Working in Portugal in 2025: What really remains of the minimum wage in Portugal after costs

Many Brazilians dream of moving to Portugal, but before packing your bags, it’s crucial to understand how much money actually remains in your pocket after paying the bills. The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 has reached €870 per month, an increase from €820 in 2024, but this gross amount is far from what you actually spend or save. In this article, we break down the numbers to show the financial reality of those living on Portuguese soil.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal: the starting point

Before celebrating the salary, you need to understand the actual expenses. According to cost of living data:

• A single person: €1,800/month
• Family of 4: €3,304/month

Portugal ranks as the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe, but that doesn’t mean €870 is comfortable. Let’s look at the details:

Housing (the biggest budget villain):

• T2 apartment in a common neighborhood: €1,005/month
• Studio in a popular area: €729/month
• T2 in a upscale zone: €1,518/month

Food (supermarket):

• Fast food meal: €8
• Set menu at a restaurant: €12
• 500g chicken: €3.36
• 500g cheese: €4.90

Services and utilities:

• Electricity + water + gas: €112
• Gym membership: €34
• Private medical consultation: €65
• Monthly transportation pass: €35
• Gasoline: €1.69/liter

The minimum wage in Portugal 2025 in practice: how much is it in reais?

Converting to reais, the Portuguese minimum wage of €870 amounts to approximately R$ 5,584.09 (depending on the exchange rate of the day). For Brazilians, this number seems astronomical, being more than 3 times the minimum wage in Brazil (R$ 1,518), but the context is completely different.

In autonomous regions, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

The deductions: how much actually comes out of your account

Here’s the crucial point many ignore. From the gross salary of €870, the following are mandatory deductions:

Social Security: 11% (€95.70) — mandatory for everyone IRS (Income Tax): Varies depending on family situation and dependents, but generally ranges between 14-20%

In practice:

• Gross salary: €870
• Social Security deduction: €95.70
• IRS deduction (estimated): €87-€174
• Actual net salary: €610-€687

Yes, only €610 to €687 actually go into your bank account.

Is it feasible to live on the minimum wage in Portugal?

Technically yes, but with important caveats:

In small/medium cities: Possible with strict budget control. Living in a studio, cooking at home, using public transportation, is feasible.

In Lisbon and Porto: Significantly more challenging. Rent alone consumes 60-80% of the net salary, leaving little for the rest.

Example of a monthly budget with €650 net salary:

• Studio rent: €450
• Food: €120
• Transportation: €35
• Remaining (hygiene, clothes, leisure, emergencies): €45

The squeeze is real.

Comparison: minimum wage in Portugal versus Brazil

When we put the numbers side by side, the difference is misleading:

The paradox: Portugal pays significantly more, but also charges significantly more to live. The disposable income after essential expenses may be closer than many initially imagine.

How much is the hourly wage?

With a monthly workload of 176 hours, the minimum hourly rate in Portugal is around €4.94.

For context: skilled professions earn €10-€20 per hour, specialized roles reach €25-€40.

Who truly benefits from moving to Portugal?

Qualified workers: Engineers, developers, healthcare professionals, and specialized technicians earn well above the minimum, benefiting greatly.

Unskilled workers: Need to be prepared for the cost of living adjustment or seek additional income.

Criteria to evaluate if it’s worth it:

• Does your profession have demand in Portugal?
• What would be your expected salary (not the minimum)?
• Can you count on initial financial support?
• Are you seeking quality of life, stability, or just more money?

More affordable regions in Portugal

If you plan to live on the minimum wage in Portugal, consider cities beyond Lisbon and Porto:

• Covilhã, Guarda, Viseu: rent 40-50% cheaper
• Braga, Aveiro, Coimbra: a balance between job opportunities and moderate costs

Conclusion: before leaving, do the math

The minimum wage in Portugal 2025 of €870 is higher than in Brazil, but the story doesn’t end there. The cost of living in Portugal, especially in big cities, requires solid financial planning.

For Brazilians considering the move:

• If it’s just for the minimum wage, be prepared to tighten your belt in major cities
• If you have qualifications, opportunities and salaries are significantly better
• Choose the region wisely — the city influences everything

The real question isn’t “how much do you earn in Portugal?” but rather “how much is left after paying the bills?” And that answer varies greatly depending on your professional profile, ambitions, and lifestyle choices.