How much do you really earn in Portugal: analysis of the minimum wage, hourly rate, and cost of living in 2025

Portugal remains an attractive destination for professionals seeking opportunities in Europe. But the question most relevant to Brazilians is: how much do you really earn? In 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage was adjusted to €870 per month on the mainland — a number that impresses at first glance but deserves a deeper analysis considering mandatory deductions, the actual hourly rate, and the cost of living in major cities.

This article uncovers what you will actually take home, how the hourly wage works, and whether it’s worth making the move based on your budget and financial plans.

The Portuguese minimum wage in 2025: gross numbers and realities

The minimum wage in Portugal reached €870 per month in 2025 on the mainland — an increase of €50 compared to €820 in 2024. In the islands, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Converting to Brazilian reais, the amount is around R$5,584, which seems impressive. However, it’s essential to understand that even within the European Union, Portugal has one of the modestest minimum wages — Eurostat data confirms this position.

The Portuguese government follows a trajectory of gradual appreciation, with annual adjustments planned until 2026, demonstrating a commitment to approach European averages.

How much do you earn per hour: uncovering the real hourly rate

One of the most important aspects for those considering working in Portugal is understanding the hourly value of work. With the minimum wage of €870:

• Standard monthly working hours: 176 hours
• Approximate hourly rate: ~€4.94
• Part-time (22 hours/week): about €435 per month

This hourly rate is relevant because most contracts in Portugal follow a 40-hour workweek. Professions requiring qualification can multiply this hourly rate by 2, 3, or even 4 times, depending on the field.

The deductions you cannot ignore

Here’s the big “but”: the salary you receive is not the gross amount. Mandatory deductions significantly reduce your monthly income.

Main deductions:

✔ Social Security: 11% — mandatory deduction for all workers ✔ IRS (Portuguese Income Tax) — applies to income above certain thresholds, varying according to dependents and family situation

Practical example with the minimum wage:

• Minimum wage: €870
• Social Security deduction (11%): €95.70
• Initial net amount: €774.30

If there is IRS withholding, this net amount can decrease further, leaving you with approximately €750-€770 in hand.

Average remuneration by profession: beyond the minimum

The minimum wage is just the base. Different professions offer much higher salaries:

• Engineers: €2,200 to €3,500
• Software developers: €1,800 to €3,000
• Teachers: €1,500 to €2,200
• Nurses: €1,400 to €2,000
• Specialized technicians: €1,300 to €2,100
• Merchants and salespeople: €1,100 to €1,800

These figures reflect a standard 40-hour workweek. For professionals with higher education or recognized experience in the European market, earning prospects are much more attractive.

Cost of living in Portugal: the other side of the coin

Portugal is considered the second cheapest country in Western Europe according to international cost of living data. However, “cheap” is relative:

Estimated monthly expenses:

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

Breakdown of main costs:

Food:

• Meal at a restaurant (set menu): €12
• Chicken (500g): €3.36
• Cheese (500g): €4.90
• Fast food: €8

Housing (monthly rent):

• T2 apartment (85m²) in a prime area: €1,518
• T2 apartment in a regular area: €1,005
• Studio in a common zone: €729

Transport:

• Monthly public transport pass: €35
• Fuel: €1.69 per liter

Utilities and services:

• Electricity, water, and gas: €112
• Gym membership: €34
• Private medical consultation: €65

Is it feasible to live only on the minimum wage in Portugal?

The answer is: yes, but with important caveats.

Living on €870 gross (€770 net) in Portugal is possible, but it heavily depends on:

• Location: Lisbon and Porto require much more financial control than inland cities
• Lifestyle: sharing housing dramatically reduces costs
• Fixed expenses: the lower the rent, the greater the available margin

In big cities, sharing accommodation, using public transportation, and carefully managing discretionary expenses are necessary. In medium-sized cities, adaptation becomes more comfortable.

Comparison: Portugal versus Brazil — what is the real difference?

For those considering migration, this comparison is essential.

Nominal numbers:

• Portugal 2025: €870 (≈ R$5,500-R$5,600)
• Brazil 2025: R$1,518

At first glance, Portugal pays more than 3.5 times more. But the full scenario is different.

Net income after mandatory deductions:

• Portugal: €770 (after 11% Social Security)
• Brazil: approx. R$1,300 (generally lower deductions)

Relative cost of living:

• Portugal: rent, food, and transportation consume 60-70% of the minimum wage
• Brazil: similar proportions, but variable depending on the region

The big differential: salary potential

Qualified professions earn significantly more in Portugal — often 2 to 4 times above the minimum. In Brazil, this salary progression is slower in many areas. For those with technical or higher education, Portugal offers a more favorable scenario in the medium and long term.

Final analysis: is migrating to Portugal worth it?

The decision should not be based solely on salary numbers. Consider:

✔ Your expected salary according to your profession (not just the minimum) ✔ Cost of living in the specific city where you plan to live ✔ Total tax burden and social benefits ✔ Demand for your specialization in the Portuguese market ✔ Personal and career goals in the medium and long term ✔ Professional stability and growth opportunities

For qualified workers with valued experience in the European market, Portugal offers a promising environment. For those earning only the minimum wage, the experience will depend heavily on the chosen city, personal financial control, and professional growth capacity.

Successful migration requires realistic planning: understanding not only the hourly rate and gross salary but also the actual net salary, local cost of living, and professional prospects in your field.