Working in Portugal: What You Really Earn and Spend with the Minimum Wage

For Brazilians dreaming of an opportunity in Europe, Portugal emerges as an attractive destination. But before packing your bags, it is crucial to understand the financial reality: how much you earn, how many deductions come out of your paycheck, and what remains at the end of the month after paying bills. The scenario is more complex than it seems when converting euros to reais.

How much do you really earn in Portugal in 2025?

The minimum wage in Portugal reached €870 per month on the mainland starting in 2025, representing an increase from €820 in 2024. In the islands, the numbers are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Translating to Brazilian currency, this amount corresponds to approximately R$5,584, a figure that initially impresses. However, contextualizing this amount within the European Union reveals that Portugal maintains one of the lowest minimum wages in the continent, according to Eurostat statistics.

The trajectory of annual increases reflects the government’s effort to gradually raise wages, with scheduled adjustments until 2026.

What comes out of your paycheck: mandatory deductions

Here is the critical point that many ignore. Your gross salary faces significant deductions before reaching your bank account:

Social Security: 11% is a mandatory deduction for everyone
IRS (Income Tax): Applies to those earning above the minimum, varying according to dependents and family composition

In practice, those earning the minimum wage see the following disappear:

• Initial salary: €870
• Social Security deduction (11%): €95.70
• Preliminary net: €774.30

If IRS applies, the final amount decreases even further. Comparing with Brazil, Portuguese deductions are proportionally larger, despite the nominal salary being higher.

How much do professionals earn in different sectors?

Earnings in Portugal vary substantially by field. Qualified professionals usually earn well above the minimum wage. Each profession follows the standard 40-hour workweek with its own salary ranges. The earning potential increases significantly for those with higher education or valued experience in the European market.

How much does it really cost to live in Portugal?

This is the decisive difference. Portugal is considered the second most affordable country in Western Europe in terms of cost of living, but prices still significantly surpass those in Brazil:

Monthly budget per household:

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

Typical monthly expenses:

Housing is the biggest expense:

• 2-bedroom apartment (85m²) in a upscale neighborhood: €1,518
• Same property in a common area: €1,005
• Studio in a peripheral region: €729

Food, with large variation:

• Fast food meal: €8
• Set menu in a restaurant: €12
• Chicken (500g): €3.36
• Cheese (500g): €4.90

Other monthly expenses:

• Transportation pass: €35
• Gasoline: €1.69/liter
• Gym: €34
• Electricity, water, and gas bill: €112
• Private medical consultation: €65

Comparison: Portugal versus Brazil for those earning little

Numerically, Portugal’s minimum wage (€870) convertible to R$5,500-5,600 exceeds more than three times the Brazilian minimum of R$1,518. However, this nominal advantage diminishes significantly when considering total expenses.

In Portugal, after mandatory deductions, disposable income approaches €770. In Brazil, workers earning minimum wage face smaller deductions, preserving a higher percentage of gross pay.

Both face financial pressure, but for different reasons:

Portugal: Higher salary, but daily costs (housing, food, transportation) are also substantially higher
Brazil: Lower salary, but some basic costs maintain a more favorable proportion

Those with professional qualifications come out ahead in this equation: Portugal offers exponentially higher earnings for in-demand professions.

Is it possible to live on the minimum wage in Portugal?

Technically yes, but with important caveats:

The answer depends on three variables:

• Location (Lisbon and Porto drain budgets; medium-sized cities allow more comfort)
• Lifestyle (spending discipline is non-negotiable)
• Fixed expenses structure (having dependents or debts complicates)

In capital cities, the scenario requires meticulous planning, almost no room for improvisation. In smaller cities, the equation becomes more feasible.

Is it worth migrating to Portugal considering these numbers?

The decision goes beyond simple currency conversion. It is recommended to evaluate:

• The earning potential of your specific profession, not just the minimum
• The exact cost of living in the city where you plan to settle
• Tax deductions and social benefits (access to public health, education)
• Demand for your professional niche in the Portuguese market
• Personal goals (short-term gains versus long-term stability)

For qualified workers, Portugal represents a concrete opportunity. For those only able to find minimum-wage jobs, the experience is more challenging but still feasible in less central cities.

Conclusion

Portugal’s minimum wage of €870 in 2025 initially impresses Brazilians, especially when converted to reais. However, this impression quickly diminishes when confronting the actual net income against the cost of living in Portugal. The country offers a favorable scenario for professionals with valued education and experience; for those earning only the minimum, it requires significant adaptation and strategic location choice. Successful migration depends less on isolated numbers and more on a comprehensive understanding of Portugal’s economic, tax, and professional context.