Working in Portugal: Is it worth earning €870 in 2025?

Many Brazilians dream of a career in Portugal, but the question that won’t leave their minds is: how much do you really earn there? And more importantly: how much is left at the end of the month after paying the bills?

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 is €870 per month on the mainland, which is approximately R$5,580 at current exchange rates. At first glance, it seems like a fortune compared to R$1,518 in Brazil. But when you look at what actually comes out of your pocket after mandatory deductions and the local cost of living, the story becomes much more complex.

What you actually receive: deductions and net salary

Here’s the big “but”: the minimum wage in Portugal undergoes significant deductions before it reaches your account.

Social Security charges 11% mandatory deduction from all workers. If you earn €870, €95.70 is immediately deducted from that amount. Then comes the IRS (Portuguese Income Tax), which varies depending on your family situation and dependents.

In practice, those earning the minimum wage in Portugal have approximately €770 to €800 net per month — depending on how many dependents they have and their classification in the tax system.

Real example:

• Gross salary: €870
• Social Security (-11%): €95.70
• Remaining for expenses: €774.30
• With possible IRS withholding: €750 to €770

Cost of living: what it costs to live in Portugal

The question that determines whether €770 is “a lot” or “little” is: how much do you need to spend to live?

According to European cost of living data, a single person spends on average €1,800 per month in Portugal, while a family of four needs approximately €3,300. This places Portugal as the second most affordable country in Western Europe — but still significantly more expensive than Brazil.

Monthly basic expenses:

Food costs vary widely: a set menu meal costs around €12, chicken costs €3.36 per kilogram, cheese €4.90 per 500 grams. Cooking at home is cheaper, but dining out is frequent.

Housing consumes the largest part of the budget. A T2 apartment (two bedrooms, about 85m²) in a prime area costs €1,518. The same size in regular neighborhoods costs around €1,005. If you want a studio to save money, you can find one for €729 in less central regions.

Monthly (transport pass) costs €35, while gasoline is €1.69 per liter. Electricity, water, and gas bills total approximately €112 per month. Gym membership: €34. Medical consultation: €65.

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

Technically yes, but with important caveats.

In big cities — Lisbon and Porto — the situation is tight. If you rent a studio for €729, plus €50 for utilities, €35 for transportation, and €200 for food, you’ve already spent €1,014 of your €770 net income. Clothes, hygiene, insurance, leisure are still missing.

The result is that living on the minimum wage in Portugal in Lisbon or Porto requires absolute discipline, sharing an apartment, or living in dormitory towns.

In medium or smaller cities, adaptation is feasible. Rents are 30-40% lower, and you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle even with the minimum wage.

How does Portugal’s minimum wage compare to Brazil

Nominal comparison can be misleading. Yes, €870 is more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage (R$1,518). However:

In Brazil: The worker earning minimum wage faces smaller deductions and can save proportionally more. Some basic costs — such as public transportation and food in peripheral regions — are relatively more affordable.

In Portugal: The salary is higher, but deductions (Social Security + IRS) and the cost of living consume a larger share. Additionally, Portugal charges more for services, rent, and imported products.

The major difference lies in professions above the minimum wage. A developer, engineer, or qualified professional in Portugal earns two to four times more than the minimum wage — and that’s where the advantage becomes clear. In Lisbon and Porto, these professionals earn salaries comparable to larger European cities, with a slightly lower cost of living.

Evolution and wage policy in Portugal

In 2024, the minimum was €820. In 2025, it reached €870 on the mainland. The autonomous regions offer slightly higher amounts: Madeira offers €913.50 and Azores €915.

This gradual increase reflects a government commitment to approach the European average, although Portugal still maintains one of the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe according to Eurostat data.

How much do you earn per hour

With the minimum wage in Portugal at €870 and a workweek of 40 hours, the hourly rate is around €4.94. Part-time work would yield approximately €435 per month.

Specialized professions multiply this value by two, three, or even four times.

Is it worth immigrating to Portugal?

The answer depends on your scenario:

For those with qualified training: It’s very worthwhile. Professionals with experience valued in the European market can earn salaries that provide a significantly better quality of life than in Brazil, with social security, healthcare, and education systems in place.

For those who would only receive the minimum wage in Portugal: Viability exists, but it requires strategic location (medium-sized cities, not Lisbon/Porto), shared housing, and strict financial control. Still, it offers better access to public services and social security.

For those seeking professional growth: Portugal acts as a stepping stone. Starting at the minimum wage and progressing in your career makes the experience highly beneficial in the medium term.

Conclusion

Portugal’s minimum wage of €870 in 2025 is numerically higher than Brazil’s, but the financial reality for those living there is more nuanced. Social Security deductions significantly reduce the amount received, while rent, food, and services consume a considerable portion of income.

For immigrants with professional qualifications, Portugal offers a solid path to progression and quality of life. For those relying solely on the minimum wage, the move requires careful analysis of the chosen city, adaptability, and ideally, a clear career development plan.

The decision should not be based solely on numbers comparison but on a comprehensive assessment: your specific earning potential, regional cost of living, demand for your profession in the Portuguese market, and long-term personal goals.