\u201cOur work is complex; this field of law directly affects people\u2019s identity,\u201d says marketeer Tizena. As a partner, she leads the firm\u2019s brand awareness and business development. \u201cThat\u2019s 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 \u2013 trusted partner. At the same time, we enjoy \u2018the good life\u2019: fashion, design, excellent food and travel. We bring that energy to our work.\u201d<\/p>\n
For companies that employ expats, Estrafidus is a trusted partner. \u201cCorporate clients want to be compliant (to comply with all rules and laws, ed.), but often lack the in-house expertise,\u201d says attorney Ajtena, who has been a specialist in immigration law for over ten years. \u201cWe guide clients through the entire process: from applying for work and residence permits to obtaining \u2018recognized sponsor\u2019 status for companies, so they can hire \u2018highly skilled migrants.\u2019 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to supporting businesses, Estrafidus also assists international professionals, expats and families, from the initial residence application right through to naturalisation. \u201cWe know how important it is for a fresh start in the Netherlands to go smoothly,\u201d says Ajtena. \u201cThat\u2019s why we ensure clarity and certainty at every stage of the process, so that clients can focus on their work and their lives here.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Abdi sisters have a personal connection to the legal fields in which they practice. \u201cAs children of Macedonian immigrant parents, we\u2019ve been on the other side ourselves,\u201d says Tizena. \u201cThat\u2019s why we understand what people are going through, what they\u2019re waiting for, and what\u2019s at stake. Empathy is definitely a key word for us.\u201d They never imagined they would one day start a family business together when they settled in The Hague in 2009 to pursue their studies. \u201cAs we talked about our future, we realized we\u2019re on the same page when it comes to values, standards, image, and ambitions,\u201d Tizena continues. Ajtena adds: \u201cAnd 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s good news, as Estrafidus aims to expand further by supporting more international companies and artists in their ambitions. \u201cThe Hague is the perfect place for that,\u201d says Ajtena. \u201cThe international institutions, the expat community and our most important partner \u2013 the government \u2013 are literally just around the corner.\u201d But the mission extends beyond growth alone. \u201cWe want to contribute to a Netherlands where internationals feel welcome, and where companies have the freedom to work in groundbreaking ways,\u201d concludes Ajtena.<\/p>\n