How much is earned in Portugal in 2025: a real analysis of the minimum wage and purchasing power

Many Brazilians explore salary opportunities in Portugal as a gateway to Europe. But the real question isn’t just the gross amount received, but what actually remains in the pocket after all mandatory deductions and daily expenses. In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal reached €870 per month on the mainland, representing an increase from €820 the previous year. However, before considering this figure as real income, it is essential to understand the deduction structure, variation by profession, and especially the cost scenario in the main Portuguese cities.

The current value of the minimum wage in Portugal

Portugal adjusted its minimum wage for 2025 following a trajectory of gradual increases. The amount of €870 applies to the continental territory, while the autonomous regions have slightly higher levels:

Madeira records €913.50, while in the Azores the amount reaches €915 per month. This policy of annual adjustments, already planned until 2026, reflects the government’s commitment to convergence with European standards, although Portugal maintains one of the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe according to international statistical agencies.

Converting to Brazilian currency, this remuneration amounts to approximately R$ 5,584, a value that impresses at first glance but deserves contextualization given the Portuguese economic scenario.

Mandatory deductions: what you really receive

The reality of the Portuguese paycheck is more complex than the announced gross amount. Two main deductions apply to the salary:

Social Security deducts 11% of the salary, which is mandatory for any registered worker. Alongside this, the Portuguese Income Tax (Imposto de Renda) applies to earnings, although with progressive rates that vary depending on dependents and family configuration.

Considering a practical example: starting from €870 gross, the Social Security deduction of €95.70 reduces the amount to €774.30. If income tax applies, the net income drops even more significantly. In practice, many minimum wage workers receive something between €760 and €770 deposited into their accounts.

Compensation according to the professional area

Salary variation in Portugal is quite pronounced. Professionals in technology, engineering, medicine, and finance earn significantly above the minimum. A software developer can earn €2,200 to €3,500; an engineer, €1,800 to €2,800; a doctor, €2,500 to €4,000. Entry-level jobs like sales or customer service rarely exceed €1,200.

This disparity suggests that the decision to migrate should not focus solely on the minimum wage but on the earning potential within your specific field.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal, although lower than in countries like Switzerland or Denmark, consumes a significant portion of income. Reference data indicate that a single person spends approximately €1,800 per month, while a family of four requires about €3,304.

Food: a set menu in a restaurant costs €12; chicken costs €3.36 per kilogram; cheese, €4.90 for the same 500 grams.

Housing: a two-bedroom apartment in a upscale neighborhood ranges between €1,500 and €1,600; in common areas, €1,005; shared studios, €729.

Transport: gasoline costs €1.69 per liter; monthly public transport pass, €35.

Essential services: gym membership, €34; energy, water, and gas, €112; private medical consultation, €65.

Is it feasible to live earning the minimum wage

Technically possible, but with important caveats. Those earning €870 gross (approximately €770 net) can sustain themselves, but with rigorous planning and no room for surprises. In Lisbon or Porto, more expensive cities, extreme discipline is required: shared housing, planned meals, public transportation, very few leisure activities.

In medium-sized cities like Covilhã, Viseu, or Guarda, the situation is more comfortable. Rent is cheaper, food costs are lower, creating space for quality of life.

Comparison: Portugal versus Brazil

The direct comparison between the two countries reveals important nuances. Portugal offers €870 (about R$ 5,500) while Brazil maintains its minimum wage at R$ 1,518. At first glance, Portugal pays more than three times.

However, the Portuguese cost of living is also significantly higher. Rent, food, and transportation take up a larger proportion of income. In Brazil, minimum wage workers face proportionally smaller deductions, keeping more of the gross amount available.

The real advantage: qualified professionals. A Portuguese engineer or programmer earns well above the national average, creating a clear advantage over Brazilian counterparts. For unskilled jobs, the Portuguese advantage diminishes when considering actual costs.

Salary evolution and prospects

The Portuguese government planned annual increases until 2026, signaling ongoing appreciation. Although gradual, this movement reflects an intention to converge with the European average. However, Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages on the continent.

For Brazilians considering migration, the issue is not just comparing gross numbers but analyzing: salary potential within your profession, cost of living in the specific city chosen, tax burden, labor demand, and medium-term personal goals.

Professionals with valued training in the European market find a favorable scenario in Portugal. For minimum wage jobs, the experience will depend on the city, lifestyle adopted, and capacity for professional progression.

The safest decision involves detailed research: knowing actual salaries in your field, specific costs of the neighborhood where you would live, possibilities for salary growth, and work visa stability. Portugal offers real opportunities but requires realistic planning and often professional training that sets the candidate apart from the minimum wage floor.