Is it worth working in Portugal for a Brazilian? A real analysis of salary and cost of living in 2025

Many Brazilians dream of moving to Portugal, but before making that decision, it is essential to answer a question: is the salary enough to live well? The answer is not simple — it depends on the profession, the chosen city, and what you consider “living well.” This guide dispels myths and presents practical data about what you can truly earn and spend in Portugal.

The minimum wage in Portugal 2025: what is it really?

In 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage reached €870 per month on the mainland, representing an increase of €50 compared to €820 in 2024. In the autonomous islands, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Converting to reais: This amount corresponds to approximately R$ 5,584, which seems quite high compared to the Brazilian minimum wage of R$ 1,518. However, this misleading comparison needs to consider factors missing from this simple calculation.

The Portuguese government follows a policy of gradual adjustments, with increases planned until 2026, aiming to approach the European average — even though Portugal maintains one of the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe, according to Eurostat data.

What’s left in your pocket: the deductions nobody talks about

The difference between gross and net salary is substantial. Every worker in Portugal faces:

Social Security: 11% of the salary — mandatory for all
IRS (Income Tax): applied according to dependents and family situation

Let’s see in practice:

• Gross minimum wage: €870
• Social Security deduction (11%): €95.70
• Salary before IRS: €774.30
• After IRS withholding: it can drop to €700–€750, depending on family situation

Comparison with Brazil: While in Portugal the salary undergoes these significant deductions, in Brazil the deduction is smaller — the worker earning the minimum retains a larger proportion of the gross amount. That is, the nominal difference of 3x is considerably reduced when accounting for Portuguese taxes.

How much do professionals earn in Portugal?

The minimum wage is just the floor. Compensation varies greatly depending on the profession:

Qualified professions can earn two, three, or even four times the minimum wage, which drastically changes the financial equation. For a Brazilian with experience or specialized training valued in the European market, opportunities are very different from those earning only the floor.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal?

This is the critical point of the analysis. According to cost of living data:

Monthly expenses:

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

Portugal is the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe, but not everything is cheap once you break down the expenses:

Food:

• Fast food: €8
• Set menu in a restaurant: €12
• (500g) chicken: €3.36
• (500g) cheese: €4.90

Housing (monthly rent):

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

Transport:

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

Services and Utilities:

• Gym: €34
• Electricity + water + gas: €112
• Medical consultation: €65

Is it possible to live on €870? The uncomfortable answer

Yes, technically it is possible — but only in very specific scenarios:

In smaller cities (Covilhã, Guarda, Viseu): rent of €400–€500, controlled diet without luxuries, it is feasible to get by with the minimum.

In Lisbon and Porto: practically impossible without additional income or subsidy. A basic rent consumes €600–€800 of the budget, leaving little for food, transportation, and emergencies.

Reality for most: Those earning the minimum wage live with tight financial planning, saving little or nothing each month.

Is a salary in Portugal worth it for Brazilians?

The decision cannot be based solely on comparing salary numbers. It is necessary to consider:

Advantages:

• Qualified professionals earn considerably more than in Brazil
• Robust social security and access to public health
• Opportunities for professional growth in the medium and long term
• Overall higher quality of life in medium-sized cities

Disadvantages:

• High cost of living in big cities significantly reduces savings capacity
• Taxes and deductions decrease disposable income
• Minimum wage does not provide financial comfort
• Initial adaptation process requires prior savings

Direct comparison: Portugal vs Brazil

How to decide whether to migrate to Portugal

The answer depends on your situation:

You should consider migrating if:

• You have a profession with demand in Portugal (tech, health, engineering)
• You can negotiate a salary above the minimum
• You seek stability and security in the long term
• You have savings to initially adapt

You should think twice if:

• You only find opportunities at the minimum wage
• You plan to move to Lisbon or Porto without prior income
• You want quick savings or to send money to Brazil
• You have dependents in Brazil

Conclusion

Portugal offers a more favorable scenario than Brazil for qualified professionals, but the reality for those earning only the minimum wage is very different from many people’s ideas. Moving only makes sense if you can secure a position paying above the floor — in that case, Portuguese experience can be genuinely transformative.

For Brazilians evaluating whether it’s worth working in Portugal, the key is not just looking at the number of euros, but at the real purchasing power, growth opportunities in your specific profession, and the quality of life you want to have. Analyzing these factors realistically is the first step toward a decision that makes sense in the medium and long term.