Minimum Wage in Portugal 2025: A Practical Guide for Brazilians Considering Moving

2026-01-06 16:30:02

Thinking about moving to Portugal is a decision that goes far beyond just considering the minimum wage in Portugal. For those coming from Brazil, it’s necessary to compare purchasing power, mandatory deductions, and the actual cost to maintain your standard of living. In this article, we unveil numbers and realities to help Brazilians make an informed decision.

How Much Is Actually Earned: Minimum Wage in Portugal vs Mandatory Deductions

Starting in 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage is set at €870 per month on the mainland. In the autonomous regions, the values are slightly higher: Madeira offers €913.50 and Azores, €915.

But here’s the crucial point: this is not the money that enters the bank account. The deductions significantly reduce the disposable income:

Social Security Contribution: 11% — mandatory deduction from every worker (€95.70 in the case of the minimum)
IRS (Income Tax) — applied progressively depending on family situation and dependents

In practice, a worker earning the minimum wage receives approximately €774 net without additional IRS considerations. With tax withholdings, this amount can drop to around €750-€760.

Converting to reais (using current exchange rate), €870 corresponds to about R$5,500–R$5,600. However, after mandatory deductions, disposable income is between R$4,800–R$5,000.

Why Portugal Pays More Than Brazil, But Life Costs More

In 2025, Brazil maintains its minimum wage at R$1,518. At first glance, the minimum wage in Portugal is more than 3.5 times higher. However, this simplistic comparison masks the daily financial reality.

The cost of living in Portugal is substantially higher. A person living alone spends approximately €1,800 per month on basic expenses, while a family of four needs about €3,304.

In major urban centers (Lisbon and Porto), expenses skyrocket:

Rent: a two-bedroom apartment in a upscale neighborhood costs €1,518; in common areas, €1,005
Food: the executive menu costs €12, chicken 500g costs €3.36
Transport: monthly pass €35, gasoline €1.69 per liter
Essential services: electricity, water, and gas total €112; gym €34

In other words, with €770 net, a minimum wage worker can cover housing in a common area (€729–€1,005) and basic food, leaving little for emergencies or leisure.

How Much Is the Hourly Wage in Portugal?

Considering a monthly work schedule of 176 hours, the hourly wage of the minimum salary is approximately €4.94. For part-time work, it would be €435 per month.

Skilled professionals — engineers, specialized nurses, IT technicians — earn between €1,200 and €2,500, doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling this hourly rate. This progression is significantly faster than what is observed in Brazil for the same professions.

What Is the Ideal Profile for Migrating to Portugal?

The answer varies according to the profile:

Not advantageous for those who:

Accept only positions with minimum wage
Do not have recognized qualifications in the European market
Want to live in Lisbon or Porto on a tight budget

Promising for those who:

Have technical training, specialization, or valued experience
Seek long-term professional stability
Intend to live in medium-sized cities (Covilhã, Guarda, Viseu) where the cost is 30–40% lower
Value universal healthcare, safety, and quality of life beyond just financial aspects

The Evolution of the Minimum Wage in Portugal: Where Is It Heading?

Since 2020, the Portuguese government has implemented gradual annual increases in the minimum wage. From €635 in 2020 to €870 in 2025, representing a 37% growth over five years. The commitment is to maintain adjustments until 2026, aiming to bring Portugal closer to the European average wage — which is still among the lowest in the Western region.

Conclusion: Is It Worth Moving to Portugal?

The decision goes beyond isolated numbers. The minimum wage in Portugal is higher than in Brazil, but expenses also grow proportionally. For professionals without specific qualifications, moving requires careful planning and acceptance of a modest lifestyle in big cities.

However, for workers with sought-after training or experience, Portugal offers an attractive scenario: significantly higher salaries (especially above the minimum), robust social benefits, safety, and medium-term growth prospects. The key is to evaluate your specific profession, the city you choose, and your personal goals before taking the step.

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