In Venture Capital and Private Equity, your success depends on the speed and quality of the people you back. Whether you are navigating an acquisition or helping a seed-stage startup go global, immigration shouldn't be the bottleneck that slows down your ROI.
We act as the dedicated immigration partner for your fund. We provide the high-level due diligence you need during a transaction and the hands-on support your portfolio companies need to hire world-class talent. By streamlining the ‘right to work’ process, we ensure that borders never stand in the way of a growth milestone or an exit.
From managing Sponsor Licences for your newest investments to securing Global Talent visas for your star founders, we provide an embedded immigration department for your entire portfolio. We protect your reputation by keeping every entity audit-ready, ensuring that your human capital remains a secure asset, not a legal liability.
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Legal 500
‘One of the most creative and enterprising UK immigration law boutiques, with a rich history of helping senior executives and high net worth individuals.’
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Legal 500
‘What we find with Magrath Sheldrick LLP is that they have a fantastic online tool called Global Reach. What also makes Magrath Sheldrick LLP unique is that you feel that you are getting a proper bespoke service, from the Senior Partners down. You are not just a number. The overall collaboration has been superb, I have found them very reactive as well as offering proactive advice too.’ - Legal 500
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Legal 500
‘I genuinely cannot fault them, they are a pleasure to work with. Their team have dealt with international cases as well as UK based and each Magrath Sheldrick LLP team member is a specialist in that country’s requirements. I have first hand experience with dealing with their international team of advisors, they have been superb. Magraths have proved to me they are consistent with their service and advice which has been exceptional.’
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Legal 500
"The firm has a wealth of experience and is very highly regarded"
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Chambers and Partners
"Savvy and helpful advisers"
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Legal 500
"High-quality service and a partner led approach continue to make Magrath Sheldrick LLP a favourite firm for investment banks, entertainers and fortune 500 companies"
M&A Immigration Due Diligence
Don’t let an acquisition be derailed by paperwork. We audit target companies to spot hidden ‘Right to Work’ risks and sponsor licence gaps before you sign, saving you from post-deal fines and talent loss.
Portfolio Hiring Support
Give your companies the tools to win the talent war. We manage the Skilled Worker and Scale-up visa routes for your portfolio, getting technical leads and C-suite executives into the UK without the stress.
Investment & Portfolio Compliance
Protect your equity and your right to hire. Whether you are taking a minority stake or a majority buyout, ownership changes must be reported to the Home Office within 20 days. We manage this transition and provide ongoing Sponsor Licence support for your portfolio—handling the mandatory reporting so your founders stay compliant.
Founder & Executive Mobility
Bespoke support for the people driving your returns. We specialise in Innovator Founder and Global Talent visas, providing a high-touch service to get your key founders and partners established in the UK.
Our Venture Capital & Private Equity Immigration Team
Practical. Agile. Growth-aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should our fund have a dedicated immigration partner?
Think of us as a value-add service you offer your founders. When you refer your portfolio companies to us, you ensure their hiring stays compliant and fast. It also protects you: we ensure that no company in your fund is sitting on undisclosed immigration liabilities that could hurt their valuation.
How do you support us during a merger or acquisition?
Immigration is often overlooked in M&A. We step in during the due diligence phase to check if the target company is compliant. After the deal, we handle the mandatory ‘Change of Control’ reports to the Home Office. You only have 20 working days to do this—if you miss it, the company’s ability to sponsor talent could be revoked instantly.
Can you help our startups use the Scale-up visa?
Yes. The Scale-up visa is one of the best tools for high-growth, VC-backed companies. It is faster and cheaper than the standard route. We help your portfolio companies check if they meet the growth criteria and manage the entire application process for their new hires.
What happens to an international founder’s visa when we invest?
If a founder is on a visa tied to their business, an equity injection or change in corporate structure can affect their status. We provide strategic advice to ensure that your investment doesn’t accidentally invalidate a founder’s right to stay and lead the company in the UK.
How do you help our companies stay audit-ready?
The Home Office can inspect any company with a Sponsor Licence at any time. We run mock audits for your portfolio companies, checking their files and HR systems just like a government inspector would. This ensures that a simple paperwork error doesn’t turn into a major reputational or financial hit for your fund.
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