How much does a worker earn in Portugal: uncovering the minimum wage per hour and the financial reality

Planning a move to Portugal requires more than just comparing nominal numbers. It is essential to understand what you actually take home after mandatory deductions and how this translates into quality of life. In 2025, the country established a minimum wage of € 870 per month in the mainland region — a significant increase from € 820 in 2024 — but this gross figure masks the reality of the available budget.

The minimum hourly wage in Portugal: how much is it really?

With a standard 40-hour workweek, the monthly calculation results in approximately 176 hours of work. This places the hourly rate at around € 4.94 per hour — a more realistic indicator for comparing opportunities.

To put it into context: qualified professions in the Portuguese market earn between two and four times this amount per hour, demonstrating the potential for professional growth for those with specialization.

In autonomous regions, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: € 913.50 monthly
• Azores: € 915 monthly

What really remains from the salary

Here is the critical point that many prospective immigrants do not adequately consider. From the gross amount of € 870, mandatory deductions are applied that significantly reduce net income:

Social Security deduction: 11% for all workers, equivalent to € 95.70, is automatic and non-negotiable.

After this initial deduction, the remuneration drops to € 774.30. If the worker is subject to IRS (Personal Income Tax) withholding, the amount decreases even further, depending on family situation and number of dependents.

In practice, a worker earning the Portuguese minimum wage has an available income close to € 770, comparable to the purchasing power of a Brazilian minimum wage only when considering the structural costs of each country.

Salary progression: beyond the minimum wage

The trajectory of annual adjustments — € 800 in 2023, € 820 in 2024, € 870 in 2025 — reflects the government’s commitment to keeping pace with inflation, although Portugal maintains one of the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe according to Eurostat data.

Professionals in technology, health, finance, and education sectors earn between € 1,500 and € 3,000 or more monthly, creating a significant contrast with the minimum wage.

Cost of living in Portugal: the other half of the equation

Living in Portugal on the minimum wage is possible but requires budget discipline. For one person, the monthly cost is around € 1,800, while a family of four needs approximately € 3,304 — values that highlight Portugal as the second most affordable country in Western Europe.

Typical monthly expenses:

Food costs vary considerably: a quick meal costs € 8, a set menu € 12, and basic items like (500g chicken) cost € 3.36 and cheese € 4.90.

Housing is the biggest challenge, especially in Lisbon and Porto. A two-bedroom apartment in a prime area reaches € 1,518, while in common neighborhoods it costs around € 1,005. Studios in less central regions start at € 729.

Transport and utilities (electricity, water, gas) total about € 147 monthly (gasoline at € 1.69/liter, monthly pass € 35, utilities € 112). Gym membership costs € 34 and a medical consultation € 65.

Portugal versus Brazil: an analysis beyond the numbers

Converting the Portuguese minimum wage to reais, it amounts to approximately R$ 5,500 to R$ 5,600 — more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage of R$ 1,518. However, this nominal advantage diminishes when considering costs.

In Brazil, a worker earning the minimum wage faces smaller deductions and retains a higher percentage of the gross amount. In Portugal, besides the 11% Social Security, housing, food, and transportation costs are proportionally higher.

The decision to migrate should not be based solely on comparing wage floors. The potential for professional advancement, market demand in your field, the city chosen, and medium-term development opportunities are decisive variables.

Is it worth it? A realistic analysis

For qualified professionals or those with valued experience in the European market, Portugal offers favorable scenarios of stability and growth. Job security, access to social benefits, and urban quality of life compensate for the modesty of the salary floor.

For those earning only the minimum wage, viability depends on the region — medium-sized cities offer a better cost-benefit ratio than Lisbon and Porto — as well as lifestyle and real opportunities for professional progression.

The choice requires a holistic analysis: not just comparing gross numbers, but evaluating mandatory deductions, city-specific cost of living, tax burden, labor demand, and long-term personal goals. This way, it is possible to make a safe and financially sustainable transition into the Portuguese labor market.