Minimum Wage in Portugal: 2025 Values, Discounts, and Cost of Living Reality

Many Brazilians dream of moving to Portugal, but they need to answer a fundamental question: how much do you really earn there and what is the cost of living? This analysis presents concrete data on the minimum wage in Portugal, mandatory deductions, and the cost of living in the main cities, so you can make an informed decision.

The Minimum Wage in Portugal in 2025: Numbers That Matter

In 2025, Portugal established a new minimum wage floor: € 870 per month in mainland Portugal. This amount represents an increase compared to the previous year, when the minimum was € 820. In the autonomous regions, the values differ slightly:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

Converting this amount to Brazilian reais, the Portuguese minimum wage reaches approximately R$ 5,580 to R$ 5,650, depending on the exchange rate of the day. At first glance, it seems attractive compared to the Brazilian minimum (R$ 1,518), but it is essential to understand that Portugal also has a significantly higher cost of living.

Within the European Union, Portugal still ranks among the countries with the lowest minimum wages, according to Eurostat data. However, this fact does not reflect the full reality of the labor market, as many professions offer remuneration well above the legal minimum.

How Much Do You Take Home: Mandatory Deductions

The gross minimum wage of € 870 is not the amount that actually reaches the worker’s account. Several deductions are applied:

Social Security (11%): This is the mandatory deduction for all employees. For the minimum wage, it amounts to € 95.70 per month.

IRS (Personal Income Tax): Tax withholding varies depending on marital status, number of dependents, and other personal circumstances. It is not always applied to the pure minimum salary, but it can be in specific situations.

Practical example of what remains:

• Base salary: € 870
• Social Security deduction: € 95.70
• Estimated net amount: € 774.30 (without IRS)

If there is income tax withholding, this amount can decrease even further. Therefore, the actual disposable income is often below what one might imagine.

Salaries in Portugal by Professional Sector

Compensation varies considerably depending on the field of activity. Specialized professions earn significantly more:

Monthly values for a standard 40-hour workweek

Qualified professions can earn two, three, or even four times more than the minimum wage per hour worked. This means that career progression is much more significant in Portugal compared to Brazil.

How Much Is the Hourly Wage?

With the minimum wage of € 870 and considering a monthly workload of 176 hours:

• Hourly rate: approximately € 4.94
• Part-time work: about € 435 per month

This hourly value is fundamental to understanding the real purchasing power in Portugal.

Cost of Living: The Less Attractive Side

According to data from cost of living analysis platforms, Portugal is the second most affordable country in Western Europe. However, monthly expenses are substantial:

• A single person living alone: € 1,800 per month
• Family of four: € 3,304 per month

Detailed Expenses:

Food:

• Meal at a casual restaurant: € 8
• Set menu: € 12
• Chicken (500g): € 3.36
• Cheese (500g): € 4.90

Housing (rent):

• T2 apartment (85m²) in a desirable area: € 1,518
• T2 apartment in a common area: € 1,005
• Studio in a common area: € 729

Transport:

• Fuel: € 1.69 per liter
• Monthly transit pass: € 35

Other Expenses:

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

Is It Really Possible to Live on the Minimum Wage?

Technically, yes. In practice, it depends on several factors:

• Location: Major cities like Lisbon and Porto require a much tighter budget. Medium-sized or inland cities allow for greater comfort.
• Lifestyle: Those living austerely can manage. Those who want to go out regularly, travel, or have hobbies will spend much more.
• Dependents: If you have a family or dependents, the challenge is significantly greater.

In a large metropolis, € 870 (€ 774 net) leaves little margin after covering rent, food, and transportation. In smaller towns, the situation is more comfortable.

Comparison: Minimum Wage Portugal Versus Brazil

A direct comparison of nominal values can be misleading. What truly matters is the relationship between income and necessary expenses.

The numbers:

• Portugal: € 870 gross (€ 774 net approximately)
• Brazil: R$ 1,518 gross

When converted to reais, the Portuguese minimum is three times higher than the Brazilian. However, the cost of living is also significantly higher. In Portugal, expenses with housing, food, and utilities consume a much larger proportion of the income.

In Brazil, a worker earning the minimum faces lower absolute costs, although the quality and access to services are often inferior. In Portugal, you pay more but also receive more in terms of infrastructure, safety, and public services.

Conclusion of the comparison:

• Portugal offers better remuneration but charges more to live
• Brazil pays less, but some essential costs are proportionally more affordable
• Specialized professions earn much more in Portugal, making the move more advantageous for those with qualifications

Decision: Is It Worth Moving to Portugal?

This answer is not universal. For those earning only the minimum wage, moving requires careful planning and can be challenging in major cities. For qualified professionals with valued experience in the European market, Portugal offers much greater opportunities for advancement.

The best decision is based on a holistic analysis:

• What is the earning potential of your profession in Portugal?
• Which city will you choose and what is the local cost of living?
• Do you have savings to settle during the adaptation period?
• What are your medium- and long-term professional goals?

For qualified workers, stability and security are strong points in Portugal. For those earning only the minimum wage, the reality is less attractive, though still possible in medium-sized cities or less central regions.

Understanding these factors is essential before making such a significant change as immigration.