ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the transfer process of the Brazilian Nursing Association to its new headquarters in Brasília/Federal District. Methods: qualitative, socio-historical, and documental study. The analysis generated the following characteristics: Associate reorganization: the transfer from the Central ABEn headquarters; and the Strategies used in the struggle for the appropriation of space. Results: the Brazilian Nursing Association was engaged in a struggle, which lasted nine years, for the acquisition of land in the new Federal Capital, Brasília, to ensure a prestigious place for the Association, and for nursing as well. Final Considerations: together with their sections, undertook efforts and implemented strategies to find a space in the new Federal Capital, allowing visibility and recognition to the nursing profession.