Portugal vs Brazil: Understand the Portuguese minimum wage and whether the move is really worth it

Many Brazilians dream of moving to Portugal in search of better salaries and quality of life. But before making this move, it is essential to understand how the remuneration system really works in the European country. The minimum wage in Portugal reached € 870 monthly in 2025 on the mainland — an amount that seems attractive when converted to reais, but it’s necessary to look beyond the raw numbers.

How much do you really earn in Portugal in 2025?

The Portuguese minimum wage was adjusted to € 870 in 2025, representing an increase from € 820 the previous year. In the islands, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

When converted to Brazilian currency, €870 is approximately R$ 5,584, more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage of R$ 1,518. At first glance, this seems like a significant difference. However, this simplistic comparison is misleading — what matters is the net income remaining in the pocket after all deductions and expenses.

The deductions that no one talks about

Here is the critical point that many do not consider: Portugal applies substantial deductions on the salary. The main ones are:

Social Security: 11% — mandatory retention for all workers
IRS (Income Tax) — varies depending on dependents, family situation, and income bracket

Applying a practical calculation:

• Gross salary: € 870
• Social Security deduction (11%): € 95.70
• Approximate net amount: € 774.30

If IRS applies, this amount can be reduced even further. Comparing with Brazil: a worker earning the minimum wage there usually retains a larger portion of the gross amount, since the withholdings are lower.

The cost of living: the reality behind the number

Portugal is indeed one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, but its costs vary greatly depending on location and lifestyle:

Estimated monthly expenses:

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

Food:

• Fast food meal: € 8
• Business lunch: € 12
• Chicken 500g: € 3.36
• Cheese 500g: € 4.90

Housing (big challenge):

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

Transport and services:

• Fuel: € 1.69 per liter
• Monthly public transport pass: € 35
• Gym: € 34
• Utilities (electricity, water, gas): € 112
• Private medical consultation: € 65

Living on the minimum wage: is it really feasible?

With a net income close to € 770–€ 774, it is technically possible to live in Portugal. But with important caveats:

In large cities like Lisbon and Porto, it is necessary to cut expenses and make austerity choices. In smaller municipalities, the budget stretches much further. Someone earning only the minimum wage in Lisbon will need to:

• Share rent with roommates
• Avoid restaurants and paid entertainment
• Use public transportation
• Seek food at local markets

The advantage: qualified professions earn much more

Here is the information that changes the game. While the minimum wage is low, professionals with qualifications, experience, or university degrees earn significantly more. Engineers, developers, managers, and healthcare professionals earn from 1,500 to 3,500 euros per month or more — depending on experience.

For someone with valued skills in the European market, Portugal offers a real opportunity to save and enjoy a higher quality of life than what they would have in Brazil.

Portuguese minimum wage vs. Brazilian minimum wage: the big picture

Both countries have different socio-economic realities. Portugal offers:

• Nominal wages much higher (three times more)
• Political stability and job security
• Stronger labor rights
• Access to quality public services

Brazil offers:

• Lower costs of living in certain areas (transportation, basic food)
• Opportunities for entrepreneurs
• Greater salary potential for highly specialized professions

The question is not which country pays more in absolute terms, but which offers better purchasing power and financial security considering the full context.

Is it worth moving to Portugal in 2025?

The answer depends on your profile:

It’s more worthwhile if you:

• Have a university degree or demanded technical skills
• Seek stability, security, and social benefits
• Want to save and build assets in the medium term
• Accept European living costs in exchange for quality of life

Requires more planning if you:

• Rely solely on the minimum wage
• Have a large family
• Plan to live in Lisbon or Porto
• Need to send remittances to Brazil

Practical conclusion

In 2025, Portugal’s minimum wage of € 870 remains a point of interest for Brazilians seeking opportunities. However, reducing the decision to move solely to the minimum wage value is a mistake. It is essential to consider:

• Your real earning potential in your chosen profession
• Specific location in Portugal (Lisbon/Porto vs. interior)
• Your ability to adapt to European living costs
• Opportunities for professional growth
• Long-term benefits (retirement, social security)

The best decision requires a realistic analysis: converting euros to reais is easy, but understanding what those euros can actually buy in Portugal is what truly matters. For those with qualifications, Portugal opens doors. For those earning only the minimum, more careful planning is necessary. In any case, understanding all these factors before moving is essential for a safe and sustainable transition.