The year 2026 is set to continue as a period of strong expansion for Portugal’s construction and real estate sector. With a ‘hot’ market, the industry will benefit from significant public and private investment, while simultaneously facing an increasing shortage of qualified talent, with an estimated deficit of over 100,000 workers.
According to data from the Hays 2026 Guide, demand for hybrid profiles—combining engineering and digital skills—is expected to intensify this year due to three key factors:
- The mandatory use of BIM in public works;
- The industrialisation of construction;
- Sustainability becoming standard practice.
In this context, there will be a growing need for immigration within the sector, as well as rapid training programmes, as highlighted by João Fonseca, Manager at Hays, in a statement:
“Digitalisation, BIM, and sustainability are transforming construction, but this transformation is only possible with talent prepared to meet new levels of technical complexity.”
Five key trends for the sector in 2026
The main trends for construction and real estate this year are:
- Mandatory Digitalisation: Demand for BIM Managers and technology specialists is expected to rise due to the implementation of BIM as a legal requirement for public works and the adoption of technologies such as digital twins, IoT, and AI.
- Sustainability as Standard: With the obligation to build NZEB-compliant buildings and the growing adoption of certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, and WELL, environmental engineers and sustainability consultants are set to see increased professional recognition and relevance.
- Modular Construction and 3D Printing: Other professionals, including process engineers and logistics and ‘design for manufacturing’ specialists, will also experience higher demand due to the expansion of industrial clusters and integration of 3D printing.
- Labour Shortages and Immigration: Immigrant labour is becoming essential, particularly for roles such as skilled operatives and mid-level technicians, as the sector faces a serious shortage of workers.
- Public Investment and Major Projects: Initiatives such as the high-speed rail (TGV) and the new Lisbon region airport, as part of the PRR and Portugal 2030 plans, will increase demand for project managers and construction directors.
The challenge of identifying qualified professionals
This year, the most sought-after professional profiles are: Project Manager; Construction Director; Site Supervisor; BIM Specialist; and Work Planner. This demand reflects the sector’s need for management skills and technical specialisation on-site.
In the legal market, the most valued skills this year are:
- Hard Skills: Membership of the Bar Association and a degree from a recognised university;
- Soft Skills: Responsibility, proactivity, and a strong results orientation;
- Languages: Fluency in English, Spanish, and French.
Focus on benefits packages and salary increases
According to the Hays 2026 Guide, due to the talent shortage, combined with project deadlines and complexity, the sector plans to implement significant salary increases and benefits packages, including company cars, family health insurance, continuous training, hybrid working models, and support for international mobility. These measures aim to attract and retain professionals.
Growth of modular construction
One of the market’s main surprises has been the unexpected growth of modular and prefabricated construction, bringing the sector closer to a more industrial logic. However, this was not the only surprise. Retraining and immigration programmes, previously seen as solutions to the labour shortage, have had a limited impact. As a result, the shortage of workers remains the main obstacle for the sector this year.