What is the minimum wage in Portugal and how does it compare with Brazil in 2025?

For Brazilians considering moving to Portugal, the first question is usually: how much do you earn there? The answer goes beyond the simple nominal value. In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal reaches €870 per month on the mainland — a significant increase compared to €820 in 2024. In the autonomous islands, the amounts are slightly higher: Madeira with €913.50 and Azores with €915.

When converted to reais, this amount reaches approximately R$5,500 to R$5,600, depending on the euro exchange rate. At first glance, it seems significantly higher than the Brazilian minimum wage of R$1,518. However, this superficial comparison masks a more complex reality about what actually remains at the end of the month.

Mandatory deductions significantly reduce the net amount

Every worker in Portugal faces automatic deductions that greatly decrease the received salary. The main one is Social Security, which consumes 11% of the gross amount — mandatory for any employee. Additionally, there is the Portuguese income tax (IRS), which varies depending on dependents and family situation.

With a minimum wage of €870:

• Social Security deduction (11%): €95.70
• Base net salary: €774.30
• With possible IRS withholding, the final amount may decrease even further

This reduction is crucial when planning the actual available budget. Many Brazilians underestimate this initial impact.

Cost of living in Portugal: where does the money go

Portugal is the second cheapest country in Western Europe, according to Expatistan data, but that doesn’t mean living on the minimum wage is comfortable. An individual spends on average €1,800 per month, while a family of four needs €3,304.

Food: An executive menu costs €12, a 500g chicken costs €3.36, and cheese of the same quantity €4.90. Fast food meals are around €8.

Housing: The biggest financial challenge. A T2 apartment (85m²) in a prime area of Lisbon or Porto costs up to €1,518. In common areas, €1,005. A studio in a regular zone costs €729.

Transport: Gasoline at €1.69 per liter and a monthly public transport pass for €35.

Essential services: Gym membership €34, electricity, water, and gas bills combined €112, private medical consultation €65.

Minimum wage Portugal vs Brazil: the real advantage lies elsewhere

Although Portugal pays more in nominal values, the financial equation is different. A Brazilian worker earning the minimum wage faces proportionally smaller deductions, retaining a higher percentage of the gross. In Portugal, even earning more, deductions are more rigorous.

The main advantage of Portugal is not the minimum wage itself, but the opportunities for qualified careers, which pay two, three, or even four times the minimum. Professionals with training or experience valued in the European market can achieve much higher income.

Technical, health, technology, and education professions often offer salaries that change the final equation. In this scenario, the difference between Brazil and Portugal becomes clear.

Feasibility of living only on the minimum wage

It’s possible, but with important caveats. Everything depends on:

• The city chosen (Lisbon and Porto require strict control vs more affordable medium-sized cities)
• Personal lifestyle and willingness to make sacrifices
• The amount of fixed expenses and financial obligations

In the capitals, €774 net per month requires extreme planning to cover rent, food, transportation, and other essentials. In smaller cities, the equation is less tight.

Evolution and political commitment to adjustments

The Portuguese government has established a policy of gradual revaluations of the minimum wage, with increases planned until 2026. This upward trajectory demonstrates an intention to approach the European average, although Portugal still maintains one of the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe according to Eurostat data.

Decision to move requires a comprehensive analysis

Those planning to work in Portugal should not decide solely based on numbers comparison. It is essential to evaluate the specific salary potential of your profession, the city where you plan to live, the estimated cost of living in that location, the total tax burden, and the real prospects for career progression.

For qualified workers with experience valued in the European market, Portugal tends to offer a more favorable scenario in the medium and long term, with greater security and stability. For those who would only earn the minimum wage, the experience varies greatly depending on personal context and place of residence.

Moving to Portugal is worthwhile when there is potential for professional growth and when the profession has demand in the local market. Otherwise, it requires willingness to live on a limited budget, especially in large cities.