Minimum Wage in Portugal 2025: Gross Value, Discount, and Real Purchasing Power

Understanding how much you earn in Portugal is essential for those planning to move to the country. The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 has undergone a significant adjustment, reaching €870 per month in the mainland — an increase compared to €820 in 2024. But what does this amount really represent in terms of purchasing power? How does it compare to the Brazilian reality? And is it possible to live comfortably on this salary? This article details not only the gross numbers but also mandatory deductions and the actual cost of living in the main Portuguese cities.

How Much Is the Minimum Wage in Portugal?

In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal reached €870 per month on the mainland, representing a gradual progression set by government policy. In the autonomous regions, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

When converted to Brazilian reais, this amount is approximately R$ 5,584, which may seem quite high from a nominal perspective. However, it is important to contextualize: within the European Union, Portugal maintains one of the lowest wage floors, especially when compared to central and northern European countries.

Mandatory Deductions: What Really Comes Out of Your Pocket

The gross salary of €870 is not what the worker actually receives. There are mandatory deductions that significantly reduce the net income:

Social Security (11%): This is the most substantial deduction and applies to all workers. For the minimum wage, it amounts to €95.70 per month.

Income Tax (IRS): Most workers earning the minimum wage are exempt, but in some cases, withholding may occur depending on family situation and number of dependents.

Practical Calculation:

• Gross salary: €870
• Social Security deduction (11%): -€95.70
• Estimated net salary: €774.30

For professionals with dependents or in specific situations, IRS withholding can reduce this amount further, decreasing disposable income to around €750 or less.

Portugal vs Brazil: Financial Reality

Although the minimum wage in Portugal is nominally three times higher than the Brazilian minimum wage (R$ 1,518 in 2025), the actual purchasing power is more nuanced.

What differentiates these realities is not just the absolute value but the cost of living. In Portugal, monthly expenses consume a similar or even higher proportion of income compared to Brazil.

Working Hours and Hourly Rate in Portugal

With a minimum wage in Portugal of €870 distributed over a standard 40-hour workweek:

• Monthly working hours: 176
• Approximate hourly rate: €4.94
• Part-time (20h/week): about €435 per month

Professionals with specific qualifications can earn two, three, or even four times this hourly rate, demonstrating how specialization dramatically influences remuneration in Portugal.

Cost of Living in Portugal: How Much to Spend Per Month

According to estimates of living costs in Portuguese cities:

Average Monthly Expenses:

• Individual: €1,800
• Family of 4: €3,304

Food:

• Fast food meal: €8
• Menu of the day (traditional restaurant): €12
• Chicken (500g): €3.36
• Cheese (500g): €4.90

Housing (monthly rent):

• T2 in a prime area: €1,518
• T2 in a regular area: €1,005
• Studio in a regular area: €729

Transport:

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

Services:

• Gym membership: €34
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): €112
• Private medical consultation: €65

Living on the Minimum Wage in Portugal: Is It Feasible?

The answer is: it depends. With a net minimum wage in Portugal of €774, it is technically possible to survive, but it requires strict budgeting discipline. The key variables are:

1. Location: In Lisbon and Porto, rent consumes 60-70% of income. In medium-sized or peripheral cities, the proportion drops to 40-50%.

2. Family Structure: Living alone is more challenging; sharing a house distributes costs better.

3. Lifestyle: Home-cooked meals, public transportation, and free leisure activities are essential.

4. Additional Support: Social programs or salary supplements can help.

In smaller cities, life with the minimum wage is more comfortable. In large metropolises, it requires significant adjustments.

Salary Progression by Profession in Portugal

The minimum wage in Portugal serves as a floor, but most professions offer higher remuneration:

• IT Professionals: €1,800-€3,000
• Nurses: €1,200-€1,800
• Engineers: €1,600-€2,500
• Teachers: €1,100-€1,600
• Retail workers: €900-€1,400

For skilled workers, especially in demand sectors like technology and health, Portugal offers opportunities with quite attractive pay compared to Brazil.

Conclusion: Is Moving to Portugal Worth It?

The minimum wage in Portugal of €870 is significantly higher than the Brazilian one, but this does not automatically translate into a better quality of life. The decision should consider:

• Your profession’s earning potential: Qualified workers benefit greatly
• City choice: Smaller cities offer greater financial comfort
• Career prospects: Portugal offers stability and professional growth in the medium term
• Personal circumstances: Dependents, savings goals, and future plans influence feasibility

For those with qualifications or experience valued in the European market, moving to Portugal tends to be financially advantageous. For those earning only the minimum wage, careful planning and realistic expectations about the cost of living, especially in Lisbon and Porto, are necessary.