“Our work is complex; this field of law directly affects people’s identity,” says marketeer Tizena. As a partner, she leads the firm’s brand awareness and business development. “That’s why the client comes first. Quality, integrity and lasting partnerships are at the core of Estrafidus: true to the meaning of our company's name – trusted partner. At the same time, we enjoy ‘the good life’: fashion, design, excellent food and travel. We bring that energy to our work.”

Compliant

For companies that employ expats, Estrafidus is a trusted partner. “Corporate clients want to be compliant (to comply with all rules and laws, ed.), but often lack the in-house expertise,” says attorney Ajtena, who has been a specialist in immigration law for over ten years. “We guide clients through the entire process: from applying for work and residence permits to obtaining ‘recognized sponsor’ status for companies, so they can hire ‘highly skilled migrants.’ In doing so, we help prevent risks such as fines, delays, and reputational damage. In addition, we serve as a source of advice and correct errors. If necessary, we litigate all the way to the Council of State, but our strength lies in finding faster and smarter solutions so that companies can continue their work.”

In addition to supporting businesses, Estrafidus also assists international professionals, expats and families, from the initial residence application right through to naturalisation. “We know how important it is for a fresh start in the Netherlands to go smoothly,” says Ajtena. “That’s why we ensure clarity and certainty at every stage of the process, so that clients can focus on their work and their lives here.”

Empathy

The Abdi sisters have a personal connection to the legal fields in which they practice. “As children of Macedonian immigrant parents, we’ve been on the other side ourselves,” says Tizena. “That’s why we understand what people are going through, what they’re waiting for, and what’s at stake. Empathy is definitely a key word for us.” They never imagined they would one day start a family business together when they settled in The Hague in 2009 to pursue their studies. “As we talked about our future, we realized we’re on the same page when it comes to values, standards, image, and ambitions,” Tizena continues. Ajtena adds: “And our areas of expertise complement each other: I have the legal knowledge, and thanks to her international marketing experience, Tizena knows everything about business development.”

That’s good news, as Estrafidus aims to expand further by supporting more international companies and artists in their ambitions. “The Hague is the perfect place for that,” says Ajtena. “The international institutions, the expat community and our most important partner – the government – are literally just around the corner.” But the mission extends beyond growth alone. “We want to contribute to a Netherlands where internationals feel welcome, and where companies have the freedom to work in groundbreaking ways,” concludes Ajtena.

www.estrafidus.com