About Us

A specialist immigration law practice with 8+ years of experience in immigration and global mobility services.

Ella Diaconu, immigration lawyer

Meet Ella

Immigration Lawyer · 8+ years of experience

I am an immigration lawyer and legal consultant based in the Netherlands, helping expats, employers, and international professionals navigate Dutch immigration, the expat scheme (former 30% ruling), and cross-border employment compliance.

With over 8 years of professional experience and three law degrees from the University of Amsterdam, I know the rules inside out. But what sets my approach apart is that I have navigated these processes firsthand. I know what the uncertainty, the puzzling paperwork, the multifaceted criteria and the waiting feel like — and I use that experience to give advice that is not just legally sound, but pragmatic and empathetic.

Every client gets direct access to me — no call centres, no junior staff, no ticket queues. Just clear, personal guidance from someone who genuinely understands both the legal framework and the human side of the process.

I have always been passionate about the law, but what drew me to this field in particular was a simple wish: to help people — employees and employers alike — move through it without the unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that so often stand in the way. That same wish is why I built the free expat scheme assessment on this site: clarity should not be a privilege you pay for before you even know where you stand.

The Ciconia Legal heron mark

The story behind the name

Ciconia is the Latin name for the stork — a graceful migratory bird that travels vast distances in search of the right place to nest and raise its young. It felt like a fitting symbol for a practice dedicated to helping people cross borders to build a new life, a new career, and a new home.

The stork is also the centuries-old emblem of The Hague — the international city of peace and justice, where our firm is based. Rooted in the Netherlands yet connected to the wider world, it reflects exactly what Ciconia stands for: guiding international talent as they make the Netherlands their home.

Areas of Expertise

Objection & Appeal Procedures
Complex & Non-Standard Cases
Expat Scheme (Former 30% Ruling)
Immigration Strategy & Design
Compliance & Recognised Sponsorship (IND)
Partner & Family Permits
Combined work and/or residence permits

Ready to discuss your situation?

Get in touch for a consultation and we'll advise on the best way forward.