The Minimum Wage in Portugal 2025: A Detailed Analysis for Those Seeking Opportunities

When it comes to minimum remuneration in Portugal, many questions arise especially among professionals considering an international move. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the minimum wage in Portugal, mandatory deductions, sector variations, and what can actually be saved after all deductions.

Portuguese Minimum Remuneration in 2025: The Real Numbers

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

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Converted to Brazilian reais, €870 is approximately R$ 5,584, a significantly higher amount than the Brazilian national minimum wage. However, within the European Union, Portugal still maintains one of the lowest minimum wages, according to Eurostat records.

This increase reflects the government’s commitment to gradually raising the standard of living, with adjustments planned until 2026.

Understanding Deductions: From Gross to Net

The transition from gross to net salary involves mandatory deductions that significantly reduce the amount received. The main deductions are:

Social Security (11%): This contribution is mandatory for all workers. On a salary of €870, it results in a deduction of €95.70.

IRS (Personal Income Tax): Applied according to income and family situation. Workers earning exclusively the minimum wage may have reduced or zero withholding, depending on dependents and other factors.

Practical calculation example:

• Minimum wage: €870
• Social Security deduction (11%): €95.70
• Salary after this deduction: €774.30
• If additional IRS withholding applies, the final amount may decrease further

Most workers earning the minimum wage receive between €750 and €800 net, after all deductions.

Historical Progression of the Portuguese Minimum Wage

The trajectory of minimum wage increases in Portugal over the last five years demonstrates a continuous policy of valuing the base remuneration:

• 2021: €665
• 2022: €705
• 2023: €760
• 2024: €820
• 2025: €870

This progressive growth reflects efforts to approach European standards, although Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe.

Salary Variation by Professional Sector

Remuneration in Portugal varies substantially depending on the profession and experience. Qualified professionals earn multiples of the minimum:

• Software Developer: €1,800–€2,500
• Civil Engineer: €1,600–€2,200
• Nurse: €1,300–€1,800
• University Professor: €2,000–€3,000
• IT Technician: €1,200–€1,700
• Salesperson: €900–€1,400
• Cook: €900–€1,300

Values refer to standard 40-hour workweeks.

Hourly Rate and Part-Time Work

With a minimum salary of €870 distributed over a monthly schedule of 176 hours, the hourly rate is approximately €4.94. For part-time (20 hours per week), the monthly remuneration is around €435.

Technical and specialized professions can earn two, three, or even four times this hourly rate.

Cost of Living: The Other Side of the Equation

Understanding the cost of living is essential to assess whether the remuneration is adequate. Portugal ranks as the 2nd most affordable country in Western Europe:

For one person: ~€1,800/month
For a family of 4: ~€3,304/month

Expense Breakdown:

Food:

• Meal at a casual restaurant: €8–€12
• (500g) Chicken: €3.36
• (500g) Cheese: €4.90
• (1L) Milk: €0.80

Housing (rent):

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

Transport:

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

Services and Utilities:

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

Is It Feasible to Live on the Minimum Wage?

The answer depends on several factors:

Location: In capitals (Lisbon, Porto), living solely on the minimum wage requires strict budgeting. In medium and small cities, adaptation is more feasible.

Lifestyle: Sharing accommodation, home-cooked meals, and public transportation significantly reduce expenses.

Fixed expenses: Rent typically consumes 40–50% of income, leaving little for other needs in large urban centers.

In practice, a worker earning only the minimum in Lisbon would live with a very tight margin, while in inland cities, they could save small amounts.

Comparison: Portugal Minimum Wage Versus Brazil

Although €870 is more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage (R$1,518), this superficial comparison masks different economic realities.

In Portugal:

• Gross minimum wage: €870
• Typical net salary: €770–€800
• Monthly cost of living (1 person): €1,800
• Income/costs ratio: Very tight at minimum wage

In Brazil:

• Minimum wage: R$1,518
• Monthly cost of living (1 person): R$1,200–R$2,000 depending on region
• Usually lower deductions
• Income/costs ratio: Equally challenging

The conclusion is that both countries present difficulties for those living only on the minimum wage. The difference is that Portugal offers higher salary opportunities for qualified professionals, while basic costs like rent in major centers are proportionally higher.

Perspectives for Those Wishing to Work in Portugal

For qualified workers: The prospects are very positive. In-demand professions (technology, engineering, health) receive remunerations that enable savings and quality of life.

For those earning the minimum wage: Portugal can offer stability and robust social security, but careful financial planning is required, especially if choosing large cities.

Critical factors for decision-making:

• Actual salary potential in your profession (not just the minimum)
• Chosen city (Lisbon and Porto are significantly more expensive)
• Opportunities for career progression in the medium term
• Social security and health benefits

Conclusion: A Realistic Assessment

The minimum wage in Portugal of €870 in 2025 continues to attract interest from Brazilian professionals and others. Gross remuneration is substantially higher than in Brazil, but the Portuguese cost of living — especially in Lisbon and Porto — quickly consumes disposable income.

For workers with valued skills in the European market, Portugal represents a solid opportunity with prospects for economic growth and long-term security. For those relying solely on the minimum wage, experiences vary significantly depending on location, consumption habits, and savings capacity.

The decision to move to Portugal should consider not only nominal figures but the entire context: your potential earnings in your profession, the specific cost of the chosen city, tax burden, demand for your professional profile, and personal goals. Understanding these dimensions is essential for making a safe and financially sustainable move.