## What is the Minimum Wage in Portugal in 2025: Complete Guide for Those Looking to Move

If you're thinking about moving to Portugal, you probably already wondered: how much do people actually earn there? The answer isn't as simple as it seems. The minimum wage in Portugal reached **€870 per month** in 2025 — but what matters is how much you take home after mandatory deductions and the actual cost of living there.

In this article, we break down the numbers you need to know before making this decision: gross versus net salary, your expenses in major Portuguese cities, how it compares to Brazil, and whether it's really worth making this move.

## How Much Do People Actually Earn in Portugal?

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 is **€870 on the mainland**, an increase of €50 compared to 2024. In the islands:

- **Madeira:** €913.50
- **Azores:** €915

Converting to reais, using the current exchange rate, we get approximately **R$5,580 to R$5,650** — a number that initially impresses, but changes when you find out how much you actually keep.

The trajectory of annual adjustments shows that Portugal is gradually trying to approach the European average. Still, it remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in the European Union, according to Eurostat data.

## What's Left: Mandatory Deductions Explained

Here’s where reality sets in. From your minimum wage of €870, you don't keep €870.

**Main deductions:**

- **Social Security: 11%** (mandatory for everyone) = €95.70
- **Portuguese Income Tax (IRS):** varies depending on your profile — dependents, marital status, residency status
- **Other occasional deductions:** supplementary health, unions (optional)

**In practice:**

A single worker earning the minimum in Lisbon would take home approximately **€770–€790 net**, after Social Security and basic IRS. In less developed regions, deductions may be slightly lower in some cases.

Unlike Brazil, where the minimum wage has lower deductions and you can keep a larger percentage of the gross amount.

## How Do Salaries Vary by Profession?

The minimum wage is just a floor. Most Portuguese earn above that. Here's the variation:

- **Receptionist/Customer Service:** €950–€1,100
- **IT Technician:** €1,300–€1,700
- **Nurse:** €1,200–€1,500
- **Primary School Teacher:** €1,100–€1,400
- **Junior Engineer:** €1,500–€2,000
- **Programmer/Developer:** €1,400–€2,200
- **Senior Management/Administration:** €2,000–€3,500

Qualified professions earn two to four times more than the minimum. That’s why many experts encourage Brazilians with technical training to consider Portugal — the difference is significant.

## How Much Does It Cost to Live in Portugal? The Hidden Side

Earning €870 is one thing. Living on €770 net is another. Portugal is the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe, but its costs are still significant.

**Typical monthly expenses:**

| Category | Cost |
|-----------|-------|
| T2 Apartment (luxury area) | €1,200–€1,500 |
| T2 Apartment (regular area) | €800–€1,000 |
| Studio (regular area) | €600–€750 |
| Food for 1 person | €200–€300 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | €35–€40 |
| Electricity + water + gas | €100–€130 |
| Internet | €30–€50 |
| Gym/Leisure | €30–€50 |
| Private medical consultation | €60–€80 |

**Total cost of living:**

- **Single person:** €1,800–€2,000/month
- **Family of 4:** €3,200–€3,600/month

Living on just the minimum wage in Lisbon or Porto requires significant sacrifices. In medium-sized cities (Covilhã, Guarda, Castelo Branco), it’s more feasible.

## Real Comparison: Portugal vs Brazil

This is the question many Brazilians ask. Let’s be honest:

**Portugal:**
- Minimum wage: €870 (≈R$5,600)
- Net salary: €770–€790 (≈R$4,900–R$5,100)
- Cost of living: €1,800–€2,000/month
- Disposable income after expenses: €0–€200

**Brazil:**
- Minimum wage: R$1,518
- Net salary: R$1,400–R$1,450 (lower deductions)
- Cost of living: R$2,000–R$2,500/month (depending on the city)
- Disposable income after expenses: €0–€R$()negative in large centers(

**The truth:** Portugal pays more nominally, but also charges more. The actual financial margin is similar. The difference lies in qualified professions — there, you earn much more if you have specialization.

## Is Moving to Portugal Worth It?

It depends on your profile:

**It’s worth it if you:**
- Have professional qualifications )technician, engineer, programmer, healthcare(
- Can secure a job with a salary above €1,500
- Plan to study and improve your employability
- Seek stability, social security, and long-term quality of life
- Can save during the transition )first 6–12 months are critical$500

**It’s difficult if you:**
- Want to live only on minimum wage in Lisbon or Porto
- Lack technical training valued in the European market
- Need immediate profitability and quick savings
- Have dependents and low family income

## Calculating Your Real Potential

Before moving, do this calculation:

1. Research what your salary would be in Portugal for your profession
2. Calculate your net salary (minus 11% Social Security + estimated IRS)
3. Choose the city where you plan to live
4. Add up fixed costs: rent + food + transportation + services
5. See what’s left

If it’s less than €100–€200/month, Portugal only makes sense if you’re aiming for professional growth in the medium term, not immediate profit.

## Conclusion

The minimum wage in Portugal — €870 in 2025 — is just the first number you need to know. What really matters is how much you have left at the end of the month, your earning potential in your profession, and where you plan to live.

Portugal offers a real opportunity for Brazilians with qualifications and willingness to reinvent their careers. The cost of living is high, yes, but social security, political stability, and growth prospects compensate for many.

For those earning only the minimum without quick growth prospects, the reality is more challenging — but possible in smaller cities, with careful planning.

The best decision isn’t just comparing numbers in isolation but analyzing your full context: your earning potential, target city, and medium-term goals.