Working in Portugal: Analysis of the minimum wage in Portugal and the financial reality in 2025

Many Brazilians dream of moving to Portugal, but one question remains: is it really worth it? To answer this properly, you need to go beyond nominal numbers and understand the relationship between what you earn, what you spend, and the real purchasing power. This article analyzes the Portuguese salary situation in 2025 and how it compares to the Brazilian reality.

The current scenario: minimum wage Portugal versus Brazil

In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal reached €870 per month in the mainland — an increase from €820 in 2024. In the islands, Madeira offers €913.50 and Azores €915. Converted to reais, this amounts to approximately R$5,584, a number that impresses at first glance. In Brazil, the equivalent is R$1,518.

The nominal difference is considerable — more than 3.6 times higher. However, this Portuguese floor remains among the lowest in Western Europe according to Eurostat data. For context: the European cost of living does not allow for direct comparisons with developing economies.

How much actually ends up in your account?

Gross salary is not what you receive. In Portugal, two main deductions reduce the income:

Social Security: 11% mandatory for all workers. On a minimum wage, this means €95.70 deducted.

IRS (Portuguese Income Tax): Varies according to family situation and dependents. Applied only above the minimum, it can still represent an additional reduction.

Practical result: from €870 gross, €774.30 remains after Social Security (without IRS). With full taxation, the net is close to €770. The difference from expectations is substantial.

The true cost of living in Portugal

Portugal is the second cheapest country in Western Europe, according to Expatistan. A person spends approximately €1,800 monthly; a family of four, €3,304.

Some typical expenses:

• T2 rent in upscale neighborhoods: €1,518
• T2 rent in common areas: €1,005
• Studio in a common region: €729
• Transportation pass: €35
• Gasoline: €1.69 per liter
• Meal at an executive restaurant: €12
• Electricity, water, and gas: €112

The Portuguese working hour

With €870 distributed over 176 hours per month, each hour is worth approximately €4.94. Qualified professions can earn 2, 3, or even 4 times this amount.

Professions and salary differentials

The minimum wage in Portugal does not represent most jobs. Engineers, programmers, doctors, and managers earn significantly more. For Brazilians with training or experience in valued sectors (technology, health, management), Portugal offers a considerable salary advantage.

Is it worth moving?

The answer is contextual:

Advantageous for: Skilled professionals, people with in-demand expertise, those seeking European stability, career growth workers.

Challenging for: Those earning only the minimum wage, especially in Lisbon or Porto — cities where rent consumes a high proportion of income.

Evolution and prospects

Portugal has established a gradual adjustment policy until 2026, signaling a commitment to salary appreciation. The movement reflects government effort to converge with the European average, although the gap remains.

Conclusion

In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal remains attractive compared to Brazil in absolute numbers. However, the cost of living is also substantially higher. The true assessment requires a complete analysis: what is your profession, where will you live, how much can you save, and what growth opportunities exist in the medium term? For skilled workers, Portugal tends to offer a more solid financial trajectory. For those relying only on the minimum wage, reality demands careful planning and strategic location choices.