Can a minor create, manage or become a member of an association?

Verified 07 August 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

The ability to create, administer or become a member of an association will depend on whether you are over or under 16 years of age. We present you the information to know.

Warning  

The rules described do not apply in Alsace-Moselle where you can, whatever your agecreate, administer or become a member of an association.

Under 16

With the agreement written prior to your legal representatives (parents, guardian...), you can:

  • participate in the creation of an association and be in charge of its management,
  • and perform all acts relevant to the management of the association (except acts of disposition).

You may act as president, treasurer or secretary of the association.

You cannot do certain important acts for the association alone. For example, you cannot sell real estate belonging to the association, take out a loan or perform other acts that have a significant impact on its assets.

You can freely become a member of an association, unless otherwise provided in statutes.

You can make a normal contribution without permission from your parents. A contribution is considered normal if the amount is modest and does not exceed what is commonly referred to pocket money.

The statutes or rules and regulations may specify the conditions for your participation in the general meetings and votes of the association.

Please note

To make a contribution in kind (well furnished or building), you must be represented by the persons exercising parental authority. In some cases, the authorization of the protection litigation judge (former guardianship judge) is required (for example: immovable or business).

Over 16 years

You can participate in the creation of an association and be in charge of its direction, without prior authorization of the persons who are your legal representatives (parents, guardian...).) You may act as president, treasurer or secretary of the association.

However, you must communicate to the association their identity and address so that the association informs them of your commitment, by registered letter with : titleContent.

This information must be done without delay and at the latest before the following events:

  • Before the declaration in the prefecture of the creation of the association
  • Before the declaration in the prefecture of the change in the direction of the association involving the child
  • Before 1er act of administration performed by the child.

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You participate in the creation of an association

The letter must specify the following information:

  • Title, purpose, registered office of the proposed association
  • Right of opposition which the legal representatives (parents, guardian...) have. This is the possibility that the law gives them to refuse to allow their child to participate in the creation of an association.

A mail template is available:

Template for informational mail to parents of a minor aged 16 or over treasurer of an association

You are one of the leaders of the association

The mail must contain the following information:

  • Title, purpose and registered office of the association
  • Start date, duration and nature of the mandate
  • Type of management acts that the minor can perform
  • Possibility for parents to oppose the participation of their child in the association.

The letter must also inform the legal representatives (parents, guardian)...) that the following documents are available to them at the registered office of the association if they request it:

  • Statutes in force and list of other persons in charge of the management
  • Witness of publication at JOAFE: titleContent of the declaration of the association
  • Estimated budget for the current financial year
  • Approved financial statements for the last financial year or annual accounts if the association is required to prepare them
  • Activity report for the last financial year.

A mail template is available:

Template for informational letters to parents of a minor aged 16 or over treasurer of an association

In the absence of opposition from your legal representatives (parents, guardian)...), you can perform alone all the acts useful for the management of the association (except the acts of disposition).

The association must keep proof that your legal representatives have been informed.

You can represent the association in court only if you are emancipated.

Please note

As a minor, your responsibility will only be challenged if it is proven that you acted consciously for your benefit.

You cannot do certain important acts for the association alone. For example, you cannot sell real estate belonging to the association, take out a loan or perform other acts that have a significant impact on its assets.

You can freely become a member of an association, unless otherwise provided in statutes.

You can make a normal contribution without permission from your parents. A contribution is considered normal if the amount is modest and does not exceed what is commonly referred to pocket money.

The statutes or rules and regulations may specify the conditions for your participation in the general meetings and votes of the association.

Please note

To make a contribution in kind (well furnished or building), you must be represented by the persons exercising parental authority (parent, guardian). In some cases, the authorization of the protection litigation judge (former guardianship judge) is required (for example: immovable or business).

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