Ühing

Ühing is an Estonian term for an association or society—a voluntary organization formed by individuals and/or legal entities that share a common interest. Such organizations are generally non-profit and operate to promote their members' goals rather than distribute profits.

An ühing is typically regulated by statutes adopted at its founding meeting, and its activities are guided by those statutes and by applicable law. Most ühingud have at least a general meeting (member assembly) that makes major decisions, and an executive body such as a board elected by the members to handle day-to-day affairs. Some ühingud may also have a supervisory committee. The exact rules depend on the organization's statutes and the civil law applicable to associations.

Formation and legal personality: In many cases, a ühing gains legal personality upon registration with the competent authority; registered associations can own property, enter into contracts, and sue or be sued in their own name. Registration helps clarify rights and obligations and may affect eligibility for funding and other forms of support.

Activities and funding: Ühingud engage in cultural, sport, hobby, scientific, professional, charitable, or advocacy work, among others. They rely on member dues, donations, grants, and income from events. They must maintain records and annual accounts appropriate to their size and activities, and dissolution provisions typically specify how any remaining assets are used.

Relation to other forms: The term ühing is generic for a voluntary association. It differs from for-profit entities such as osaühing (private limited company) or aktsiaselts (public limited company). In Estonia, many associations operate as mittetulundusühingud (non-profit associations, MTÜ).