Guide for Russian Citizens to Set Up an Association in Turkey

Turkey has a liberal legal framework that allows foreign nationals to establish associations. Russian nationals can establish associations in Turkey to engage in civil society activities, organize social or cultural events, etc. in line with their common goals. The process of establishing an association in Turkey involves certain steps and requirements under the Turkish Law on Associations and related legislation.

Basic Conditions for the Establishment of an Association

At least seven natural or legal persons must come together to establish an association in Turkey. Foreign nationals must be legally residing in Turkey in order to become founders of an association. Furthermore, the founders of the association must be over 18 years of age and have the capacity to act.

Required Documents and Application Process

The establishment of an association begins with the submission of the necessary documents to the governor's office (Provincial Directorate of Civil Society Relations) of the province where the association will be established. The main documents required for Russian citizens to apply to establish an association in Turkey are as follows:

• Notification of Association Establishment: The notification form signed by the founders, including the name, purpose, address and information of the founders.
• Founders' Identity Documents: Photocopies of passports and documents containing the Republic of Turkey ID numbers, if any.
• Residence Permit Certificate: A document showing that the founders are legally residing in Turkey.
• Association Statute: Statute containing the name of the association, its purpose, fields of activity, organs, sources of income and provisions regarding its dissolution.
• Power of Attorney: In case a lawyer or representative is appointed to carry out the transactions on behalf of the founders, a notarized power of attorney containing special authorization.

After the application file is submitted in full, the examination by the governorship is completed. As a result of this examination, the association establishment procedures are completed and the association can start its activities.

Legal Processes After Establishment: General Assembly and Books

Once the association is officially established, the following steps are mandatory in order to operate in accordance with the law:

• First General Assembly Meeting: It is obligatory to hold the first general assembly meeting within six months after the Association gains legal personality and to form the management and supervisory boards. In this meeting, decisions are taken according to the provisions specified in the bylaws and recorded in minutes.
• Increasing the Number of Members: Although seven founders are sufficient for the establishment of an association, it should be aimed to accept the number of members determined according to the association's statute and to grow the association. According to the Law on Associations, at least 5 original and 5 substitute members of the board of directors and 3 original and 3 substitute members of the supervisory board must be elected at the first general assembly. Therefore, at least 16 members must be present for the meeting to take place.
• Keeping Official Books: In Turkey, it is a legal obligation for associations to keep the mandatory books (membership book, decision book, incoming and outgoing document book, etc.) and to report them to the Provincial Directorate of Civil Society Relations at certain intervals.

Books to be kept by Associations

The books that associations must keep in accordance with the legislation in order to fulfill their legal and financial obligations are as follows:

• Member Registration Book: It is the book in which the identity, address and membership start and end dates of those who enter and leave the association as members are recorded.
• Decision Book: It is the book where the decisions of the Board of Directors are written in order of date and number. Decisions are signed by the members attending the meeting.
• Incoming and Outgoing Document Record Book: This is the book where incoming and outgoing documents are recorded in order of date and number. The originals of incoming documents and copies of outgoing documents are attached to this book.
• Operating Account Book or Balance Sheet Book: It is the book in which the income and expenditure transactions of the association are processed.
• Receipt Certificate Record Book: It is the book in which the receipts given to the persons collecting money on behalf of the Association are recorded.
• Fixture Book: It is the book in which the fixtures (tables, chairs, computers, etc.) owned by the association are recorded.

Legal Advice and Additional Considerations

The association establishment process may include additional steps for foreign nationals, such as translation of documents and legal approval processes. It is of utmost importance to draft the bylaws in accordance with the law and to know the legal remedies in case of rejection. Since legal legislation and practices can be constantly updated, getting professional support for the correct execution of the process is a critical step to avoid time and potential problems.

This article aims to provide general information about the establishment of associations for Russian citizens in Turkey. Since each case has its own specific conditions, it is of great importance to seek legal support from a specialized lawyer in order to manage the legal process correctly and to avoid any loss of rights.