Accelerate the Portuguese Nationality Process
Process stalled at the IRN for months or years? Judicial action to compel the Institute to decide within a court-set deadline.
Is your process stalled?
The IRN (Institute of Registries and Notarial Services) has legal deadlines to decide on nationality applications.
When these deadlines are exceeded, you have the right to take legal action.
The judicial compulsory action obliges the IRN to decide within a court-set deadline — typically 30 to 90 days.
Applicable to any type of nationality application.
Typically results in a decision within 3 to 6 months after the action is filed.
You have the right to a decision
100% Online
The entire process without traveling to Portugal.
Licensed in PT and BR
Litigation in Portuguese administrative courts.
No Passive Waiting
Judicial action with a concrete deadline set by the court.
Step by step of the judicial action
- ✓Compulsory action for the protection of rights
- ✓Obliges the IRN to decide within a court-set deadline
- ✓Applicable to any type of nationality application
- ✓Typically results in a decision within 3 to 6 months after filing
- ✓100% online process — no physical presence required
Not sure if your case qualifies? Fill out the form — the initial analysis is free.
Step by step of the judicial action
Case analysis
We verify the status of your process at the IRN and assess whether the judicial action is viable.
Filing the action
We prepare and submit the compulsory action at the competent court.
IRN decision
The court sets a deadline for the IRN to decide. We follow through to completion.
Frequently asked questions
When can I file this action?
After 120 business days without a decision from the IRN, Portuguese law allows you to file a petition before the administrative courts — an action for the protection of rights, freedoms, and guarantees.
Can the court reject the petition?
The court analyzes whether the legal requirements are met. That is why we conduct a preliminary analysis of your case before filing — to ensure it meets the requirements.
What if the IRN refuses even after the action?
The action compels the IRN to issue a decision — approval or a reasoned refusal. If the refusal has no legal basis, there are further judicial means to contest it.
Do I need to travel to Portugal?
No. The entire process is handled remotely. You do not need to appear in person in Portugal at any stage.
How long does it take after the action is filed?
The court typically sets a 30 to 90 day deadline for the IRN to decide. In many cases, simply serving the IRN with court notice already accelerates the administrative review.
How much does it cost?
The price depends on the case analysis. Fill out the form to receive a detailed proposal at no commitment.
What happens if the IRN exceeds the legal deadline?
If the IRN exceeds the maximum decision period established by law, you have the right to file a lawsuit in administrative court to compel the IRN to decide. That is exactly the legal action we propose.
Are the new nationality rules (7 or 10 years) already in force?
No. The proposed amendments were vetoed by the President after the Constitutional Court struck down 4 provisions. Parliamentary discussion is scheduled for April 2026. Until then, the 5-year pathway remains in effect.
Can I follow the process remotely?
Yes. We communicate every development by email. You don't need to be in Portugal or appear at any government office — everything is handled through power of attorney.
What if my application is through marriage?
Applications through marriage to a Portuguese citizen require at least 3 years of marriage and proof of an effective connection to the Portuguese community. We verify all requirements before proceeding.
I have a process at AIMA and a nationality application. Are they different?
Yes. AIMA handles residence permits. The IRN handles nationality. They are separate entities and processes. We handle nationality cases — we do not take on AIMA cases.