Alapdokumentuma

Alapdokumentuma is a Hungarian term used to describe the fundamental document that defines the purpose, structure, governance, and rules of an organization, institution, or project. It serves as the core charter or foundational record that legitimizes the entity and guides its ongoing activities. The word is formed from alap (base, fundamental) and dokumentum (document), with a possessive suffix indicating “its,” so it refers to the entity’s essential document.

In Hungarian practice, foundational documents vary by legal form. For companies, the core documents are often the founding charter or memorandum of association; for associations, the articles of association or alapszabály may play a similar role. The alapdokumentuma typically lays out the entity’s objectives, legal status, governance structure, capital or membership rules, rights and duties of founders or members, decision-making procedures, and rules for amending the document. It is usually subject to formalities such as notarization and registration with competent authorities, and it must comply with applicable corporate or civil law.

The concept of an alapdokumentuma is central across jurisdictions, as it establishes the entity’s legitimacy and defines its scope of activity and governance framework. Related terms include alapító okirat (founding charter or memorandum), alapszabály (articles of association or by-laws), and társasági szerződés (partnership agreement), which are specific forms of foundational documents depending on legal form.