fighting racism, developing work and education, increasing well-being, presenting ideas and recommendations to the authorities, implementing projects, etc.

Yhdistystoimintaopas (Guide on Association Activities for Immigrants, 2002) under ”Tarkoitus ja toimintamuodot” ("Purpose and modes of operation").