Ministério Público

Published 5 November 2026, 23:09

Ministério Público (public prosecution service)

The public prosecution service. It runs the investigation in criminal cases (this stage is called inquérito) and at the end decides whether to bring charges (acusação) or close the case. It also represents the state, minors and workers in labour disputes in the courts. A complaint filed with the PSP or GNR ends up on a prosecutor's desk.

Where you come across it. News about charges and criminal cases; a complaint you have made to the police, which the prosecution service handles; the labour court.

The prosecution service is not a court, and a charge is not a verdict: after the acusação the case either goes to a review by a judge (instrução) or goes to trial, and only a verdict makes a person guilty.

Official website: ministeriopublico.pt

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