Forensic accounting (known in Portugal as peritagem contabilística or perícia contábil) plays a vital role in supporting legal decision-making by translating complex financial information into technical evidence. However, in Portugal, this professional field faces structural limitations due to the absence of specific regulation and the lack of scientific development. This paper investigates the perceptions of forensic accounting professionals regarding these institutional challenges. A qualitative research design was adopted, based on a structured questionnaire disseminated via LinkedIn to professionals who self-identify as forensic accountants in Portugal. From a targeted sample of 35 individuals, 10 valid responses were obtained. The results indicate strong concerns about the lack of regulatory frameworks, inadequate academic training, limited interdisciplinary integration, and scarce applied research. More than 80% of respondents highlighted the urgent need for legal recognition, formal university education, and the production of context-specific scientific knowledge. Open-ended responses revealed recurring themes related to training, documentation, recognition, and interest in the profession’s expansion into extrajudicial arenas, such as arbitration and mediation. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from a specialised professional niche and by reinforcing the need for strategic institutionalisation of forensic accounting in underregulated environments. The findings have practical implications for policymakers, academic institutions, and professional associations seeking to strengthen the credibility and development of the field. Due to the small sample size, the findings should be interpreted within the exploratory scope of the study.