Minimum Wage in Portugal 2024 and 2025: What Really Changes for Workers

Understanding the evolution of the minimum wage in Portugal 2024 to 2025 is crucial for those considering moving from Brazil. Between 2024 and 2025, there was a significant adjustment in Portuguese minimum wages, reflecting government policy aimed at aligning with European standards. In 2024, the floor was €820 per month, while in 2025 this amount rises to €870 — an increase of €50 per month in mainland Portugal.

Minimum Wage Dynamics: 2024 vs 2025

The trend over recent years shows a clear pattern of wage appreciation in Portugal. The government has established a policy of annual adjustments planned through 2026, demonstrating commitment to economic progression. In the autonomous islands, the figures are even higher:

• Madeira: €913.50 (2025)
• Azores: €915 (2025)

These increases represent not just numbers but real changes in workers’ purchasing power. Despite this, Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages within the European Union — according to Eurostat — although specialized professions are completely outside this reality.

How Much Is the Minimum Wage in Portugal in Reais?

For Brazilians doing this mental conversion, the value of €870 is approximately R$5,584, depending on the EUR/BRL exchange rate. At first glance, this number seems robust compared to Brazilian standards, but the European context is entirely different.

Deductions That Reduce the Effective Salary

The reality of net income in Portugal differs quite a bit from the gross amount announced. The main deductions are:

• Social Security: 11% — mandatory withholding for all salaried workers
• IRS (Imposto sobre Rendimento de Pessoas Singulares) — progressive, depends on dependents and family situation

Applying these deductions to the €870 salary:

• Social Security (11%): €95.70
• Remaining after this deduction: €774.30
• With possible IRS withholding: the amount can decrease further, depending on family setup

This net salary is what actually reaches the Portuguese worker’s bank account.

Practical Analysis: Portugal vs Brazil for Workers

Simply comparing nominal numbers is misleading. In 2025, Brazil maintains its minimum wage at R$1,518, while Portugal is at €870 (~R$5,500–5,600). It seems advantageous for Portugal, but the story changes when considering actual costs.

The fundamental question: both countries charge heavily those who earn little. In Portugal, after 11% Social Security, about €770 remains — and a significant portion of that goes to rent, food, and transportation in cities like Lisbon or Porto.

In Brazil, although the absolute deduction is smaller percentage-wise, the cost of living varies by region. For qualified professionals, however, the Portuguese advantage is clear: careers in technical fields, health, engineering, and education pay significantly more in Portugal than in Brazil, multiplying the differential.

Cost of Living: The Critical Factor Nobody Mentions

Living on the minimum wage in Portugal depends entirely on location and lifestyle. According to local cost of living data:

Estimated monthly expenses:

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

Practical expense examples:

Food — Fast food around €8, set menu €12, chicken 500g €3.36, cheese 500g €4.90.

Housing — T2 apartment (85m²) in a prime area: €1,518; T2 in a regular area: €1,005; studio in a regular area: €729.

Transport — Gasoline €1.69/liter, monthly pass €35.

Services — Gym €34, utilities (electricity+water+gas) €112, medical consultation €65.

Portugal is the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe, making it relatively affordable in the continental context.

Is It Feasible to Survive on the Minimum Wage in Portugal?

The answer is: yes, but with caveats. In medium-sized cities, with disciplined budgeting, it’s possible. In Lisbon or Porto, it requires strict planning and often supplementary income or family support.

The decision should consider: chosen city, personal lifestyle, future career prospects, and available support network.

How Much Do People Earn Working in Portugal?

The minimum wage is just the floor. Qualified professionals earn considerably more. Specialized technicians, engineers, healthcare workers, and educators earn two to four times more per hour worked. With a minimum wage of €870 spread over 176 hours per month, the hourly cost is ~€4.94. Professionals with technical or higher education easily surpass €15–20 per hour.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

For those earning only the minimum wage, Portugal offers a higher nominal income than Brazil, but the safety margin isn’t as wide as it seems from afar. For specialized workers with valued experience in the European market, the opportunity is genuinely attractive — higher salaries combined with European institutional stability.

The decision should not focus solely on the minimum wage in Portugal 2024-2025 but on the salary potential of your specific profession, actual costs in the target city, and career progression prospects in the coming years.