Portugal in 2025: What Is the Actual Minimum Wage and What Is Left at the End of the Month?

If you are considering moving to Portugal, you’ve probably heard people saying that the minimum wage there is much higher than in Brazil. But how much is really left after deductions? And how does this compare with the Portuguese cost of living? Understanding these numbers is crucial before making such an important decision.

The Portuguese Minimum Wage in 2025: Key Numbers

The Portuguese government set the minimum wage at €870 per month for mainland Portugal in 2025, representing an increase from €820 in 2024. In the autonomous islands, the values are slightly higher: Madeira reaches €913.50 and Azores €915.

When converted to reais, this €870 corresponds to approximately R$5,584, which at first glance seems quite attractive. However, this superficial comparison masks the financial reality faced by those living on the Portuguese minimum wage.

Mandatory Deductions: What Really Disappears from the Paycheck

This is where the real story begins. Any worker in Portugal faces significant deductions:

Social Security: 11% mandatory on the gross salary of all employees. For those earning the minimum, this amounts to €95.70 disappearing directly.

IRS (Personal Income Tax): Applies progressively depending on income level, dependents, and family situation. Although workers at the minimum wage often have reduced or zero withholding, those slightly above it already feel the impact.

In practice, someone earning the Portuguese minimum wage takes home approximately €774.30 net, after Social Security. If there is additional IRS withholding, this number decreases even further.

Salary Progression by Profession: Beyond the Minimum

The landscape changes dramatically when analyzing qualified professions. Nurses, specialized technicians, teachers, and IT professionals earn substantially above the minimum. Many categories earn 2 to 4 times the minimum wage, making Portugal much more attractive for people with solid education or experience.

The hourly rate for the minimum wage reaches €4.94 (considering 176 hours per month in a standard 40-hour workweek), while qualified professions easily reach €10 to €15 per hour or more.

Understanding the Cost of Living: Where Your Money Really Goes

Portugal ranks as the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe, which explains much of its appeal. However, “cheap” is relative—especially in Lisbon and Porto.

Average Monthly Expenses (data Expatistan):

• One person: €1,800
• Family of four: €3,304

Typical Food:

• Meal at a casual restaurant: €8-12
• 500g chicken: €3.36
• 500g cheese: €4.90

Housing (most significant expense):

• T2 in a sought-after neighborhood in big cities: €1,518
• T2 in a common area: €1,005
• Studio in a regular zone: €729

Transport:

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

Essential Services:

• Gym: €34
• Water, electricity, gas combined: €112
• Private medical consultation: €65

In-Depth Analysis: Portugal vs Brazil for Potential Migrants

The comparison requires nuance. In 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage reaches €870 (≈R$5,500-5,600) while in Brazil it remains at R$1,518. At first glance, Portugal offers more than triple.

But what is the real purchasing power? A Brazilian worker at the minimum wage faces proportionally smaller deductions, retaining much of the nominal salary. In Portugal, although earning more, the environment is more expensive in nearly all categories.

A more balanced calculation reveals that disposable income after housing, food, and transportation can surprisingly converge to similar levels between the two countries, depending on the Portuguese city chosen. Lisbon and Porto consume larger proportions of income; medium-sized cities allow for greater budget flexibility.

Is It Feasible: Can You Live on the Minimum Wage?

Technically, yes. Practically, it depends on several factors:

Region chosen: Lisbon and Porto require a substantial budget; cities like Covilhã, Guarda, or Aveiro are much more affordable.

Personal lifestyle: Sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and using public transportation make €870 feasible. Living alone in a prime area challenges this feasibility.

Opportunities for advancement: The minimum wage often serves as a starting point. Career progression occurs relatively quickly in Portugal for those with qualifications.

What is Portugal’s Minimum Wage for Different Groups

For qualified Brazilians: The move tends to be positive. Engineers, developers, and healthcare professionals earn €1,500-2,500+ monthly — figures that accelerate wealth building.

For migrants with only basic education: The reality is more challenging. Although they earn more than in Brazil, the Portuguese cost structure allows for less savings.

For students or young professionals: Portugal offers a valuable learning environment, with European experience significantly enhancing future resumes.

Final Decision: What Really Matters

What is Portugal’s minimum wage? Officially €870 in 2025. But this number alone doesn’t tell the full story. What really matters is:

• Your profession and market demand in Portugal: Fields like technology, health, and engineering are actively recruiting
• Chosen city: The variation between Lisbon and medium-sized cities is dramatic
• Time horizon: A short-term move has different calculations than a permanent relocation
• Personal goals: Quality of European life vs. capital accumulation may weigh differently depending on your objectives

For qualified workers, Portugal presents a concrete opportunity for improvement. For those with only the minimum wage, the experience requires careful planning but remains feasible, especially in cities outside the major centers.

A successful move depends not only on comparing paper values but on contextualizing the entire scenario: local labor market, taxation, quality of life offered, and real opportunities for professional growth in the coming years.