Portugal’s civil registry system is under severe strain, as a flood of new nationality
applications collides with chronic understaffing, technological failures and what unions
are calling a “chaotic and unprecedented” breakdown in services.
More than 700,000 nationality applications are currently awaiting review, according to
figures released by the Union of Registry and Notary Workers (STRN). That number is
expected to rise sharply following recent changes to Portugal’s Nationality Law,
approved at the last Council of Ministers meeting. The reforms have prompted a rush of
new submissions from those hoping to qualify under the existing legal regime.
Applications are pouring in both online and in person, swamping registry offices across
the country – from central services in Lisbon and Porto to regional civil registry outposts.
Lawyers and solicitors have also significantly increased digital filings, exacerbating the
system’s overload.
“This rush has created unbearable pressure on an already overwhelmed service, where
staff shortages had already brought the system close to collapse,” the union warned in a
statement. It estimates that the registry workforce is operating at 40% below required
levels.
The figures are stark: the STRN says the service is short of 266 registrars, with just 120
currently in training, none of whom will be ready before late 2026. Meanwhile, there is a
shortfall of 1,867 registry officers, and only half of 240 advertised vacancies have been
filled, due to what the union calls the “low attractiveness” of the career path. A steady
stream of retirements, occurring monthly, has gone largely unaddressed.
The union predicts that summer holiday absences will only worsen the situation.
Adding to the chaos are ongoing technological failures. A digital platform funded under
the EU-backed Recovery and Resilience Plan, meant to streamline applications, has
been plagued by glitches since launch. Meanwhile, integration with the Agency for
Integration, Migration and Asylum remains hampered by serious limitations, with no
resolution in sight.
“This is a perfect storm,” the union said. “Each of these problems would be concerning
on its own. Together, they are having a devastating effect on the quality and timeliness
of a public service that is essential for both citizens and businesses. Despite the tireless
efforts of registry workers, the delays are growing exponentially.”
Some notary offices have already experienced “total rupture” and been forced to close
temporarily, according to the STRN, an unprecedented situation in the history of the
Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN).
Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice has responded by announcing a recruitment drive
for 400 new staff and pledged to review career structures within the IRN. But for now,
frontline workers warn that the system remains dangerously overstretched, with no
short-term relief in sight.
