Members

Editorial translation of the French page and its dated sources. Legal excerpts are informal translations, not official versions. References and historical figures do not constitute an update of the applicable law.

An ASBL is made up of members: individuals or other legal entities, including associations. People can join around a disinterested purpose whether or not they have another occupation. Some situations, such as unemployment or retirement, may require notification of the activity: Unemployment and volunteering.

Members and associate members

• Members: their statutory rights and duties include voting at the general meeting and appointing directors.
• Associate members: their rights and duties are defined by the articles. Categories may include supporting or honorary members.

The membership register is kept at the registered office.

Article 9:3, Code (2019), informal translation: the governing body keeps a register recording members’ names and addresses, or the name, legal form and registered office of legal entities. Decisions on admission, resignation or exclusion are entered within eight days of the governing body learning of them. Members may inspect the register at the registered office. The articles define how people connected with the association may become associate members; their rights and duties are determined exclusively by the articles.

Beneficial ownership information

The source also refers to identifying directors, representatives and persons responsible for day-to-day management in the UBO register.

Article 1:35, Code (2019), informal translation of the excerpt: companies and legal entities must collect and retain adequate, accurate and current information about their beneficial owners. The governing body transmits the required information electronically to the UBO register within one month.

• UBO register

A separate register for other membership categories can be useful. The source says it is not compulsory. An ASBL has its registered office in Belgium; its members need not all be Belgian.

Joining and leaving

The articles set admission, resignation and exclusion conditions and the maximum membership contribution. Exclusion is a matter for the general meeting.

Article 9:23, Code (2019), informal translation: a member is free to leave by notifying the governing body of their resignation. Subject to article 2:9 §2, 5°, a member who does not pay contributions may be deemed to have resigned. A proposed exclusion must appear in the meeting notice, the member must be heard, and only the general meeting can pronounce exclusion.

Membership contributions

Associate members may receive publications, access to activities or other benefits in exchange for a contribution, without the voting rights of full members. Contributions can help fund the association.

The articles must specify the maximum contribution or payment required of members, not a minimum. Contributions may differ between membership categories.

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