IRN reports 26,000 registrations in two months amid service delays

The Portuguese Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) reported completing 26,000 registration acts over a two-month period as part of an effort to reduce backlogs. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Justice, includes 10,281 automotive registrations, 3,677 property registrations, and 2,303 commercial registrations.

To address delays, a recovery project launched on June 1 involving 78 exclusive professionals. This includes teams dedicated to nationality processes, which have already reached 1,240 final decisions. The IRN is also expanding its workforce, having integrated 47 new conservators in August, with 66 more expected in September, and a recruitment drive for 485 registry officials planned for the final quarter of the year.

Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain regarding service accessibility. Reports indicate severe delays in the ‘Empresa na Hora’ (Company in an Hour) service, where appointments can take months to secure. In certain regions like Lisbon, Braga, or Porto, available appointment dates are not even visible on scheduling portals, while other districts face waiting periods of up to 79 days. Additionally, at least 59 service counters are currently operating under restricted service conditions.