Statuut

Statuut is a term used in Dutch law to refer to a formal written rule that governs the existence and operation of an organization, institution, or other legal entity. The word is closely related to the English term statute and is commonly seen in the plural form statuten, which denotes the complete set of rules. The singular statuut is less commonly used and may refer to an individual provision or, more generally, to the concept of a statute.

In practice, statuten define the essential elements of an entity: its name and seat, its purpose or objectives, the duration of its existence, the distribution of powers among governing bodies (for example, a board and a general meeting), membership rules, and the procedures for adopting, amending, or dissolving the organization. They also regulate financial matters, such as capital or funding, and the rights and duties of members or participants, as well as the processes for meetings, voting, and dispute resolution.

Statuten function as the foundational documents for legal persons such as corporations, associations (verenigingen) and foundations (stichtingen). They must comply with higher mandatory law and may require formal acts, such as notarization or registration, depending on the jurisdiction and the type of entity. Amendments to statuten typically require a prescribed procedure, and in some cases changes must be executed by a notary and registered with the competent authority.