R&D Case Study: Business Relocation of a Scientific Laboratory

Task: Client’s Problem

The management team of a scientific-practical laboratory from a CIS country reached out to Herz Lawyers. The company is a key supplier of equipment for a large international holding, specializing in experimental physics and the commercialization of research. Their request was to relocate the business and the entire team from the CIS to the Netherlands.

Previously, the company had consulted Herz Lawyers on a specific employment law issue. After receiving expert legal advice, the management was satisfied with the collaboration. So when the need arose to relocate the business, they immediately turned to our legal boutique for assistance.

Key Challenges of Business Relocation

The relocation process was complicated by the specific nature of the business: research and development in experimental physics and the commercialization of scientific discoveries. Continuing to grow this high-tech business in the country of origin was virtually impossible due to limited opportunities for the application of new developments and patents. These factors had to be carefully considered when drafting the relocation plan, including obtaining research permits, protecting intellectual property rights, securing patents for scientific developments, and addressing the commercial aspects of the business. Moreover, due to external circumstances, transferring such a complex business structure to the Netherlands presented significant legal and logistical challenges.

The complexity was further heightened by the size of the team—30 scientists. The client’s objective was not only to relocate the business entity but also to transfer all team members to ensure the continuity of operations. Each team member played a critical role in the organization’s workflow, holding unique responsibilities essential to the company’s success. It was imperative to guarantee that every member of the laboratory was granted the necessary legal status to reside and work in the Netherlands, thereby ensuring uninterrupted business operations.

Solution by Herz Lawyers

To successfully relocate the business despite external challenges, Herz Lawyers developed a strategic plan to move operations to the EU. Our team worked closely with legal experts from multiple countries involved in the initial and intermediary registration processes. We managed every step of the relocation to minimize errors and ensure a seamless transition.

To relocate the team, we designed a straightforward and effective strategy to secure legal residence permits in the Netherlands. Our lawyers guided all 30 team members through each step of the process, from preparing documents to attending appointments with government agencies and notaries. By providing hands-on support and personalized assistance, we made sure that the entire team could continue their work without interruption.

Flexible Legal Support with a Subscription Model

Given the complexity and scope of the relocation project, Herz Lawyers and the client agreed on a subscription-based partnership model during the initial consultation. This approach provided full legal outsourcing and comprehensive risk management.

With the subscription model, the client received ongoing legal support for all business matters throughout the month, with the option to extend the service as needed. This arrangement offered significant cost savings compared to one-time legal consultations while ensuring continuous support and proactive risk management.

For our team, the subscription model allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the client’s challenges, enabling us to develop more strategic and effective solutions.