Understand the Minimum Wage in Portugal 2024-2025: Is It Really Worth Moving?

How much does a Brazilian really take home working in Portugal? This question goes beyond the number that appears on the contract. In 2025, Portugal’s minimum wage reached €870 per month on the mainland, marking a significant increase from €820 in 2024. However, understanding salary evolution, mandatory deductions, and the actual cost of living is essential for those considering this move.

The Trajectory of Portugal’s Minimum Wage: from 2024 to 2025

The €50 increase between 2024 and 2025 reflects a continuous policy of appreciation implemented by the Portuguese government. In the islands, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Despite this progression, Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wage levels in the European Union, according to Eurostat data. Still, qualified professionals can earn well above this floor.

What Really Comes Out of the Salary: Deductions and Net Income

The gross amount is only half the story. Every worker in Portugal faces mandatory deductions:

Social Security: 11% automatically deducted for everyone

IRS (Personal Income Tax): applied according to income, family situation, and dependents

Practical simulation:

• Initial salary: €870
• Social Security (11%): €95.70
• Remaining after this deduction: €774.30
• With possible IRS withholding: it can reduce even further

In practice, those earning the legal minimum take home approximately €770 in disposable income per month.

Converting to the Brazilian Reality

A minimum wage in Portugal 2025 of €870 corresponds to about R$5,584 at the current exchange rate. At first glance, this is more than 3.5 times the Brazilian minimum of R$1,518. However, this comparison is misleading.

The cost of living in Portugal is also radically different. While a Brazilian can sustain themselves with lower expenses, a Portuguese – especially in major cities – faces much higher costs in housing, food, and services.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Portugal?

According to cost of living surveys:

Monthly budget per person: €1,800
Family of 4: €3,304

Portugal ranks as the second most affordable country in Western Europe, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap by Brazilian standards.

Food (practical examples):

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

Housing (main challenge):

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

Other recurring expenses:

• Monthly transportation pass: €35
• Gasoline: €1.69/liter
• Gym: €34
• Electricity, water, and gas: €112
• Private medical consultation: €65

Regional Differences: Lisbon and Porto Versus the Interior

In the capitals (Lisbon and Porto), a minimum wage requires strict financial management. Rent alone consumes 60-70% of disposable income. In medium-sized cities or inland regions, the scenario changes significantly – purchasing power is considerably higher.

How Much Does Each Profession Earn in Portugal?

Salaries vary drastically by sector:

Professions with higher education (engineering, medicine, technology) earn two, three, or even four times the legal minimum. This difference is much more pronounced than in Brazil, creating greater opportunities for advancement for those with qualifications.

Is It Worth It? A Realistic Analysis

For those earning only the minimum: it’s possible to live, but with restrictions. Big cities are challenging; the interior offers more comfort.

For qualified professionals: Portugal tends to be much more attractive. The salary differential is higher, labor benefits are more robust, and growth opportunities are clearer.

Brazil-Portugal comparison: Portugal pays significantly more, but also costs more to live. Some basic expenses in Brazil are proportionally more affordable. The Portuguese advantage increases with higher professional qualification.

Conclusion: Informed Decision

Migrating to Portugal should not be based solely on the value of Portugal’s minimum wage. The analysis must include: demand for your specific profession, cost of living in the destination city, total tax burden, prospects for progression, and medium-term personal goals. For workers with valued training or experience in the European market, Portugal offers more favorable prospects. For those strictly dependent on the legal minimum, success will depend on adapting to the chosen city and financial discipline.