Portugal in 2025: Understand if the minimum hourly wage and cost of living justify migration

Many Brazilians consider working in Portugal as an opportunity to improve quality of life and financial stability. However, the decision cannot be based solely on nominal numbers — it is essential to understand what truly remains after deductions, how much is earned per hour of work, and whether the cost of living in the European country aligns with your actual income.

The Portuguese minimum wage in 2025 and its equivalent in reais

The minimum wage in Portugal was adjusted at the beginning of 2025. The current amount is €870 per month in the mainland region, representing an increase from €820 in 2024. In the islands, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Converting to reais, the Portuguese minimum wage reaches approximately R$ 5,580, depending on the exchange rate. At first glance, it seems three times higher than the Brazilian minimum of R$ 1,518, but this superficial comparison is misleading. What truly matters is the disposable income after deductions and expenses.

The deductions that significantly reduce your earnings

Before celebrating the gross amount, it is crucial to know the mandatory withholdings:

Social Security deduction: 11% of the salary — applied to all workers

Income Tax (IRS): Varies according to dependents and family situation — applies only above the minimum in some cases

Practical example with real numbers:

• Minimum wage: €870
• Social Security (11%): €95.70
• Minimum net salary: €774.30

With IRS deductions, this amount can drop to around €770. This means that those earning the Portuguese minimum wage have approximately R$ 4,900–R$ 4,950 per month in reais.

How much do you earn per hour: The minimum wage hourly rate in Portugal in perspective

Based on a 176-hour monthly work schedule, the minimum hourly wage in Portugal is approximately €4.94/hour. For part-time work, the monthly remuneration would be around €435.

Skilled professions earn significantly more — often double, triple, or even four times this hourly rate. Fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare offer wages well above the minimum.

Cost structure: What it really costs to live in Portugal

The cost of living in Portugal varies considerably depending on the region. A single person spends approximately €1,800 monthly on all basic expenses, while a family of four needs about €3,304.

Food:

• Fast food meal: €8
• Set menu at a restaurant: €12
• Chicken (500g): €3.36
• Cheese (500g): €4.90

Rent:

• T2 apartment (85m²) in a prime area: €1,518
• T2 apartment in a common area: €1,005
• Studio in a common area: €729

Transport:

• Gasoline: €1.69 per liter
• Monthly public transport pass: €35

Utilities and services:

• Electricity, water, and gas combined: €112
• Gym membership: €34
• Private medical consultation: €65

Living on the minimum wage: Realistic or challenging?

It is technically possible to subsist on the Portuguese minimum wage, but with important caveats:

In Lisbon and Porto, larger cities with inflated costs, living on €870 gross (€770 net) requires careful planning. Rent alone can consume 60–80% of available income in these capitals.

In medium-sized inland cities, the situation is more comfortable. More affordable rent and comparable food costs allow for better budget balance.

Portugal versus Brazil: Who comes out ahead in the final account?

Although the Portuguese salary is nominally three times higher than the Brazilian, the real analysis is more complex:

In Portugal:

• Minimum wage: €870 (R$ 5,580 approx.)
• Net salary: €770 (R$ 4,900 approx.)
• Monthly cost for one person: €1,800
• Savings margin: Negative or minimal

In Brazil:

• Minimum wage: R$ 1,518
• Smaller proportional deductions
• Basic costs sometimes proportionally more affordable in less developed regions
• Available margin: Reduced, but in some cities with better cost-benefit ratio

The Portuguese advantage is concentrated in skilled professions. A developer, nurse, or engineer in Portugal earns 2 to 3 times more than in Brazil, with considerably higher purchasing power and greater stability.

Trends and prospects for 2025 and beyond

The Portuguese government maintains a policy of gradual minimum wage increases with adjustments planned until 2026, aiming to approach the European average. Still, Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe according to European statistical data.

For specific sectors such as technology, tourism, and healthcare, demand is high, and salaries far exceed the minimum. Those with training or experience in these areas find better opportunities in the Portuguese market.

Final analysis: Is migrating to Portugal worth it?

The answer depends on several interconnected factors:

If you will only receive the minimum wage, the move requires extreme caution. It is recommended to choose smaller cities, have financial reserves, and quickly seek better-paying positions.

If you have professional qualifications, the scenario changes significantly. Portugal offers stability, security, a quality healthcare system, and career advancement opportunities. In the long run, for qualified professionals, it tends to be a beneficial decision.

Honestly assess: what is the salary potential of your profession in Portugal? Which city would you choose? Do you have reserves for the initial transition? Are you seeking only financial improvement or also quality of life?

The best decision considers not only numerical comparisons but the full context — labor market demand in your area, tax burden, professional development opportunities, and medium- and long-term personal goals.