yhdistyslaissa

Yhdistyslaki, or the Finnish Non-profit Associations Act, is the primary legislation governing the establishment, operation, and dissolution of associations in Finland. It defines what constitutes an association, typically a group of individuals or legal entities united for a common purpose that is not profit-making. The law outlines the requirements for forming an association, including the need for at least three founding members and a written set of statutes, or "säännöt," which detail the association's name, purpose, membership, decision-making bodies, and financial management.

The Act specifies the roles and responsibilities of an association's governing bodies, most commonly the general meeting of members and the board of directors. The general meeting is the supreme decision-making authority, responsible for electing the board, approving the annual accounts, and amending the statutes. The board manages the association's day-to-day affairs and implements the decisions of the general meeting.

Registration with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) is voluntary for associations but is often necessary for them to gain legal standing, such as the ability to own property or enter into contracts. The law also addresses issues related to membership rights and obligations, dissolution procedures, and the handling of association assets upon dissolution, which typically must be used for a purpose consistent with the association's original aims. Yhdistyslaki aims to provide a clear and flexible framework for civil society organizations in Finland.