Portugal in 2025: how much do you really take home with the minimum wage?

Many Brazilians dream of working in Portugal, but the question that never leaves their minds is always the same: is it worth it? In 2025, the Portuguese minimum wage is (€ 870 monthly) on the mainland, but what really matters is understanding how much remains in your account after mandatory deductions and what the impact of the local cost of living is. This article uncovers the financial reality of those working in Portugal.

What is the minimum wage in Portugal 2025?

Portugal has set a new minimum wage for 2025: (€ 870 per month) in its mainland territory. Compared to € 820 in 2024, it represents an annual adjustment that is part of the government’s strategy to gradually bring the country closer to the European average.

The autonomous islands offer slightly higher levels:

• Madeira: € 913.50
• Azores: € 915

In approximate values in reais, the minimum wage in Portugal 2025 is equivalent to R$ 5,584, an amount that initially impresses, but mandatory expenses consume a significant portion.

How much do you take home: the actual net salary

The gross amount of € 870 undergoes unavoidable deductions that reduce what lands in your account:

Social Security Deduction: 11% for all workers — € 95.70

Income Tax (IRS): applied only above the minimum, but can generate withholding depending on dependents and marital status

Calculating simply:

• Gross: € 870
• Social Security: -€ 95.70
• Available amount (without IRS): € 774.30

If income tax applies, this amount decreases further. Therefore, what actually enters your wallet each month is far from the initial € 870.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal in 2025?

Living costs vary by region. For a single person, the monthly budget is around € 1,800, while a family of four spends approximately € 3,304. Portugal ranks as the second most affordable country in Western Europe, but its expenses still significantly surpass those of Brazil.

Food and groceries:

• Executive menu: € 12
• Chicken breast (500g): € 3.36
• Cheese (500g): € 4.90
• Fast food: € 8

Housing (rent):

• T2 apartment in a prime area: € 1,518
• T2 apartment in a regular area: € 1,005
• Studio in a regular area: € 729

Transport and mobility:

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

Fixed expenses:

• Gym: € 34
• Electricity, water, and gas: € 112
• Medical consultation: € 65

Is it realistic to live only on the Portugal 2025 minimum wage?

Yes, but with important caveats. The feasibility depends on three main factors:

Location: in smaller cities and inland areas, the € 774.30 (net amount) can cover housing, food, and transportation with planning. In Lisbon and Porto, the reality is much tighter — rent alone consumes a large part of the income.

Financial habits: those who work with strict expense control can sustain themselves. But any medical unforeseen or family emergency threatens the balance.

Growth prospects: working at the minimum is usually a temporary situation. Ideally, you should have a professional progression plan to increase your earnings.

Professions and earnings in Portugal

The difference between earning only the minimum and having a qualified profession is huge in Portugal. Engineers, developers, healthcare professionals, and tech specialists can earn € 1,800 to € 3,500+ monthly. This is one of the main advantages for those with university degrees or valued experience in the European market.

With a standard 40-hour workweek (176 hours per month), the Portugal minimum wage 2025 represents an hourly rate of approximately € 4.94. Qualified professions can double, triple, or even quadruple this amount.

Portugal versus Brazil: what is the real difference?

The nominal comparison is misleading. While the Portugal 2025 minimum wage (€ 870) exceeds the Brazilian minimum (R$ 1,518) by more than three times, the financial context is different:

In Portugal:

• Gross salary: € 870
• Net salary: ~€ 774
• Basic living costs: € 1,800+ housing, food, transportation
• Financial margin: negative or very tight

In Brazil:

• Gross salary: R$ 1,518
• Proportionally smaller deductions
• Basic living costs: variable by region, but proportionally lower
• Financial margin: also tight, but less critical in some regions

The decisive factor is not just the nominal value, but the salary potential of your profession, the quality of life offered, and opportunities for professional advancement in the medium term.

Is it worth moving to Portugal in 2025?

The answer is: it depends on your profile.

For those with a qualified profession: Portugal offers a more stable environment, safety, infrastructure, and progressive salaries much higher than the minimum. The move tends to be advantageous.

For those who would only earn the minimum salary: it’s feasible, but requires strict planning, choosing a city with lower costs, and realistic expectations. It can serve as a transition step before securing a better-paying job.

Elements to consider before deciding:

• Demand for your profession in the Portuguese market
• Cost of living in the specific city where you will work
• Support network and close family
• Real opportunities for salary progression
• Quality of life beyond the purely financial aspect

Conclusion

The Portugal 2025 minimum wage remains a starting point for migration discussions. Although € 870 per month seems high compared to Brazil, the reality of the net income available after mandatory deductions about € 774 significantly changes the perspective when faced with local housing and living costs.

Portugal continues to be the second most affordable country in Western Europe, which is an advantage for Europeans. But for Brazilians, the decision goes beyond absolute numbers — it involves careful analysis of salary potential, professional opportunities, and the ability to adapt to the actual cost of living in each city. For those with qualifications, moving usually brings significant long-term returns.