Minimum wage Portugal 2024 and 2025: Is it really worth migrating?

When it comes to European compensation, Portugal sparks particular curiosity among those planning to move from Brazil. But before packing your bags, you need to truly understand what earning €870 per month means — how much remains after deductions, how it compares to life in Brazil, and whether the Portuguese cost of living doesn’t swallow up everything you earn.

The Portuguese salary landscape: numbers that need context

In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal reached €870 per month on the mainland, a revision from €820 in 2024. In the autonomous regions, the figures are slightly higher: Madeira offers €913.50 and Azores, €915.

Converting to reais, this base salary represents approximately R$ 5,584, which numerically seems very attractive. However, Portugal is far from being one of the European countries with the best salaries — Eurostat data confirm that the country ranks among the lowest wage floors in Western Europe, lagging behind more developed markets.

Government policy foresees annual adjustments until 2026, signaling a gradual appreciation trajectory. Still, it’s important to recognize that those earning only the minimum face very different realities across various cities in the country.

From gross to net: how much is really left

The illusion of a large number disappears once deductions are applied. The first hit is the Social Security, with 11% mandatory for all workers. Next comes the (Income Tax), applied to those exceeding certain earning thresholds.

Practically calculating with the 2025 minimum wage in Portugal:

• Gross amount: €870
• Social Security deduction (11%): €95.70
• Net salary without IRS: €774.30

If IRS withholding applies, the amount drops even further. This means that from the €870 shown in the offer, less than €775 actually reaches the account — a difference of nearly 11% that many do not consider in planning.

How much different professions earn in Portugal

The minimum wage is a floor, not a ceiling. Skilled professions earn significantly more:

• Engineers: €2,200–€3,500
• Developers: €1,800–€3,000
• Nurses: €1,400–€2,200
• Electricians/Plumbers: €1,200–€1,800
• Receptionists: €900–€1,300

For those with qualifications, Portuguese remuneration offers real gains. For those relying on the minimum, the story is different.

The real hourly rate: the worker’s perspective

With €870 per month for a 40-hour workweek:

• Hours worked per month: 176
• Hourly rate: approximately €4.94
• Part-time work: about €435 monthly

Specialized professions can earn €10, €15, or even €20 per hour — a huge difference in annual accumulation.

Cost of living in Portugal: where the money really goes

Data from Expatistan show that a single person needs approximately €1,800 per month to live comfortably in Portugal, while a family of four requires €3,304. Portugal is the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe, but that doesn’t mean it’s affordable on minimum wage.

Food:

• Fast food meal: €8
• Full restaurant menu: €12
• Chicken (500g): €3.36
• Cheese (500g): €4.90

Housing (major expense):

• T2 apartment (85m²) in a valued neighborhood: €1,518
• Same property in a common area: €1,005
• Studio in a peripheral zone: €729

Transport and Utilities:

• Gasoline: €1.69 per liter
• Monthly pass: €35
• Gym: €34
• Energy + water + gas: €112
• Medical consultation: €65

Portugal vs Brazil: the comparison that really matters

Numerically, €870 (≈ R$5,500) far exceeds the Brazilian minimum wage of R$1,518. But purchasing power tells a different story.

In Portugal, from a minimum wage of €870, about €770 remains after deductions. Rent in urban areas consumes €1,000–€1,500, which already puts the worker in deficit. In Brazil, although the nominal value is lower, some basic costs are proportionally more affordable, allowing for greater margin with the same salary.

The paradoxical conclusion: Portugal pays more, but also charges more to live. Those with qualified training or valued experience in the European market find significantly better opportunities in terms of remuneration adjusted for the cost of living.

Can you live on minimum wage in Portugal?

Technically yes, but it depends on:

• Location: Lisbon and Porto demand strict financial discipline; medium-sized cities like Covilhã or Guarda offer more margin
• Lifestyle: Sharing rent and avoiding discretionary expenses is essential
• Growth prospects: Staying only at the minimum for years is unsustainable; planning progression is necessary

For those earning the minimum, the experience is one of tight living with expenses. For qualified professionals, Portugal offers stability and medium- to long-term growth.

An informed decision: beyond the numbers

Is migrating to Portugal worth it? The answer depends on:

• Is your profession in demand? Engineering, IT, and health jobs pay well above the minimum
• Which city would you choose? The difference between Lisbon and Évora is decisive
• Is your goal immediate or strategic? Short-term gains may disappoint; investing 3–5 years tends to pay off
• What is your salary level in Brazil? Those earning above the minimum in Brazil often find even better opportunities in Portugal

The best migration isn’t just comparing nominal salaries but evaluating the entire context: professional opportunities in your field, regional cost of living, tax burden, safety, and quality of life. For skilled workers, Portugal tends to offer a more favorable scenario. For those dependent on minimum wage, the move requires realistic planning and a willingness to live with strict expense control.

Understanding these factors turns the decision to change countries into a safe and financially sustainable plan.