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Judicial action to speed up Portuguese citizenship: how it works and when to use it
- Dra Nina Dourado
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 6
Index
What is a judicial action to speed up Portuguese citizenship?
If your nationality application has been stuck for months (or even years) without any update, the law gives you a path: the judicial action to speed up Portuguese citizenship (Article 109 of the CPTA).
This action doesn’t “force approval.” It obliges the IRN to issue a decision — approval or denial — within a reasonable timeframe, taking your process out of silence.
👉 Also read:
Portuguese citizenship delayed? Understand the proposal to change from 5 to 10 years
What is the judicial action to speed up Portuguese citizenship?
URGENT: Government approves proposal requiring 10 years of residence for Portuguese nationality — see how this affects your case
When does this action apply?
By law, the Administration must decide within 120 business days. If this period has passed without a decision or formal justification, you can already file in court.
Examples:
Process pending for more than 6 months.
Stuck at the “first stage” for years.
Marked as “for decision” with no progress.
👉 Also read:
Portuguese citizenship delayed? Understand the proposal to change from 5 to 10 years
What does the court actually do?
The court does not decide whether you “deserve” nationality. It orders the IRN to decide within a set deadline (often 30 days). That’s what unblocks the case.
What if the IRN denies my request?
Any denial must come with written justification. With a formal decision, it becomes possible to appeal if there is illegality or error. Without action, you risk waiting years without any response.
How long does this judicial action take?
Clients often ask:
“Once I file, how long until I get nationality?”
“Does this give me priority?”
In practice, decisions usually take 3–6 months, while the administrative route today can take 3–5 years (or more). The action drastically shortens the wait.
Is it worth filing this action?
Yes, because it:
Removes your case from limbo and sets deadlines.
Avoids years of waiting in silence.
Forces the IRN to issue a binding decision.
Opens the door to appeals if denied.
⚠️ Saying “just wait, it’s the same time” is false in 2025. The IRN is overloaded, and administrative cases have no guaranteed timelines.
Common client questions and doubts
“I want a concrete answer: will the IRN advance?”The action forces the IRN to decide. What doesn’t work is waiting indefinitely.
“What if the court doesn’t enforce it or the IRN doesn’t comply?”The court’s order must be fulfilled; failure leads to liability and new measures.
“I’ve been waiting 2.5 years, 1 year ‘for decision.’ Is there anything to do?”Yes. That is the exact type of case for this action.
“Other lawyers told me it’s better to wait, it takes the same time.”False. With the action, you get a deadline and control. Without it, there is no certainty.
How to start with ND Law Office
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CONCLUSION
Now that you have a clearer understanding of the topic, your next step is simple.
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