Working in Portugal: Does the salary really compensate compared to Brazil?

Many Brazilians dream of moving to Portugal, but the question remains: is it really worth it? The answer depends less on the raw numbers than you might think. In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal reached €870 per month on the mainland, while in Brazil it hovers around R$1,518. At first glance, it seems like an astronomical difference — the Portuguese earn more than three times in reais. But hold on: it’s not quite that simple when you get your hands dirty.

The hidden side of the salary in Portugal: deductions

Before celebrating that €870, get ready for surprises. The Portuguese government doesn’t play around with deductions:

✔ Social Security: 11% — Mandatory for everyone
✔ Income Tax (Income Tax) — Varies according to your family situation

If you earn €870 and pay 11% in Social Security, you lose €95.70 right away. Done: your salary drops to €774.30. If you also pay income tax, it drops even further.

In translation: from that R$5,600 conversion you saw around, subtract about €100 in deductions. The net salary is closer to €770 — much less than it seems.

Cost of living in Portugal: the reality of big cities

Here comes the cold shower. Portugal is indeed the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe, but “cheap” is relative:

Housing in Lisbon and Porto:

• T2 apartment (85m²) in a upscale neighborhood: €1,518
• T2 apartment in a common area: €1,005
• Studio in a regular zone: €729

Other monthly costs:

• Electricity, water, and gas: €112
• Transportation pass: €35
• Gym membership: €34
• Executive meal: €12
• Fast food menu: €8

A single person comfortably spends around €1,800/month. A family of 4 spends about €3,304. When you deduct €1,005 just for rent from a net salary of €770, there’s little left.

So is it possible to live on minimum wage in Portugal?

Technically yes. But with big caveats:

• If you get subsidized housing or live with someone
• If you choose small towns instead of Lisbon or Porto
• If you control expenses like no one else
• If you have no dependents

In capital cities? It requires strict discipline. In medium-sized cities? Much more feasible.

Portugal vs Brazil: who comes out ahead?

The numbers:

• Portugal: €870 gross → ~€770 net
• Brazil: R$1,518 gross → usually smaller deductions, ~R$1,350 net

The uncomfortable conversion:
€770 in Portugal ≈ R$4,950 in reais. It seems more advantageous, but the Portuguese cost of living quickly consumes this difference.

The important detail:
In Brazil, with R$1,350, you can afford basic housing in many regions. In Portugal, €770 leaves little margin in larger cities.

The big difference:
Those with qualified professions come out ahead in Portugal. Engineer, developer, specialized technician — these earn much more than the minimum, and the difference over Brazil is truly advantageous.

Evolution of the minimum wage in Portugal: where is it headed?

The government has been gradually increasing it:

• 2024: €820
• 2025: €870
• Forecast until 2026: continued increases

Portugal is trying to approach the European average, but it’s still among the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe. Progress? Yes. Sufficient? Questionable.

The big summary: is it worth migrating?

If you earn minimum wage and it’s just you: it depends a lot on where you live and how you live. Strong planning is needed.

If you have a qualified profession: Portugal offers real opportunities. The salary rises significantly above the minimum, and quality of life compensates.

If you’re comparing with Brazil: don’t just look at the gross number. Analyze the expected salary in your profession, the specific cost of the city you choose, growth opportunities, and most importantly, whether there’s real demand for your work in the Portuguese market.

The decision to move isn’t a simple math exercise. It’s more about context, ambition, and realism.