Portuguese Nationality in 2026: How Long Must You Wait?

Waiting for Portuguese nationality can take years. In 2026, some applicants are facing an estimated wait of around three years, while others may receive a decision sooner or wait considerably longer, depending on the type of application and the office handling it.

The growing backlog at the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN), differences between registry offices and delays in checking documents all affect processing times. So, is three years now the reality for Portuguese nationality applicants?

How long does Portuguese nationality take in 2026?

There is no single official processing time that applies to every nationality application. The waiting period depends on the legal basis of the application, the registry office handling it, the date it was submitted and whether additional checks or documents are required.

However, available figures and applicant reports suggest that around three years is a realistic estimate for some naturalisation applications based on legal residence.

A report published by DN Brasil on 18 August 2026 found that the queue for nationality by legal residence had reached approximately 33 months at the Central Archive of Porto. The comparison used the latest available figures at the time and showed that Lisbon was processing a different, more recent group of applications.

These figures come from monthly processing information published by the IRN and compiled into a queue-tracking tool. They indicate which application dates an office is currently examining, not when an individual applicant will receive a final decision.

In other words, three years is a useful estimate, not a guaranteed deadline.

Which registry offices are processing applications faster?

The IRN’s online nationality service confirms that applicants cannot choose which registry office handles their application. Online applications are distributed automatically.

The IRN says applications are initially distributed to the Central Registry Office in Lisbon and the Central Archive of Porto, with distribution progressively expanding to other Nationality Counters according to application type.

This matters because processing speeds can differ significantly between offices.

Based on applicant reports and community observations, the situation appears to vary:

• Porto: Some applicants report that naturalisation applications submitted around November and December 2023, and in some cases January 2024, are being reached. This is consistent with a wait of roughly three years, although progress differs by case.
• Braga: Some community reports and tracking data suggest that certain applications from around July 2024 have been reached. However, older applications may still be waiting.
• Faro: Applicants have reported progress on some applications submitted around July, August and September 2024.
• Espinho: It is also mentioned by applicants as a location where some cases appear to move faster, although there is not enough consistent information to calculate a reliable average.

These are community observations, not official processing-time statistics. They should be treated as indications rather than proof that one office will always be faster than another.

Also, two applications submitted on the same date may move at different speeds if they belong to different legal categories or require different checks.

Why are nationality applications taking so long?

The number of applications waiting for a decision has increased considerably.

According to figures reported by ECO on 21 October 2026, based on Ministry of Justice data, the IRN had 690,480 pending nationality applications on 30 June 2026. This was a 38% increase compared with the previous year.

The backlog includes different types of applications, not only those submitted by people living in Portugal.

The IRN had already reported 515,334 pending applications at the end of June 2025. Its figures showed that these included applications based on Sephardic ancestry, legal residence, Portuguese parents, marriage and Portuguese grandparents.

There are several reasons why the process can take so long:

1. A large number of applications

The IRN receives applications from people with different connections to Portugal. The high volume puts pressure on the offices responsible for checking documents and making decisions.

2. Different priorities

The Ministry of Justice has said that applications granting nationality to minor children of Portuguese citizens receive priority. This can affect how quickly other categories move through the system.

3. Document checks and additional enquiries

Applications may require checks of birth certificates, criminal records, translations, apostilles and other supporting documents. If information is missing or needs clarification, the process can take longer.

4. Different processing speeds

The latest published queue information shows that the same type of application can be at different stages in Lisbon and Porto. The office handling the case can therefore make a difference to the waiting time.

Does Portuguese law give IRN a 90-day deadline?

This is one of the most common questions among applicants.

You may have heard that the IRN has 90 days to process a nationality application, or that each stage of the process has its own 90-day deadline. However, this is not an accurate description of the legal rule.

Article 41 of the Portuguese Nationality Regulation (Decree-Law 237-A/2006) sets out procedural time limits. It provides for an initial examination within 30 days of receiving the relevant declarations. If documents or information are missing, the applicant may be notified and given 20 days to correct the deficiencies.

Once the application is fully instructed, the regulation provides for a decision within 60 days.

These periods do not mean that every applicant will receive nationality within 90 days of submission. The time needed to validate an application, obtain information, complete checks and resolve deficiencies can extend the overall process.

The important point is that the 30-day and 60-day periods are not separate guaranteed 90-day stages, and they should not be added together as a promise of a final decision within a fixed period.

Can you take IRN to court because of the delay?

Some applicants consider legal action when their applications remain pending for a long time.

Portuguese administrative law provides a procedure known as Intimação para Proteção de Direitos, Liberdades e Garantias, under Article 109 of the Code of Procedure in Administrative Courts.

In certain circumstances, this procedure can ask a court to require the administration to act urgently. However, a long wait by itself is not usually enough.

Courts examine whether the applicant can demonstrate a specific and serious threat to fundamental rights and whether an urgent court order is necessary. In a decision published in May 2026, the Northern Central Administrative Court rejected the argument that delay alone established the required urgency.

It is also important to understand that a successful court action requiring the IRN to act does not automatically mean that nationality will be granted. The application must still meet the legal requirements.

Anyone considering this route should speak to a lawyer experienced in Portuguese administrative law. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed results or a guaranteed nationality decision through court action.

How can you check the status of your application?

Applicants can follow the progress of their nationality process through the official online service or using the access code provided for checking the application.

The IRN’s online platform uses status updates to show where an application stands. For professional online submissions, the IRN explains that an application is first submitted and checked; if there are problems, it can be returned for correction before the formal process is created.

If your application has not moved for several months, you can contact the IRN’s registration helpline:

• Telephone: +351 211 950 500
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Keep your application number and access details available when contacting the service.

So, should you expect to wait three years?

For some applicants, particularly those applying through legal residence, a wait of around three years is a realistic possibility in 2026. But it is not an official promise, and it should not be applied to every nationality category or every registry office.

The most useful approach is to check the latest processing information for the office and application type relevant to your case, keep your documents up to date and respond quickly if the IRN requests further information.

The biggest lesson for applicants is simple: the date you submit your application does not tell you exactly when you will receive a decision. The type of application, the office handling it and the checks required can all make a difference.