FOUNDING ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP IN TURKEY

The establishment of associations and membership to associations are subject to “Associations Law dated 04.11.2004 and numbered 5253”, “Associations Regulation dated 2005” and “Turkish Civil Code dated 22.11.2001 and numbered 4721”.

I. MEMBERSHIP
Association refers to groups of persons with legal personalities that they have formed by constantly combining their knowledge and work, in order to achieve a specific and common purpose not prohibited by law, other than sharing profits. To establish an association, there must be at least seven natural or legal persons.
Among these persons, foreign real persons who have the right to settle in Turkey can establish associations or become members of established associations. If there are foreign nationals among the founders, copies of documents showing that they have the right to settle in Turkey must be attached to the establishment document. However, this condition is not required for honorary membership. This condition is not sought for legal persons.

II. MEMBERSHIP OF FOREIGN ASSOCIATIONS AND OPERATION OF FOREIGN ASSOCIATIONS IN TURKEY
Associations may engage in international activities or cooperation, open representative offices or branches abroad, establish associations or parent organizations abroad, or join associations or organizations established abroad in order to realize the objectives indicated in their statutes. Foreign associations may operate or cooperate in Turkey, open representative offices or branches, establish associations or higher organizations, or join established associations or higher organizations, with the permission of the Ministry of Interior, by obtaining the opinion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

III. FOUNDATION DOCUMENT AND NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION
Each association has a statute. It is obligatory to show the name of the association, its purpose, income sources, membership conditions, organs and organization, and the temporary board of directors in the charter of the association. The charter of the association cannot be contrary to the mandatory provisions of the law. The provisions of the Turkish Civil Code and the legislation of associations are applied in matters that are not regulated in the charter of the association. The founders can give the association a name that is not contrary to the mandatory provisions of the law and the public statute. However, the name given must be different from the previously established association names.