Asutamiskünnis

Asutamiskünnis refers to the minimum number of shareholders or members required to legally establish a particular type of legal entity or organization. This threshold is often defined by national or regional legislation and can vary significantly depending on the specific legal form. For instance, the asutamiskünnis for a public limited company might be higher than that for a private limited company or a non-profit association.

The purpose of an asutamiskünnis is to ensure that there is a sufficient level of collective interest and commitment to sustain the organization. It can also be a mechanism to prevent the formation of entities with very few, potentially less accountable, founders. Different legal structures may have different asutamiskünnis requirements, reflecting the varying levels of complexity, capital, and public interest associated with them.

In some jurisdictions, the asutamiskünnis is a fundamental aspect of corporate law and company registration. Failing to meet this requirement can prevent the legal formation or continuation of an entity. The concept is primarily relevant in civil law systems where specific provisions often detail these minimum requirements for various business and organizational types. Understanding the asutamiskünnis is crucial for anyone looking to establish a new legal entity.