The European Sign Federation, known as the ESF, is registered as an Association with its registered office in Zurich, Switzerland and its legal status is governed by Swiss law. For administrative purposes, the operational offices of the Secretariat are based in Buissière Galant, France.

The majority of the membership of the Federation is made up of National Sign Associations representing individual European countries. However, where no such Association exists the ESF is happy to welcome applications from companies in those countries in order that the ESF goals can be extended to those countries. Membership of the ESF allows each representative a seat on the Board of the Federation hosted by a member Association, to discuss business relevant to the Federation and for members to exchange information on National market and European trading conditions.