How much do you really earn in Portugal: analysis of the 2025 minimum wage and actual expenses

Understanding the Portuguese financial landscape is essential for Brazilians considering working or residing in the country. More than just knowing the gross amount, it is crucial to evaluate the net salary after deductions, the variation between professions, and how monthly expenses are distributed across different regions. In 2025, Portugal implemented a new adjustment to its minimum wage, reaching € 870 per month in the mainland. This article thoroughly examines the effective remuneration workers receive, mandatory deductions, average earnings by professional segment, and the real cost of living in Portugal’s main cities, so you can realistically assess whether a move to Portugal is financially feasible.

What is the minimum wage in Portugal this year?

The Portuguese minimum wage in 2025 has been set at € 870 per month for the mainland, reflecting an increase compared to € 820 the previous year. In the autonomous islands, the figures exceed this amount:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

This adjustment is part of a government strategy for gradual wage appreciation, with increases also planned for 2026. Converting to Brazilian reais, the Portugal minimum wage in 2025 is approximately:

➡️ € 870 ≈ R$ 5,584

Although it may seem high by Brazilian standards, it is worth noting that Portugal remains among the European countries with the most modest minimum wages according to European statistics. However, salaries vary significantly by profession, and it is common for many sectors to offer above the minimum.

What deductions apply to the Portugal minimum wage?

The main deductions are:

✔ Social Security Contribution (11%) — mandatory retention for all workers

✔ Income Tax (Imposto sobre Rendimento) — levied above a certain income threshold, varies depending on dependents and family conditions

Illustrative calculation:

• Gross salary: € 870
• Social Security deduction (11%): € 95.70
• Net salary (without income tax): € 774.30

Applying income tax withholding further reduces this amount; it is essential to consult specific tables according to your personal situation.

Growth trajectory of Portugal’s minimum wage

In recent years, Portugal’s minimum wage has been steadily increasing, although the country remains on the periphery within the Western European average. The government’s commitment is to gradually bring minimum earnings closer to continental levels, and this process is ongoing.

Professional remuneration in Portugal: how much do different categories earn?

Earnings in Portugal vary substantially by sector and experience:

Values refer to a standard 40-hour workweek and vary according to experience and location.

Hourly work value and part-time options

Based on the Portugal minimum wage of € 870:

• Monthly hours: 176 hours
• Hourly rate: ~€ 4.94
• Part-time regime: approximately € 435/month

Specialized professions often earn two, three, or even four times this hourly rate.

Monthly expenses: how much does it cost to live in Portugal?

According to European cost of living surveys:

• Single individual: € 1,800/month
• Family of 4: € 3,304/month
• Portugal ranks as the 2nd most affordable country in Western Europe

( Typical expense breakdown:

Food:

• Meal at casual restaurant: € 8–10
• Commercial menu: € 12
• Chicken )500g###: € 3.36
• Cheese (500g): € 4.90

Housing:

• 2-bedroom apartment (85m²), central area: € 1,518
• 2-bedroom apartment, peripheral region: € 1,005
• Studio, peripheral zone: € 729

Mobility:

• Fuel: € 1.69/liter
• Monthly transportation pass: € 35

Other services:

• Gym membership: € 34
• Electricity, water, gas: € 112
• Private medical consultation: € 65

Is it feasible to subsist on the Portugal minimum wage?

Yes, but with important caveats:

• Geographical location: Lisbon and Porto require strict budget management
• Spending composition: lifestyle and personal financial obligations
• Financial margin: greater flexibility in medium-sized and inland cities

Living in capital cities with € 870 gross requires discipline and prioritization of expenses. Secondary areas offer greater budget flexibility.

Portugal versus Brazil: a comparative analysis for Brazilians

Evaluating Portugal’s minimum wage against Brazil’s requires analysis beyond gross numbers. In 2025, Portugal’s minimum is € 870, while Brazil’s is R$ 1,518. Converting to reais, Portuguese earnings range between R$ 5,500–R$ 5,600, over 300% higher than Brazil.

However, Portuguese expenses are also proportionally higher: housing, food, and services consume a significant portion of income. Portuguese net salary is approximately € 770, while in Brazil, deductions tend to be lower, preserving a larger percentage of the gross.

Comparative summary:

• Portugal offers higher remuneration but demands proportionally higher expenses
• Brazil has lower salaries, though some basic items are relatively more affordable
• Skilled professionals find more pronounced salary differentials in Portugal, increasing financial potential for those with qualifications

For those planning to migrate, analysis should include: professional earning potential, regional cost characteristics (Lisbon and Porto are substantially more expensive), and prospects for career progression.

Final considerations

Portugal’s minimum wage in 2025 remains attractive for Brazilians seeking professional development and quality of life. Although European salaries are considerably higher than Brazilian ones, the Portuguese context — especially in metropolises like Lisbon and Porto — requires consistent budget planning and a realistic assessment of available income.

For professionals with qualifications, valued experience in the European market, or seeking institutional security, Portugal offers favorable prospects in the medium and long term. For those earning only the minimum wage, the experience will depend on the city chosen, lifestyle preferences, and opportunities for career advancement.

The ideal decision transcends numerical comparison, encompassing: salary projections by area, regional expenses, taxation, market demand, and personal goals. Understanding these factors is essential for a safe and financially sustainable transition.