What to Expect: Minimum Wage in Portugal Versus the Brazilian Reality in 2025

2025-12-24 22:39:18

Many Brazilians dream of moving to Portugal, imagining a much higher salary at the end of the month. But the burning question is: does those €870 really make it worth it? Let’s uncover this number without filters.

How Much Does Portugal Actually Pay (After Deductions)

In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal reached €870 per month on the mainland — an increase of €50 compared to 2024. In the autonomous islands, the amount is a bit higher:

Madeira: €913.50
Azores: €915

It seems generous until you see the truth: that €870 doesn’t go 100% into your bank account.

Deductions that eat into your income:

Social Security takes 11% (€95.70) from those working in Portugal. If you earn above the minimum, there’s also IRS — the Portuguese income tax — which varies depending on dependents and family situation.

Practical result: after Social Security deduction, net salary drops to about €774.30. Including IRS, it can easily fall to €700 or less, depending on your circumstances.

Converting to Reais (When It All Makes Sense)

Converting €870 to reais, we get approximately R$5,584, using the rate of 1 Euro = R$6.42. In other words, nominally, it’s more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage (R$1,518 in 2025).

But remember: you won’t receive R$5,584. You’ll take home around R$4,400-R$4,600 net, depending on deductions.

How the Cost of Living Eats Up Your Salary

Portugal may be cheaper than many European countries, but it’s not exactly the gold mine they sell.

Housing — the main villain:

Studio in a common neighborhood: €729/month
T2 apartment (85m²) in a common neighborhood: €1,005/month
T2 apartment in a prime area: €1,518/month

If you earn the minimum salary (€774 net), renting a simple studio already consumes 94% of your income. You’re two months in, and you haven’t paid for food, energy, or transportation.

Food — prices vary:

Set menu: €12
500g chicken: €3.36
500g cheese: €4.90
Fast food: €8

With €200-250/month, you can eat well in Portugal, but without luxuries.

Transport and Services:

Monthly transit pass: €35
Electricity + water + gas: €112
Gym: €34
Private medical consultation: €65

Living on Minimum Wage in Portugal: Is It Really Possible?

Technically, yes. Practically? It’s too tight.

A single person needs about €1,800/month to live comfortably — housing, food, transport, leisure. A family of 4 spends around €3,304/month.

The secret is in the location:

In cities like Lisbon and Porto, living on €774 net is almost impossible without help. In medium or small cities (like Braga, Covilhã, or Castelo Branco), the scenario changes quite a bit — rent is 40-50% cheaper, and quality of life can even be better.

Salaries Vary Greatly by Profession

Minimum wage is just a floor. Those with qualifications earn much more:

IT professionals: €1,500-2,500+
Engineers: €1,200-1,800
Nurses: €1,000-1,400
Teachers: €1,100-1,600
Salespeople: €900-1,300

For qualified professionals, Portugal offers a real life change. For those only earning the minimum? The story is different.

How Much Is a Work Hour Worth in Portugal?

With 176 hours of work per month (40h/week), the minimum wage of €870 represents:

€4.94 per hour

It’s more than Brazil (where there’s no minimum hour, technically). But considering the cost of living, it’s not exactly a bargain.

Portugal vs Brazil: The No-Illusions Comparison

Aspect	Portugal	Brazil
Nominal minimum wage	€870	R$1,518
In reais	~R$5,600	R$1,518
Net salary (after deductions)	~€700-774	~R$1,400
Rent (common neighborhood)	€729+	R$1,500-2,500+
Monthly food	€200-300	R$500-1,000
Cost of living (per person)	€1,800/month	R$2,500-3,500/month

The uncomfortable truth: Portugal pays more in euros, but also charges more in costs. The real purchasing power isn’t as far apart as it seems.

Who Should Consider Moving to Portugal?

Best scenario:

Qualified professional (IT, engineering, healthcare)
Willing to live in smaller cities
Looking for stability and European benefits long-term

Less favorable scenario:

You would earn the minimum wage
Want to live in Lisbon or Porto
Have no savings for the first few months

Final Summary

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 is indeed higher than in Brazil, but the story doesn’t end with currency conversion. The Portuguese cost of living consumes a large chunk of that income — especially housing. To make a real change, it’s best to seek positions paying above the minimum or be prepared to live in smaller cities where costs are lower. The decision to immigrate should consider not just numbers, but professional opportunities, quality of life, and medium-term personal goals.

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