Formation Process
Complete guide to establishing your cooperative in ZDFZ.
Formation Process
Founding Member Preparation
Gather founding members and agree on cooperative purpose, structure, and initial bylaws.
- ✓ Identify founding members (minimum 3 required)
- ✓ Define cooperative purpose and activities
- ✓ Draft initial governance agreements
Member Digital Residency
All founding members must have active ZDFZ digital residency.
- ✓ Each member completes digital residency application
- ✓ KYC verification for all members
- ✓ Residency fees paid per member
Registration Application
Submit cooperative registration through the ZDFZ portal.
- ✓ Choose cooperative type and name
- ✓ Upload bylaws and governance documents
- ✓ List all founding members with roles
- ✓ Pay registration fee
Review & Approval
ZDFZ reviews application and documents for compliance.
- ✓ Document verification
- ✓ Name availability check
- ✓ Bylaws compliance review
- ✓ Address any requested changes
Certificate & Launch
Receive registration certificate and begin operations.
- ✓ Cooperative registration certificate issued
- ✓ Access to cooperative management portal
- ✓ Member onboarding enabled
- ✓ Banking & financial services available
Required Documents
Bylaws
Operating rules governing membership, voting, and management.
- Membership classes & requirements
- Voting procedures
- Board structure
- Amendment process
Articles of Association
Formal founding document establishing the cooperative.
- Cooperative name & type
- Purpose & activities
- Registered address
- Initial members
Profit Distribution Policy
Rules for allocating surplus among members.
- Distribution formula
- Reserve allocations
- Payment timing
- Member capital accounts
Member Registry
List of founding members with their roles.
- Member digital residency IDs
- Membership class
- Capital contribution
- Board positions
Formation Fees
Zone Cooperative
Starting from $100 setup + $1,000/month
Governance Requirements
All cooperatives must maintain certain governance standards:
Annual General Meeting
Required within 6 months of fiscal year end.
Board of Directors
Board members elected by the General Assembly, free of conflicts of interest.
Financial Statements
Annual audited statements required.
Member Records
Maintain current member registry at all times.
Post-Formation Services
Once formed, your cooperative has access to:
Multi-Currency Banking
Business accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, and cryptocurrency.
Governance Platform
Digital voting, meeting management, and member administration.
Blockchain Integration
Token-based membership and on-chain governance tools.
Compliance Support
Ongoing regulatory guidance and annual filing assistance.
Ready to Start?
Begin by obtaining digital residency for all founding members, then proceed to cooperative registration.