How much do they really earn in Portugal: analysis of the minimum wage and real purchasing power

Portugal continues to attract interest among Brazilians seeking professional relocation in Europe. To make an informed decision, it is essential to understand not only the raw numbers but what they represent in practice. In 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage across the continent reached € 870 per month, an increase from € 820 the previous year. Autonomous regions offer slightly higher levels: Madeira with € 913.50 and Azores with € 915.

The salary converted to reais: misleading context

Transforming the amount into Brazilian currency, approximately R$ 5,584, the Portuguese minimum wage seems substantial. However, this initial impression masks the economic reality. Portugal is part of the European Union as one of the territories with the lowest minimum wages — according to Eurostat — a fact that relativizes these figures within the community context.

Mandatory deductions: what really stays in your pocket

Portuguese workers face significant withholdings that substantially reduce disposable income:

Social Security contribution consumes 11% of the gross salary, a mandatory amount for the entire workforce. Additionally, the IRS (Income Tax) applies to earnings above the minimum wage, varying according to family composition and dependents.

A practical example of this calculation:

• Gross salary: € 870
• Social Security: € 95.70
• Approximate net: € 774.30

Including IRS deductions, the final amount can decrease further, demonstrating that the difference between gross and available income is substantial.

Hourly wage and professions

With € 870 distributed over a monthly work schedule of 176 hours, the hourly rate approaches € 4.94. Part-time work would correspond to about € 435 monthly. Specialized professions can pay two, three, or four times above this reference, a factor that significantly alters the analysis for those with valued qualifications.

Actual expenses: where the money goes

Investigations by Expatistan reveal that a single person needs approximately € 1,800 per month, while a household of four requires € 3,304. Portugal ranks as the second most affordable market in Western Europe, although this positioning is relative.

The actual costs are distributed as follows:

Food and meals:

• Fast food: € 8
• Set menu: € 12
• Products like (500g chicken): € 3.36
• Cheese (500g): € 4.90

Housing — critical sector:

• 2-bedroom apartment of 85m² in a prime area: € 1,518
• Same type in a conventional neighborhood: € 1,005
• Studio in a common area: € 729

Transport and maintenance:

• Gasoline: € 1.69/liter
• Monthly public transport: € 35

Essential services:

• Physical education: € 34/month
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): € 112
• Medical care: € 65

Portugal-Brazil comparison: numbers and reality

When comparing the Portuguese minimum wage with the Brazilian one (€ 870 versus R$ 1,518), a considerable nominal gap emerges. However, the exercise deserves deeper analysis.

The Portuguese minimum wage, when converted, exceeds three times the Brazilian. However, Portugal demands proportionally heavier expenses: rent takes a large slice of the budget, and food and transportation consume resources extensively.

In Brazil, although the minimum wage is lower, some essential expenses remain relatively more affordable in percentage terms. Portugal offers higher liquidity but also takes it away more aggressively through structural living costs.

Financial viability in different realities

Supporting oneself with € 870 is technically possible but heavily dependent on critical variables: geographic location, consumption patterns, and family obligations significantly influence the outcome.

In metropolises — particularly Lisbon and Porto — the minimum wage imposes strict budget discipline. Medium-sized cities offer greater flexibility in accommodation. However, career progression exponentially differentiates the experience for those starting with sought-after qualifications in the European market.

Future scenario and informed decisions

The upward trajectory of the minimum wage — with scheduled adjustments until 2026 — reflects a government strategy to approach the community average. Portugal still maintains a position among Western European territories with the lowest base remuneration.

For Brazilians contemplating migration, the equation goes beyond simple numerical comparison. It requires investigation: the earning potential of the specific profession, the cost of living in the target area, effective tax burden, sectoral labor dynamics, and medium/long-term personal goals. Qualified professionals find a significantly more promising scenario. Dependents relying solely on the minimum wage face a more delicate balance, whose viability varies according to geography, consumption choices, and opportunities for career advancement.

Establishing oneself in Portugal requires meticulous financial planning and an honest assessment of the available budget after essential expenses — a strategy that differentiates success from frustration.