Working in Portugal: how much do you really earn and is it worth it in 2025

Portugal continues to be a sought-after destination for professionals seeking better economic conditions in Europe. But does Portugal’s minimum wage truly offer advantages when considering the cost of living? In 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage reached €870 per month in the mainland region — an increase compared to €820 the previous year. The question many Brazilians ask is: how much is actually left in the pocket after deductions? And how much does it cost to live in the main cities?

Portugal’s minimum wage in 2025: updated figures

The Portuguese government adjusted the minimum wage to €870 per month on the mainland during this year. In the islands, the amounts are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Converting to reais, Portugal’s minimum wage corresponds to approximately R$ 5,584, an amount that seems significant until analyzing the real purchasing power and mandatory deductions.

Within the European Union, Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages — according to Eurostat indicators. However, salary realities vary greatly depending on the profession and experience, with many areas offering remuneration well above this minimum threshold.

What you actually receive: deductions and net salary

This is a critical point for those planning to move. The gross amount is not what reaches your bank account. Mandatory deductions are:

Social Security: 11% — a universal deduction applied to all workers
IRS (Income Tax) — charged only if certain thresholds are exceeded, varying according to family status and dependents

Practical simulation:

Starting from a Portuguese minimum wage of €870:

• Social Security deduction (11%): €95.70
• Estimated net amount (without additional IRS): €774.30

When IRS applies, the amount decreases further. Therefore, the worker receives about €770 per month — quite distant from the initial €870.

Comparison: Portugal versus Brazil

For those coming from Brazil, the assessment must consider multiple dimensions:

Nominal value: Portugal offers €870 (≈R$5,500-R$5,600 depending on exchange rates), while Brazil sets R$1,518 — more than three times lower nominally.

Disposable income: Although Portugal pays more, the Portuguese net salary after mandatory deductions is around €770. In Brazil, a minimum wage worker usually retains a smaller percentage, saving a larger portion of the gross.

Cost of living: Portuguese expenses for housing, food, and transportation consume a substantial proportion of income. Major cities — Lisbon, Porto — impose particularly high costs. Portugal ranks as the second cheapest country in Western Europe, but this does not make it affordable compared to many Brazilian regions.

Potential for progression: For qualified professionals, Portugal’s minimum wage is just a starting point. Specialized careers offer earnings multiple times higher, expanding migration advantages for those with training or experience valued in the European market.

Conclusion: Portugal pays more and charges proportionally more to live. Brazil charges less in both aspects. For workers with professional qualifications, the European scenario tends to be more favorable in the medium term.

How much does life cost in Portugal?

Monthly expenses in Portugal vary according to family composition and location:

Individual expense: €1,800/month
Family of four: €3,304/month

Breakdown of main costs

Food:

• Fast food: €8
• Restaurant lunch: €12
• Chicken (500g): €3.36
• Cheese (500g): €4.90

Housing (monthly rent):

• T2 (85m²) in a premium neighborhood: €1,518
• T2 in a standard area: €1,005
• Studio in a typical neighborhood: €729

Transport:

• Gasoline: €1.69 per liter
• Monthly public transport pass: €35

Services and utilities:

• Gym registration: €34
• Electricity, water, and gas (bundle): €112
• Private medical consultation: €65

Living on the minimum wage: is it feasible?

The answer depends on factors such as geographic location, budgeting discipline, and fixed expenses.

In major metropolises (Lisbon, Porto), maintaining oneself on €870 per month requires strict financial control and sacrificing many comforts. In medium-sized cities, adaptation becomes more tolerable.

Considering that net salary is close to €770 and a single person needs about €1,800 to live modestly comfortably, the monthly deficit is significant. This makes the minimum wage insufficient as a sole income source for most scenarios.

Salary variation by profession

Remuneration varies drastically across sectors. Qualified professions — technology, engineering, specialized health — earn two, three, or even four times the minimum wage. This significantly alters the financial equation for those with higher education or technical experience.

The hourly value of Portugal’s minimum wage, based on a 176-hour monthly workweek, is approximately €4.94 per hour. Specialized professions can reach €15-€20 per hour or more.

Adjustment trajectory: the policy of valorization

The Portuguese government has implemented a gradual policy of raising the minimum wage, with scheduled increases until 2026. This strategy aims to approach the European average, although Portugal maintains one of the lowest base remunerations in Western Europe.

Final decision: is it worth migrating?

The answer is not just a numerical comparison of salaries. It requires a multidimensional analysis:

• Earning potential of your specific profession in Portugal
• Chosen location — Lisbon and Porto have much higher costs than secondary cities
• Professional development prospects in the medium and long term
• Tax structure and overall tax burden
• Market demand for your specialty
• Personal objectives — stability, security, quality of life beyond financial gains

For workers with qualifications, valued experience, or in-demand skills, Portugal offers a potentially advantageous scenario. For those relying solely on Portugal’s minimum wage, the experience varies depending on personal adaptation, city choice, and opportunities for career progression.

Responsible migration requires a full understanding of these elements, transforming the move into a financially sustainable and personally meaningful project.