An ASBL is the most common form of not-for-profit registration in Belgium.  The law provides extensively for its governance and for this reason, the Articles of Association (AoA) can be drawn up by the members of the organisation itself without the obligation of having the Bylaws notarised.

Key features

  • Requires at least three founders (natural or legal persons)
  • No nationality requirements but head office must be in Belgium
  • It has two decision making bodies – the General Assembly and the Board. An ASBL can also institutionalise a management function (this is recommended).
  • 2 categories of members possible – in the case of full members, rights and obligations are laid down by law. For associate members, rights and obligations are laid down in the Bylaws.
  • The law provides in some detail for what needs to be included in the statutes.