Board of directors and managing director in an economic association
An economic association must have a board of directors that is responsible for the day-to-day operations. The board may also appoint a managing director.
Board members
The board of an economic association must consist of at least three members. The members are appointed by the general meeting.
Board members, deputy members or the managing director must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be members of the association, unless otherwise stated in the articles of association
- not be bankrupt, subject to a prohibition on trading, or have a legal guardian under Chapter 11, Section 7 of the Parental Code (föräldrabalken)
If a board member cannot carry out their duties, a deputy member takes their place.
The Swedish Companies Registration Office ensures that the association has a registered and authorised board. If it does not, the association may be subject to compulsory liquidation. This means that we may decide to close down the association.
Read more about residency requirements for the board.
Board members and deputy members must intend to take part in the association’s activities. The role must not be purely formal. This means that so-called nominee directors are not allowed.
Chair of the board
The board must appoint a chair. The general meeting may appoint the chair if this is stated in the articles of association. The chair leads the work of the board, ensures that the board carries out its duties and makes sure that board meetings are held.
The chair must be registered in the associations register with the Swedish Companies Registration Office. Report when the chair has been appointed.
Appointing the board
Board members are appointed for a fixed period, known as a term of office. The term usually runs until the end of the next annual general meeting and may not exceed four financial years.
A board may be reappointed for a new term. If board members cannot carry out their duties, deputy members take their place, unless otherwise decided, as determined by the chair.
What are the board’s responsibilities?
The responsibilities of the board vary depending on the size of the association and whether a managing director has been appointed. The board:
- decides who is authorised to sign on behalf of the association
- convenes the general meeting
- represents the association
- is responsible for the day-to-day operations
- ensures that taxes are paid on time
- ensures that annual reports are prepared
- follows the articles of association and the decisions of the general meeting
- reports changes in the association to the Swedish Companies Registration Office
If an association does not have an authorised representative who is resident in Sweden, the board must appoint and report a person authorised to receive service of process. Read more in Swedish on the page Delgivningsmottagare.
Managing director
In an economic association, the board may appoint a managing director. The association may also appoint one or more deputy managing directors. A deputy managing director acts as a substitute for the managing director.
The managing director must intend to take part in the association’s activities. The role must not be purely formal. This means that so-called nominee directors are not allowed.
Certified copy of passport
We require certified copies of a passport for newly appointed individuals who are not registered in the Swedish population register. Read more in Swedish on the page Bestyrkt kopia av pass.
