National BIM strategy

Council of Ministers Resolution 89/2026 of May 21, 2026 (the “Resolution”) approved the national strategy for implementing the building information modeling (“BIM”) methodology (“PortugalBIM”).

BIM is a collaborative methodology for sharing information among the various stakeholders in a construction project, including project owners, designers, contractors, technicians, and users.

It is based on a three-dimensional digital model that provides a detailed representation of the built asset and anticipates every stage of its lifecycle, including design, construction, use, and deconstruction.

That digital model can evolve into a digital twin, using real-time data to simulate behaviors, identify flaws and support decisions on maintenance and lifecycle management.

The Handbook for the Introduction of BIM by the European Public Sector, a strategic guide developed by the EU BIM Task Group, states that digitizing architecture, engineering, construction, and operations (“AECO”) processes can reduce construction project capital expenditure by 10% to 20%.

The approval of PortugalBIM follows earlier legislative developments that had already begun to support the construction sector’s digital transition.

Decree-Law 10/2024 of January 8 (Urban Development Simplex) provides that, from January 1, 2030, architectural projects covered by the Legal Regime for Urbanization and Building (“RJUE”) must be modeled using the BIM methodology.

This is a major regulatory milestone. Submitting projects in BIM will no longer be optional but will become a legal requirement for urban development permits. For more information, see our Guide to the Urban Development Simplex.

In public procurement, Ordinance 255/2023 of August 7 thoroughly revised the instructions for preparing public works execution projects. Among other changes, it introduced parametric models developed using the BIM methodology for preparing public works projects.

The new ordinance now refers to the digital modeling of building data, in line with article 62 of the Portuguese Public Contracts Code (“PCC”). It applies where the project owner, as the entity responsible for designing and executing the works, or the entity procuring public works design services, qualifies as a contracting authority under article 2 of the PCC. For further details, see our Legal Flash, Changes to instructions for preparing construction project execution plans.

At the European level, Article 22.4 of Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement already enabled Member States to require the use of specific electronic tools, such as BIM, for public works contracts and design contests.

PortugalBIM aims to create the conditions needed to make BIM an integral part of Portugal’s AECO sectors. It seeks to do so by improving economic efficiency, environmental sustainability and transparency.

The strategy is built on four core pillars: (i) policies, (ii) standardization, (iii) technologies, and (iv) capacity building.

The Policies pillar includes actions such as developing and implementing a communication and branding plan, promoting BIM innovation research projects, and carrying out flagship projects. Where possible, those projects should focus on housing, public services and infrastructure. This pillar also includes providing technical and operational support for BIM implementation in municipalities.

The Standardization pillar includes preparing practical application guides and promoting regulatory review and development for the sector. These actions will be coordinated with Standardization Technical Committee CT 197 of the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ) and with the CEN TC 442 at the European level.

The Technologies pillar focuses on developing an integrated platform for BIM knowledge and tools, supporting a repository of BIM models for public works, and promoting information management mechanisms.

The Capacity building pillar includes proposing and implementing training for both the public and private sectors. It also includes developing educational and training frameworks aligned with the strategy, addressing new software needs in the public administration, and offering free training on online learning platforms such as NAU.

The Resolution sets ambitious objectives and targets to be achieved by the end of the PortugalBIM implementation period, including:

• promoting education, training, capacity building, and professional qualifications for at least 3,000 professionals in the public and private sectors;
• expanding access to software that enables interaction in a BIM environment, while expanding PortugalBIM to at least 50 entities each year;
• accelerating the digital transition in municipalities, with a target of reaching at least 50 municipalities each year;
• supporting BIM implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) by identifying specific financing lines;
• creating an online integrated platform with support content and digital tools for implementing BIM, including the corresponding interoperability framework; and
• promoting administrative simplification gains, particularly by reducing average analysis times and requests for additional documentation.

The Institute of Public Markets, Real Estate and Construction, I. P. (“IMPIC”) is responsible for implementing PortugalBIM.

Within 90 days, IMPIC must submit a detailed action plan for implementing BIM in Portugal. That plan must include the multi-year distribution of investment, a description of the tasks and resources to be allocated, and the annual targets.

IMPIC will coordinate with the National Civil Engineering Laboratory, I. P., the Portuguese Institute for Quality, I. P., and the Agency for the Technological Reform of the State, I. P.

In carrying out this work, IMPIC must also consult professional councils, associations, public and private organizations, and national technical and scientific institutions.

PortugalBIM has a six-year implementation period, and IMPIC must submit a semiannual progress report on the execution of the action plan.

For the public sector

PortugalBIM will significantly affect the public administration.

Municipalities will adopt BIM for urban development and licensing, and contracting authorities will prepare to integrate BIM into public procurement, in line with Ordinance 255/2023.

A repository of BIM models for public works and a knowledge platform will also be created, strengthening public entities’ integrated management and improving transparency.

For companies

Companies in the AECO sector, particularly SMEs, should begin or accelerate their transition to BIM.

From January 1, 2030, architectural projects falling within the RJUE must be modeled in BIM.

Companies involved in public procurement must also understand the requirements established by Ordinance 255/2023.

PortugalBIM provides support mechanisms for SMEs, including financing lines, innovation projects, free online training, and practical application guides, all designed to facilitate the transition.

The approval of PortugalBIM, together with the requirement from 20230 to submit BIM-based projects under the RJUE and the revised guidelines for public works projects under Ordinance 255/2023, creates a regulatory framework that unequivocally accelerates the digital transformation of Portugal’s construction sector.

Therefore, companies and public entities should begin preparing for this transition to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly digital market.