How Much Do People Earn Working in Portugal: Real Analysis of the Minimum Wage 2024 vs Brazil

Many Brazilians dream of moving to Portugal, but a fundamental question hangs in the air: does the compensation compensate? To answer this, it’s necessary to go beyond nominal numbers and understand what really remains in the bank account at the end of the month.

Financial Reality: What You Really Receive

In 2025, the base salary in Portugal reaches € 870 per month on the mainland — an increase compared to € 820 in 2024. In the island regions, the amounts are slightly higher:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

Converted to reais, this amount fluctuates between R$ 5,500 and R$ 5,600, depending on exchange rate variations. At first glance, it’s impressive — more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage of R$ 1,518. However, the story doesn’t end there.

The Deductions No One Talks About

Before celebrating, it’s crucial to understand what actually comes out of the paycheck:

Social Security: 11% mandatory for everyone — € 95.70 directly deducted Income Tax (IRS): Varies depending on dependents and family situation, applied only above the minimum

Practical calculation:

• Gross salary: € 870
• Social security withholding (11%): € 95.70
• Base net amount: € 774.30
• With possible IRS: additional reduction (the final amount can reach € 760 or less)

Meanwhile, a Brazilian worker earning the minimum usually faces smaller deductions, retaining a good part of the nominal value.

Cost of Living in Portugal: The Real Account

According to cost of living data, for an individual to maintain a decent standard of living in Portugal, approximately € 1,800 per month is needed. A family of four requires about € 3,304.

Portugal is the 2nd most affordable country in Western Europe, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap compared to Brazil:

Housing (greater weight in the budget):

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

Food:

• Fast meal: € 8
• Set menu: € 12
• Basic foods (chicken 500g): € 3.36

Transportation and Services:

• Monthly pass (transportation): € 35
• Gasoline: € 1.69/liter
• Electricity + water + gas: € 112
• Gyms: € 34

Brazil vs Portugal Comparison: What Is the Real Advantage?

The reality: Portugal pays more, but also demands more. After essential expenses (housing, food, transportation), the financial margin for those earning only the minimum salary is very close to what a Brazilian can save.

Salary Variation by Professional Area

The minimum wage doesn’t tell the whole story. Qualified professions earn significantly more:

• Nurses: € 1,200-1,600
• Engineers: € 1,500-2,200
• Specialized technicians: € 1,100-1,600
• Experienced salespeople: € 1,000-1,400

For professionals with training or experience valued in the European market, the advantage over Brazil becomes substantial.

Living on Portugal’s Minimum Wage 2024: Is It Possible?

Yes, but with important caveats:

• In Lisbon or Porto: Requires strict budget control; sharing housing or choosing peripheral areas
• In medium-sized cities: Easier to adapt; greater budget flexibility
• Lifestyle: Directly proportional to quality of life — the fewer discretionary expenses, the smaller the margin

Adjustment Trajectory: Positive Trend

The Portuguese government maintains a policy of gradual salary increases, with scheduled increments until 2026. This trajectory reflects a commitment to approaching European averages, although Portugal remains among the lowest in Western Europe.

Informed Decision: What Really Matters

Migrating to Portugal should not be based solely on comparing salary numbers. Consider:

• Your profession’s earning potential — qualified workers earn much more
• Chosen location — Lisbon and Porto consume larger portions of income
• Growth prospects — medium-term professional development offers a Portuguese advantage
• Safety and stability — social benefits and the Portuguese pension system surpass many Brazilian contexts
• Personal goals — quality of life, professional development, or purely financial

Conclusion: The minimum wage in Portugal 2024 looks impressive nominally, but the real financial picture is more balanced. Without qualifications or valued experience, living on the minimum requires meticulous planning. With a qualified profession, the move offers a significantly more favorable scenario — both financially and in terms of security and long-term opportunities.