IRN: 690,480 citizenship applications waiting, up 38%
The Registry and Notary Institute (IRN) had 690,480 pending Portuguese nationality applications on 30 June 2026, 38% more than a year earlier, when there were about half a million, Público reports (via ECO). Only 26% are foreigners living in Portugal who applied on the basis of legal residence; 23% are descendants of Sephardic Jews and 13% applications through marriage or civil union. The Ministry of Justice says IRN gives priority to minors who are descendants of Portuguese citizens. According to INE, foreign residents who obtained citizenship fell 38% in 2025, to 12,829. The rules for foreigners became stricter in May.
Why it matters for your move
If you have applied, a long wait is normal right now: follow your case on justica.gov.pt with your process number and access code, and keep your residence permit valid while you wait. If you plan to apply, count on years rather than months.
This is Re-locant.com’s own brief, written to explain what the update means for people moving to or living in Portugal. For the full original report, see the source below.