The Minimum Wage in Portugal: Financial Reality for Brazilians in 2025

Many Brazilians considering a move to Portugal start with a fundamental question: how much do you really earn there? Comparing only nominal numbers between two countries is misleading. What matters is understanding the value of the minimum wage in Portugal not in isolation, but within its real context — mandatory deductions, local cost of living, and opportunities for career advancement.

How Much Is the Minimum Wage in Portugal Really Worth in 2025?

The Portuguese minimum wage in 2025 is €870 per month in the mainland region, representing an increase of €50 compared to 2024 (€820). In the autonomous islands, the values are slightly higher: Madeira offers €913.50 and Azores €915.

For Brazilians, this conversion is approximately R$5,584 at the current exchange rate. At first glance, it seems like a substantial amount — more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage of R$1,518. But this initial appearance is illusory when considering what actually remains in the pocket after mandatory deductions.

What’s Left: Net Salary After Deductions

Here’s the critical point many overlook: earning €870 does not mean having €870 to spend.

The main mandatory deductions are:

Social Security absorbs 11% of the salary of every worker. On €870, this means €95.70 deducted directly.

IRS (Income Tax) varies depending on marital status, dependents, and family situation, but applies to income above the minimum with a progressive rate.

In practice:

• Gross salary: €870
• Social Security deduction: €95.70
• Base amount: €774.30
• IRS deduction (varies, estimated around €4-8 for singles): €770-€766

The worker receives between €770 and €775 per month — equivalent to R$4,936-4,973. It’s still more than the Brazilian minimum wage, but the margin shrinks significantly.

The Trajectory of the Minimum Wage: Where Is Portugal Headed?

Portugal has historically had one of the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe. The annual adjustment policy reflects the government’s commitment to align with European standards. However, compared to countries like Ireland, Germany, or the UK, Portugal remains in a more conservative range.

This gradual appreciation trend until 2026 matters for those planning a long-term career in the country.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Portugal: The Other Side of the Equation

Earning €870 (or €770 net) is only half the story. The other half is the Portuguese cost of living.

Monthly Expenses per Person (according to Expatistan):

• Basic budget: €1,800
• Family of 4: €3,304

Food:

• Fast food meal: €8
• Set menu in a restaurant: €12
• Chicken (500g): €3.36
• Cheese (500g): €4.90

Housing in main cities:

• 2-bedroom apartment (85m²) in a prime area: €1,518
• 2-bedroom apartment in a typical residential area: €1,005
• Studio in a common area: €729

Mobility:

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

Utilities and services:

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

The Survival Math:

Someone earning €770 net faces a challenging scenario. A studio in a common area costs €729 — leaving only €41 for food, transportation, utilities, and any unforeseen expenses. Without subsidized or shared housing, it’s practically impossible.

Portugal is the 2nd most economical country in Western Europe, but “economical” is relative. The city you choose determines everything. Lisbon and Porto require strict budget planning for minimum wage earners. Medium-sized cities offer more flexibility.

How Much Do Different Professions Earn in Portugal?

Here, the conversation changes. The minimum wage mainly affects unskilled workers. Established careers earn substantially more.

Qualified professions often earn 2x, 3x, or even 4x the minimum hourly rate. An engineer, developer, or healthcare professional experiences a completely different salary reality. For these professionals, Portugal offers a more attractive scenario.

Is It Worth It: Comparative Analysis Portugal vs Brazil

Brazil:

• Minimum wage: R$1,518
• Deductions: lower (approximately 8-10%)
• Net salary: ~R$1,366
• Cost of living: varies by region, but food and transportation are often cheaper
• Purchasing power: low, but basic costs are proportionally accessible in many areas

Portugal:

• Minimum wage: €870 (R$5,584)
• Deductions: higher (11% + IRS, total ~12-15%)
• Net salary: ~€770 (R$4,936)
• Cost of living: significantly higher, especially housing
• Purchasing power: higher nominally, but compressed by costs

Comparison conclusion: Portugal pays more in nominal terms but charges proportionally more to live. Disposable income after essential expenses may be closer than expected.

Is It Possible to Live on Minimum Wage in Portugal?

Yes, but with important caveats:

Favorable scenario:

• Shared housing (split costs with 2-3 people)
• Medium-sized cities (not Lisbon or Porto)
• Simple, disciplined financial life
• Possibility of overtime or second job

Challenging scenario:

• Living alone in Lisbon or Porto
• Lifestyle with frequent expenses
• No local support network
• No additional income opportunities

Key Factors for Those Considering Moving to Portugal

It’s not just about comparing numbers. Those who should truly consider Portugal are:

Qualified professionals with established careers — engineers, developers, doctors, specialists in various fields earn well above the minimum and find a market here.

People in career transition who use Portugal as a stepping stone: learn, work, gain European experience, and advance.

Those earning minimum wage only if they have local support, subsidized housing, or are willing to share costs creatively.

Decision criteria:

• What is the salary potential of your profession in Portugal? (not just the minimum)
• Which city do you plan to move to: Lisbon/Porto (expensive) or more affordable alternatives (more accessible)?
• Do you have access to shared or subsidized housing?
• Are you seeking just to survive or to grow professionally in the medium term?
• Is the total tax burden acceptable compared to Brazil?

Conclusion: The Reality of the Minimum Wage Value in Portugal

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 (€870) initially impresses Brazilians. The conversion to reais (R$5,584) seems abundant. But when broken down into net salary (€770) and real living costs (especially housing), the reality is more nuanced.

Portugal offers real opportunities, but not necessarily for those earning only the minimum wage. The major advantage is for qualified professions, where salaries are proportionally higher and the European market offers stability.

For those earning minimum wage, living in Portugal depends on realistic planning: choosing more affordable cities, sharing expenses, maintaining budget discipline, and seeking career progression. Without these elements, the move can lead to financial frustration.

The best decision does not come from superficial number comparisons but from a deep analysis: your profession, the city you choose, the support network available, and your personal goals. If you plan to work in Portugal, understanding these factors is essential to ensure a safe and sustainable transition.