Madeira approves new identification and free-passage card for the Regional Finance Inspectorate

The Autonomous Region of Madeira has approved a new professional identification and free-passage card for the Regional Finance Inspectorate (IRF). The measure is set out in Ordinance No. 602/2026 of 26 October, signed by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Duarte Nuno Nunes de Freitas.

The card is intended for the Regional Finance Inspector, managers and staff in the IRF’s special inspection career. The Inspectorate carries out oversight in the areas of budgetary, economic, financial and asset management, including inspections, audits, checks, inquiries and assessments.

Identification and prerogatives

The card is personal and non-transferable and may only be used by its holder for its intended purposes. It is rectangular, white and measures 85.60 mm by 53.98 mm by 0.76 mm, in accordance with the ID-1 format under ISO/IEC 7810:2019. It is printed on both sides and includes, among other details, the holder’s photograph, name, position or category, employee number, card number and date of issue.

The reverse lists the legal prerogatives associated with the performance of duties, including access to and free passage through the premises of entities subject to IRF oversight; the power to seal premises and seize documents and items of evidence; and the ability to request police assistance in the event of denied access or obstruction. The text also provides for the service of notices required for inspections, subject to the applicable legal formalities, and for the holder to be considered a public authority for the purposes of criminal-law protection.

Issue, authentication and return

The Regional Finance Inspector’s card is authenticated by the member of the Regional Government responsible for Finance; all other cards are authenticated by the Regional Finance Inspector. The issue, distribution, replacement and return of cards are recorded electronically in the IRF information system. A card must be replaced when its details need to be changed and returned when the duties justifying its use cease or are suspended.

A duplicate is issued if a card is lost, destroyed or damaged. The holder must report the need for a replacement and, in the event of robbery or theft, provide proof that the incident was reported to the competent authorities. The ordinance enters into force on the day following its publication.