Law of Associations

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can an association established in Turkey operate abroad or open a branch?

  An association may only engage in international activities to achieve the purposes specified in its charter, open a representative office or branch abroad, establish an association or parent organization abroad, or become a member of an already established association or parent organization.

• Can a foreign association operate in Turkey? Is it possible for a foreign association to open a branch or representative office in Turkey?

  A foreign association can only operate or cooperate in Turkey, open a representative office or branch, establish an association or parent organization, and become a member of an established association or higher organization, only with the opinion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the permission of the Ministry of Interior.

• Can legal entities be members of associations? How is the legal entity represented in the association if they are members of the association?

  In the sixth article of the Law, it is stated that legal persons can also be members of associations and that the chairman of the board of directors or the person assigned to represent the legal entity will vote on behalf of the legal entity.

• How many associations must come together to form a federation?

  The federation is defined as the supreme organization in the law. It is established by the gathering of at least five associations and has no branches.

• At least how many federations must come together to form a confederation?

  The Confederation is defined as the supreme organization in the law. It is established by at least three federations coming together and has no branches.

• What are the differences between the branch of the association and its representative office?

  The sub-unit, which is opened under an association in order to carry out the activities of the association, has no legal personality and has organs, is a branch. A representative office is a sub-unit that is opened under an association in order to carry out the activities of the association and does not have a legal personality and organs.
  Whether the association will have a branch or not must be specified in its charter. Likewise, how the branches will be managed and the representation powers in the general assembly are determined in the statute.
  Branch general assemblies have to finish their ordinary meetings at least two months before the central general assembly meeting. As the representative office is a sub-unit without organs, it does not hold a general assembly.
  Associations may open representative offices where they deem necessary to carry out the activities of the association. Representative offices are not represented in the general assemblies of branches or associations. Branches cannot open representative offices. The address of the representative office is notified in writing to the local administrative authority by the person or persons appointed as the representative by the decision of the board of directors.

• How to become a member of the association?

  It is essential to make a written application to become a member of the association. However, no one can be forced to become a member of the association, and no association can be forced to accept the application.
  Without prejudice to the provision regarding children's associations, it is essential to have the capacity to act in order to become a member of associations.
  While natural persons can be members of associations, legal persons also have the right to be members of associations. However, the authorized representative of the legal person will carry out the membership procedures on behalf of the legal person and represent.
  It is obligatory for the board of directors of the association to examine the membership application made in writing to the association within 30 days of the application and to make a decision on admission to membership.
  The board of directors must notify the person in writing of its decision.
  If the applicant's application is deemed appropriate, it is recorded in the member's book.

• How to remove membership from the association?

  As a rule, in case the conditions sought in the law or charter for membership of the association are lost, the membership of the association automatically terminates.
  Any member who does not want to continue the membership of the association may terminate the membership of the association, provided that he/she gives a written notice.

• What are the conditions for dismissal from membership of the association?

  Conditions for dismissal from membership can be determined in the charter of the association. In case of dismissal from membership due to the specified conditions, the person who has been removed has no right to object that these reasons are not justified.
  However, if the reasons for removal are not specified in the charter of the association, the member can only be removed for just cause. This dismissal decision may be appealed on the grounds that there is no just cause.

• Is it possible for a member to represent more than one member at the general assembly meetings?

  It is not possible. Each member has only one vote and must use the vote personally.