Immigration Service Delivery (ISD)
The division of the Department of Justice that handles visas, registration, and residence permissions for non-EEA nationals in Ireland.
Employers often assume one government body handles everything, but the system is split: DETE issues the employment permit, while ISD handles the entry visa and residence registration. A granted permit does not guarantee a visa, and delays at either stage push out start dates. Knowing which body owns which step helps you chase the right queue and set realistic expectations with your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
All non-EEA hires do eventually — even non-visa-required nationals must register with immigration after arrival to receive their IRP card. Visa-required nationals interact with ISD twice: first for the entry visa, then for registration. EEA, UK, and Swiss nationals bypass the system entirely.
Because the permit and the visa are separate processes run by separate bodies. Once DETE grants the permit, visa-required nationals must apply to ISD through the relevant embassy, and those processing times vary enormously by country. The permit's six-month commencement clock is ticking during this wait, so start the visa application immediately.
ISD, part of the Department of Justice, handles entry visas, residence registration (IRP cards), and immigration permissions — everything about the person's right to be in Ireland. It does not issue employment permits; that is DETE's job. Most international hires touch both systems in sequence.