Discover how much of the minimum wage in Portugal is actually left: a complete analysis of the net amount

When it comes to the minimum wage in Portugal, most Brazilians focus on the gross number — € 870 in 2025 — and believe it to be an attractive compensation. But what is the reality? What truly matters is not what you receive, but how much stays in your pocket at the end of the month. This article goes beyond nominal numbers and shows the true dimension of the Portugal net minimum wage, considering mandatory deductions and the real cost of living.

Portugal Minimum Wage in 2025: The Published Numbers

In 2025, Portugal set the minimum wage at € 870 per month in the mainland territory. This is an increase from € 820 in 2024. In the autonomous regions, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

This annual adjustment is part of a government strategy that foresees increases until 2026, aiming to gradually approach the European average salary. However, Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wage floors in the European Union, according to Eurostat data.

Converting to Brazilian reais, € 870 is approximately R$ 5,584, a value that seems quite attractive when compared to Brazil’s minimum wage (R$ 1,518 in 2025). However, this initial comparison is misleading.

Portugal Net Minimum Wage: What You Actually Receive

This is the critical point. From the gross salary of € 870, mandatory deductions are made:

Social Security Contribution: 11%

• Amount: € 95.70
• Applicable to all workers without exception

Portuguese Income Tax (IRS) (Imposto de Renda Português)

• Applied only above the minimum wage
• Varies according to family situation and dependents

A practical calculation demonstrates how the salary decreases:

• Gross salary: € 870
• Social Security (11%): -€ 95.70
• Base net salary: € 774.30

If there is IRS withholding, this amount decreases even further. Thus, the worker earning the minimum wage in Portugal sees their remuneration reduced by about 11% solely in mandatory contributions, not including additional taxes.

Comparatively, a Brazilian worker earning R$ 1,518 would have similar proportional deductions, but with substantially different purchasing power after essential expenses.

Cost of Living in Portugal: The Other Half of the Equation

What completely transforms the analysis is the cost of living. Portugal ranks as the second cheapest country in Western Europe, but that does not mean it is affordable with a minimum wage.

Standard Monthly Expenses

Food:

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

Housing (determinant factor):

• T2 in a prime area: € 1,518
• T2 in a regular area: € 1,005
• Studio in a regular area: € 729

Transport:

• Gasoline: € 1.69/liter
• Monthly pass in Lisbon or Porto: € 35

Utilities and Services:

• Electricity, water, and gas: € 112
• Gym: € 34
• Medical consultation: € 65

Realistic Monthly Budget

According to Expatistan data, a person needs approximately € 1,800/month to live comfortably. A family of 4 requires about € 3,304/month.

Comparing this with the Portugal net minimum wage of € 774, it’s clear there is no room for savings, leisure, or emergencies.

Salaries by Profession: The Real Differentiator

The minimum wage is just the floor. The real opportunity lies in qualified professions:

• Engineering: € 2,200 to € 3,500
• Technology/IT: € 2,000 to € 4,000
• Medicine/Health: € 2,500 to € 4,500
• Higher Education: € 1,800 to € 3,000
• Management/Administration: € 1,600 to € 2,800

Qualified professionals can earn two to four times more per hour compared to the minimum wage.

Is It Feasible to Live on Minimum Wage in Portugal?

The answer is: it depends.

In smaller cities, away from Lisbon and Porto, it is possible to find accommodation for € 500 to € 700, significantly reducing financial pressure. In these locations, a Portugal net minimum wage of € 774 allows for basic subsistence.

However, in large metropolitan areas, a worker earning only the minimum will face difficulties:

• Rent can consume 60% to 70% of net income
• Food and transportation take up 20% to 30%
• Little to no margin for unforeseen expenses

Portugal vs Brazil: A Realistic Comparison

Superficial comparison suggests an obvious Portuguese advantage. In reality:

Portugal:

• Minimum wage: € 870 (R$ 5,500–5,600)
• Net salary: ~ € 774 (R$ 4,950–5,000)
• Minimum cost of living: € 1,800/month
• Disadvantage: income insufficient for the cost of living

Brazil:

• Minimum wage: R$ 1,518
• Deductions: proportionally similar
• Cost of living: more variable depending on region
• Advantage: some basic costs are proportionally more affordable

The conclusion: both countries present challenges for those earning only the minimum wage. The difference is that in Portugal, qualified professionals earn significantly more, offering better prospects for professional advancement in the medium term.

Final Recommendations for Those Considering Migration

1. Don’t base your decision solely on the minimum wage — evaluate the earning potential of your specific profession

2. Choose your city strategically — Porto and inland cities offer better cost/salary ratios than Lisbon

3. Calculate your real income — always consider the Portugal net minimum wage, not the gross

4. Research market demand — professions in shortage in Portugal receive significant salary premiums

5. Plan a gradual transition — if possible, negotiate temporary remote work to save before moving

For Brazilians with valued qualifications in the European market, Portugal offers real opportunities for improvement. For those relying solely on the minimum wage, the move requires careful planning and perhaps waiting for opportunities for rapid professional growth.