Lidmaatschap
Membership
Membership is the legal relationship between a person and a legal person, such as an association or cooperative, that creates mutual rights and obligations.
Membership constitutes the formal link between a natural person or legal entity and a legal entity with a membership structure. It arises by way of admission and is governed by the articles of association and statute, in particular Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code in the case of associations and cooperatives.
Membership is significant in that it regulates access to governance, information and any benefits, while also imposing obligations such as the payment of dues or compliance with codes of conduct. In disputes concerning admission, resignation or expulsion, membership rights frequently feature in proceedings.
In practice, counsel advises clients on the conditions for membership, the validity of amendments to the articles of association and the consequences of termination, for example in the context of mergers or the dissolution of the legal entity.
“After a lengthy discussion, the new partner’s membership was unanimously approved by the general meeting.”
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