Minimum Remuneration in Portugal 2025: Net Income, Expenses, and Financial Feasibility

Portugal continues to be an attractive destination for professionals seeking new opportunities. But before considering a move, it is essential to understand the financial reality: how much one actually earns, which deductions reduce the minimum wage, how remuneration varies across sectors, and whether the monthly budget is compatible with the standard of living. For 2025, the Portuguese government set the minimum wage at €870 per month in the mainland region, marking a new level after adjustments. This article provides a detailed analysis of gross earnings, mandatory deductions, salary ranges by professional area, and actual expenses in the main locations.

The Portuguese Minimum Wage in 2025

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

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

The government follows a schedule of gradual increases until 2026, reflecting efforts to bring the minimum remuneration closer to the European average. Still, Portugal ranks among the EU countries with the lowest minimum wage — according to Eurostat data.

Converting to reais: €870 is approximately R$5,584, a figure that significantly exceeds the Brazilian minimum wage. However, different professions earn well above this minimum, offering potential salaries that are much higher.

Deductions from the Minimum Wage: How Much Is Actually Received

Gross income is subject to mandatory deductions that reduce the available amount:

✔ Social Security Contribution (11%) — compulsory deduction for all workers

✔ IRS — Personal Income Tax — applies to incomes above the minimum, varying according to dependents and marital status

Concrete simulation:

• Initial salary: €870
• Social Security (11%): €95.70
• Net without IRS: €774.30

When IRS withholding applies, the available amount decreases proportionally.

Historical Progression of Minimum Remuneration

The upward trend over recent years demonstrates the government’s effort to raise the minimum wage. However, compared to neighboring Western European countries, Portugal remains in the lower strata.

How Much Different Professions Earn in Portugal

Salaries vary considerably depending on specialization. Qualified professionals earn exponentially more than the minimum, often two, three, or even four times higher per hour of work.

With a minimum wage of €870:

• Monthly working hours: 176 hours
• Hourly rate: ~€4.94
• Half-time: about €435 per month

Living Expenses in Portugal: Budget Feasibility

Data from Expatistan indicate monthly costs for:

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

Portugal ranks as the second most affordable country in Western Europe.

Food:

• Fast food meal: €8
• Main course (restaurant): €12
• 500g chicken: €3.36
• 500g cheese: €4.90

Housing:

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

Transport:

• Fuel: €1.69/liter
• Municipal transit pass: €35

Utilities and Services:

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

Living on the minimum wage is feasible, especially in medium-sized cities. In metropolises like Lisbon and Porto, it requires strict budget management.

Comparison: Portugal Versus Brazil for Potential Migrants

The comparison between the two countries reveals important nuances. Portugal offers €870 (≈R$5,500–R$5,600) while Brazil sets the minimum at R$1,518 — a figure three times lower.

However, the cost of living in Portugal is also substantially higher. Rent, food, and mobility consume a significant portion of income in both territories.

After deductions, the Portuguese net income hovers around €770, while in Brazil, deductions tend to be smaller percentage-wise. Consequently, the available margin after essential expenses may be closer to expectations.

Comparative analysis:

• Portugal pays more, but expenses are also higher
• Brazil pays less, although some basic costs are relatively affordable
• Higher-skilled professions earn much higher salaries in Portugal

Final Considerations

In 2025, Portugal’s minimum wage continues to attract Brazilian professionals seeking career advancement and better quality of life. Although the nominal value is substantially higher than in Brazil, expenses — especially in centers like Lisbon and Porto — require careful budget planning and realistic assessment of actual income.

For workers with advanced education or valued experience in the European market, Portugal tends to offer more favorable prospects. For those earning only the minimum, the outcome depends on geographic location, consumption habits, and opportunities for professional growth.

The decision should consider not only nominal figures but the overall picture: potential salary in your profession, local cost of living, taxation, demand for skills, and personal goals. Understanding these elements ensures a safe and financially sustainable transition.