Portugal 2025: How much is really left in the account of someone earning the minimum wage?

Brazilian workers dreaming of a more stable life in Europe often set their sights on Portugal. But the question everyone asks is the same: how much is left in the pocket after deductions? In 2025, the Portuguese continental minimum wage reaches € 870, but the net minimum salary in Portugal — the amount that actually hits the bank account — is much lower. Meanwhile, life over there isn’t as cheap as it seems. In this article, we reveal the real numbers, mandatory deductions, and what can be done with the leftover money.

The minimum salary in Portugal in 2025: gross vs. net

Portugal increased its minimum wage to € 870 per month in the mainland areas — a rise from € 820 in 2024. In the autonomous islands, the figures are slightly higher:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

Converted to Brazilian reais: approximately R$ 5,584. Seems generous? Wait until the deductions.

Deductions that eat up the salary

This is where reality hits hard. Portuguese workers face:

Social Security (11%) — Mandatory for everyone. For those earning € 870, € 95.70 is deducted directly.

IRS (Income Tax) — Varies depending on dependents and family setup. For most earning only the minimum wage, it may not apply or be minimal, but it must be considered.

In practice: a gross salary of € 870 becomes just over € 774 after Social Security. If IRS applies, it drops even more. The net minimum salary in Portugal is around € 760–€ 770, depending on the tax situation.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal?

The cost of living varies greatly depending on the location. According to consolidated data:

For one person: approximately € 1,800/month
For a family of 4: about € 3,304/month

Portugal is the second cheapest country in Western Europe, but this ranking is misleading — compared to Brazil, almost everything is more expensive.

Typical monthly expenses:

Housing — The biggest budget buster. A two-bedroom apartment in a nice neighborhood costs € 1,518/month. In a common area, € 1,005. A studio costs around € 729.

Food — A daily menu at a popular restaurant: € 12. Grocery shopping is more affordable: chicken costs € 3.36/kg, cheese € 4.90/500g.

Transport — City monthly pass: € 35. Gasoline: € 1.69/liter.

Utilities — Electricity, water, and gas combined: € 112/month. Gym: € 34.

Minimum salary in Portugal vs. Brazil: the truth beyond the numbers

In 2025, Portugal offers € 870 (≈ R$ 5,500–R$ 5,600) while Brazil has R$ 1,518. At first glance, it seems Portugal pays more than three times as much. But that’s not quite accurate.

Purchasing power does not match the nominal difference. While rent in a typical Portuguese neighborhood consumes € 1,005 of your net minimum salary of € 770, in Brazil, you can find cheaper housing in well-served areas.

In both countries, those earning only the minimum tighten their belts. The difference is that in Portugal, this austerity comes with access to universal quality healthcare, structured transportation, and security. In Brazil, even with a lower salary, some basic expenses can be proportionally more affordable.

For qualified professionals, however, the Portuguese scenario is transformative. A developer, engineer, or IT specialist can earn 3 to 5 times the minimum, significantly improving their quality of life.

Can you live on the minimum salary in Portugal?

Yes, but with important caveats:

• In Lisbon or Porto: Requires strict control and sacrifices. A rent alone nearly consumes the entire net minimum salary in Portugal.
• In medium-sized cities: More feasible, especially with negotiated or shared rent.
• In the interior: Totally possible.

The key is lifestyle, expense sharing, and willingness to live austerely temporarily.

Career progression and opportunities

Unlike Brazil, where salary mobility is more limited, Portugal offers a clearer path for growth in certain sectors. Technology, health, education, and specialized services pay well above the minimum — often in the range of € 1,500 to € 2,500 or more.

Conclusion: is it worth it?

Moving to Portugal solely in search of the minimum salary is not a recommended strategy. But as an initial step for professionals with growth potential, internationally recognized qualifications, or seeking institutional security, it can make sense.

The truth is that the net minimum salary in Portugal does not provide financial slack, but it grants access to robust social rights. The decision should consider not only current numbers but also expected career trajectory, cost of living in the chosen city, and medium-term goals.