Publico reports that around 516,000 nationality requests are currently pending at the Instituto dos Registos e Notariado, leaving applicants like Marinalda — who has waited three years for nationality by marriage — in limbo. The backlog covers several types of applications and is slowing life plans for families and workers who need Portuguese citizenship for rights such as voting or simplified travel within the EU. Applicants should check their case status directly with the Instituto dos Registos e Notariado and consider legal assistance if urgent documents or rights are affected.