Hello, 

Currently I am working on building a website/forum for van lovers. For the moment, it will be a simple website where people could create communities, share ideas and find new friends. Any financial purpose this website doesn't have for now. I was wondering if I need to open a legal entity in order to start and make this website live. Thank you for help.

Welcome at Higherlevel!

 

You won't need to register as a business if you want to run a forum without any commercial purposes. You can find more about that on this page where you can find the main criteria to qualify as an entrepreneur.

Since your website isn't generating revenue and is focused on community-building, you likely don't need to open a legal entity right away. Starting as an individual is usually sufficient. It's wise to consult with a legal advisor for specific guidance as your site grows. Good luck with your van lovers community!