Artikel 1, a company founded in 2024, is making a big difference in the lives of people navigating the often-complicated migration process in the Netherlands. With a deep commitment to helping others and a personal story rooted in entrepreneurship and social justice, the founder of Artikel 1 has created a service that’s more than just a business—it’s a lifeline for many.

The journey that led to Artikel 1 began long before its official start. The founder, who first stepped into the world of entrepreneurship at 18 by co-founding a successful dance school, always knew she wanted to make a difference. Inspired by her father, who is also an entrepreneur, and driven by her own experiences, she made a pivot from dance to law, earning her bachelor’s degree in Dutch Law. As a legal advisor with a strong focus on people, she found her calling in refugee work, which eventually led her to start Artikel 1.

“I feel, as a Dutch native, privileged in many ways, and I want to use that privilege to help others,” she shares.

At Artikel 1, the main focus is on helping people with IND applications—especially those trying to reunite with family members. The process can be daunting, particularly if you don’t know the language or the system. That’s where Artikel 1 comes in. The founder personally guides clients through every step, ensuring that their applications are handled with care and understanding. Most of the work involves migration for study, work, family, or holiday, which are the largest groups of people seeking help in the Netherlands.

Beyond handling these applications, Artikel 1 also provides training for companies on the migration process. The training covers everything from language barriers to understanding different education and healthcare systems. “It’s not just about the paperwork,” she explains. “It’s about helping people feel welcome and supported as they start a new chapter in their lives.”

But Artikel 1 doesn’t stop at legal support. The company also runs a podcast called Ongekend! that has quickly become a platform for sharing the real-life experiences of former refugees and migrants. In each episode, listeners hear personal stories about the challenges and triumphs of starting fresh in a new country. The podcast even features conversations with some well-known Dutch bicultural personalities. A proud milestone was recording the tenth episode live with an audience in the city centre of Eindhoven, something the founder looks back on with great joy. You can listen to the podcast here: Ongekend!.

The future of Artikel 1 is bright, with plans to keep reuniting families and advocating for a more inclusive approach to migration. “I want to see a softer trend towards migration,” the founder says. “Migration should be seen as an enrichment, not a problem. I hope we can help change that perspective.”

As the company grows, there’s still plenty of room for expansion. While business clients are finding Artikel 1 more frequently, the founder hopes to increase visibility among private individuals, often relying on word of mouth. The goals for the coming years include boosting online presence and using social media to raise awareness about the needs of migrants.

Among the many successes Artikel 1 has had, the founder is most proud of the times when families are brought back together. One recent success story involved helping an elderly woman from Iran visit her sons in Europe—a moment that truly captures the heart of what Artikel 1 is all about.

As the company continues to grow, there’s a clear opportunity to help even more people. With the capacity to take on additional clients each month, Artikel 1 is well-prepared to meet the increasing demand for its services. But for the founder, it’s not just about growing the business—it’s about continuing to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Fun Fact: The founder is also working on a travel blog about the trips she takes with her 3-year-old daughter. It’s her personal goal to raise her daughter as a global citizen. You can check out the first draft of the blog here: Travel Blog. This will be significantly expanded over the coming year.

Contact information

Artikel 1
06 40594012
info@artikel01.nl