Earn €870 in Portugal: Is it really worth it? Portuguese minimum wage in 2025 revealed

If you are thinking about moving to Portugal, you’ve probably heard of the Portuguese minimum wage. But does that impressive number really bring financial comfort? Let’s uncover this story beyond the nominal figures and understand what truly remains at the end of the month.

Portugal’s minimum wage in 2025: what is it in practice?

Let’s start with the facts: in 2025, the minimum wage on the Portuguese mainland reached € 870 per month, an increase from € 820 in 2024. In the autonomous islands, the values are slightly higher — Madeira with € 913.50 and Azores with € 915.

Converting to reais, this amount is approximately R$ 5,584, which at first glance seems quite attractive to any Brazilian. However, Portugal occupies a peculiar position in the European Union: it is among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in the bloc, despite the continuous adjustments planned until 2026.

What is really left from the salary: deductions

Here begins the reality that many do not imagine. The gross salary of € 870 undergoes mandatory deductions that significantly reduce the final amount:

The Social Security takes 11% — € 95.70 — automatically deducted from all workers. Then comes the Portuguese Income Tax (Imposto de Renda Português), which varies according to your personal situation, number of dependents, and family status.

In practice, someone earning the minimum wage leaves the month with approximately € 774 net, if there is no additional income tax withholding. With full deductions, this amount can be even lower. The difference between what comes in and what stays in your pocket is more dramatic than it seems.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal? The other side of the coin

To contextualize whether this salary allows for a dignified life, it is essential to know the actual cost of living. Portugal ranks as the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe, but this is relative when considering local wages.

A person living alone in Portugal spends approximately € 1,800 per month, while a family of four spends € 3,304 monthly.

Typical monthly expenses:

Food: A set menu costs € 12, half a chicken costs € 3.36, cheese (500g) € 4.90.

Housing: A T2 apartment with 85m² in a upscale neighborhood costs around € 1,518. In less central areas, this drops to € 1,005. A studio in a common zone costs € 729.

Transport: The monthly pass costs € 35, and a liter of gasoline € 1.69.

Utilities and health: Gym membership € 34 monthly, electricity + water + gas total about € 112, and a private medical consultation € 65.

Can you live on minimum wage in Portugal? The answer is “it depends”

Yes, it is possible to survive on € 870 in Portugal, but with important caveats. In large metropolises like Lisbon and Porto, living solely on this amount requires extreme financial control and significant sacrifices. You would need to rent a shared room, save on food, and give up regular leisure activities.

In medium-sized cities in inland Portugal, the situation changes completely. The cost of living drops significantly, allowing for a more comfortable life with the same salary. The geographical location, therefore, is a key factor.

Different professions, different salaries

It is crucial to remember that the minimum wage is exactly that: the minimum floor. Qualified professionals in Portugal earn considerably more. Engineers, software developers, healthcare professionals, and managers earn two, three, or even four times the minimum. For those with technical training or valued experience, Portugal offers much higher salary opportunities.

Portugal vs Brazil: a comparison for those thinking of moving

The simplistic comparison says Portugal pays 3.5 times more than Brazil. But when analyzing the reality after deductions and living costs, the advantage diminishes considerably.

A worker earning the minimum wage in Portugal has about € 770 left. A worker in Brazil earning R$ 1,518 maintains a larger proportion of that amount intact, as social deductions are relatively lower.

The final equation is: Portugal pays more, but costs more to live. Brazil pays less, but some basic expenses are proportionally more affordable. The balance only tips definitively in favor of Portugal when it comes to qualified professionals, where the salary difference is substantially greater.

How much is the value of an hour of work

With a minimum wage of € 870 distributed over a monthly work schedule of 176 hours, the hourly rate is around € 4.94. Someone working part-time would earn approximately € 435. Specialized professions multiply this amount many times.

Is it worth moving to Portugal?

The answer is not as simple as it seems. If your profession is among the demanded in Portugal (technology, healthcare, qualified construction), there are definitely much higher opportunities than you would find in Brazil. If your goal is only the minimum wage, the experience will be quite similar to living squeezed in any Brazilian capital — possible, but uncomfortable.

Other factors influence the decision: economic stability, safety, access to quality public health and education, long-term professional growth opportunities, and, of course, your personal goals.

Before packing your bags, analyze deeply: the specific salary for your profession in Portugal, the cost of living in the city where you plan to live, the full taxation of your particular case, and the real prospects for career advancement. Comparing numbers without context is a recipe for disappointment. With realistic planning and adjusted expectations, Portugal can be an excellent opportunity — especially for those with professional qualifications.