What is the minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 and what is actually left at the end of the month

Portugal remains a coveted destination for Portuguese-speaking professionals seeking more attractive compensation and quality of life. But before packing your bags, it’s essential to understand not only what Portugal’s minimum wage is but also how much actually stays in your pocket after mandatory deductions and considering the real cost of living.

Portugal’s minimum wage in perspective

On the Portuguese mainland, the minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 reached €870 per month, marking a significant increase from €820 in 2024. In the autonomous islands, the figures are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

This annual increase reflects the government’s commitment to reducing wage disparity within the European bloc, although Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe according to Eurostat indicators.

Converted directly to Brazilian reais, Portugal’s minimum wage is approximately R$5,584, a figure that initially impresses. However, this purely numerical comparison can lead to significant misconceptions about actual purchasing power.

Deductions from the salary

The reality of a Portuguese paycheck is harsh. The main deductions include:

Social Security (11%) — mandatory contribution for all resident workers, calculated on gross salary.

Income Tax (IRS) — applied progressively, considering dependents and family setup.

In practice, a worker earning Portugal’s minimum wage experiences:

• Gross salary: €870
• Social Security deduction: €95.70
• Remaining amount before IRS: €774.30

Add the IRS, and the net amount drops substantially, often leaving less than €770 effectively available.

How much is each hour of work worth

Considering a 40-hour workweek and a monthly total of 176 hours worked, Portugal’s minimum wage translates to approximately €4.94 per hour. For part-time jobs, the proportionality adjusts to (about €435 for a 20-hour weekly regime).

Specialized and technical professions historically earn between two and four times this hourly rate, indicating a variable salary potential depending on qualifications.

Actual living expenses in Portuguese cities

The cost of living in Portugal is the second most affordable in Western Europe, according to international budgeting platforms. Estimates indicate:

• Single individual: €1,800 per month
• Family of four: €3,304 per month

Basic food:

• Fast food meal: €8
• Lunch: €12
• Fresh chicken (500g): €3.36
• Local cheese (500g): €4.90

Housing rent:

• Two-bedroom apartment in central area: €1,518
• Two-bedroom apartment in peripheral area: €1,005
• Studio in less desirable area: €729

Transport and utilities:

• Fuel: €1.69 per liter
• Monthly public transport pass: €35
• Electricity, water, and gas: €112

Services and leisure:

• Gym membership: €34
• Private medical consultation: €65

The viability of subsisting on Portugal’s minimum wage

Theoretically possible, but requires strict budgeting. Experience varies greatly depending on geographic location and desired standard of living.

In metropolises (Lisbon, Porto), living solely on Portugal’s minimum wage demands notable sacrifices: housing consumes a large proportion of income, limiting leisure, savings, or emergency funds.

In medium-sized cities (Covilhã, Guarda, Aveiro), the situation becomes more balanced, allowing for a comfortable existence and even a small monthly reserve.

Comparison between Portugal and Brazil: a comparative analysis

A superficial comparison between Portugal’s minimum wage (€870) and Brazil’s minimum R$1,518( suggests an enormous disparity. However, currency conversion does not reflect the actual economic reality experienced.

Portugal’s minimum wage converted results in a figure more than three times the Brazilian minimum. At the same time, tax burdens and basic costs also increase proportionally.

Disposable income dynamics:

• Portugal: €870 gross → ~€770 net after deductions, with residual expenses of about €200-300
• Brazil: R$1,518 gross → ~R$1,380 net, with similar leftover after essential costs

Interestingly, the financial margin of maneuver is similar in both scenarios, despite the nominal difference.

Decisive differential: qualified professionals. Engineers, developers, consultants, and specialists in Portugal earn substantially above the minimum, creating a noticeable economic advantage absent in the lower-wage Brazilian market.

Historical trajectory of Portugal’s minimum wage

The sequence of annual increases shows a political decision to gradually align with the European average. Although the pace remains slow compared to more robust economies, the upward trend is consolidating.

Projections indicate this policy will continue through 2026, suggesting increasing minimum wages.

Guidance for those considering migration

The decision to relocate goes beyond just comparing numbers. It is recommended to:

• Investigate specific salary ranges for your profession )many fields pay well above the minimum(
• Choose the municipality considering housing costs )Porto and Lisbon differ radically from smaller cities(
• Assess actual taxation based on personal family situation
• Check labor demand for your professional profile
• Plan savings and financial goals over the medium term

For qualified workers with valued experience in European markets, Portugal tends to present a durable favorable scenario. For those earning strictly the minimum, the calculation depends entirely on personal circumstances, adaptability, and strict financial focus.

The conclusion does not arise from an isolated analysis of Portugal’s minimum wage but from a holistic understanding of the economic, professional, and personal factors involved in the expatriation decision.