How much do you earn in Portugal in 2025: The minimum wage, taxes, and what really remains

For those considering working in Portugal, the most common question is not just what the minimum wage in Portugal 2024 or the current value is, but rather: how much will I actually receive after all deductions? The answer is more complex than it seems, and understanding the difference between gross salary, net salary, and real purchasing power is essential for making an informed decision.

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025: Numbers and reality

In 2025, the minimum wage for 2024 Portugal has been updated. The new minimum salary reached €870 per month on the mainland — a significant increase compared to €820 in 2024. In the Portuguese islands, the values are slightly higher: Madeira offers €913.50 and Azores, €915.

This adjustment is part of a government policy of gradual increase of the minimum wage until 2026, reflecting Portugal’s attempt to approach the European average. Still, according to Eurostat data, Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in the European Union.

Converting to the Brazilian reality: €870 is approximately R$5,584, that is, more than three times the Brazilian minimum wage. However, this nominal comparison is misleading. What truly matters is how much is left in your pocket after all tax obligations and what the living expenses are in Portugal.

How much is really left: Deductions and withholdings

Here lies the critical point. A minimum salary of €870 does not mean you will receive €870 every month. The deductions are significant:

Social Security: 11% mandatory deduction
All workers contribute 11% to the Portuguese social protection system. For the minimum wage, this amounts to €95.70 per month.

IRS (Personal Income Tax)
This is the Portuguese income tax, applied progressively according to salary level, marital status, and number of dependents.

Calculating in practice:

• Gross salary: €870
• Social Security deduction (-11%): €95.70
• Subtotal before IRS: €774.30
• IRS withholding (varies, but estimated between 14-18% for singles): approximately €130 to €140
• Actual net salary: €630 to €645

This nearly 25% difference between what is announced and what actually enters your account is a decisive factor that many Brazilians overlook during their planning for relocation.

Salaries by profession: The real potential

The truth is that the minimum wage mainly affects less qualified workers. Specialized professions earn considerably more:

• Nurses: €1,200 to €1,600
• Teachers: €1,400 to €2,000 (depending on experience)
• Engineers: €1,800 to €3,000+
• Programmers/IT: €1,500 to €3,500+
• Specialized health professionals: €2,000+
• Sales and customer service: €900 to €1,300

For professionals with higher education or international experience, the differential is exponentially greater — and the net income available makes moving to Portugal much more financially attractive.

The value of hourly work

With 176 hours of work per month (standard 40-hour workweek), the Portuguese minimum wage results in approximately €4.94 per hour. A part-time contract would generate about €435 per month.

Qualified professions can earn from €10 to €20+ per hour, significantly expanding the possibilities to save or improve your standard of living.

Actual expenses: How much does it cost to live in Portugal

Understanding the cost of living is as important as knowing the minimum wage 2024 Portugal. According to 2025 data:

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

Portugal is the second most affordable country in Western Europe, but expenses vary drastically depending on the location.

Food

• Executive menu (restaurant): €12
• Fast food: €8
• Chicken (500g): €3.36
• Cheese (500g): €4.90
• Milk (1L): €0.85
• Bread (500g): €1.20

Housing

Here is the biggest difference between cities:

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

Lisbon and Porto have prices 40-50% above average cities. Covilhã, Guarda, or Viseu offer housing for €400-600, completely changing the financial scenario.

Transportation

• Gasoline: €1.69/liter
• Monthly public transport pass: €35
• Car insurance: €400-600/year

Essential services

• Gym: €34/month
• Electricity + water + gas: €112/month
• Medical consultation: €65
• Internet + phone: €45/month

Living on the minimum wage: Is it really possible?

Technically yes, but with important caveats:

In Lisbon or Porto: Very difficult. With €645 net, after rent (€800-1,000), you would have only €100-150 for food, transportation, insurance, and leisure. It would be subsistence, not quality of life.

In medium-sized cities: More feasible. With rent at €500-700 and net income of €645, you would have €200-300 for other expenses — tight, but possible with financial discipline.

Recommendation: The minimum wage allows survival in Portugal only in very specific scenarios — whether in small towns, sharing housing, or already having savings.

Portugal vs Brazil: Who really earns more?

The paradoxical conclusion: Portugal pays more nominally, but you end up squeezed just the same — simply in a different context. The Portuguese advantage only emerges for qualified professionals earning 2-3x above the minimum and enjoying a better European standard of living.

When does it really make sense to migrate to Portugal

The move makes financial sense if you:

• Have higher education or recognized professional experience: Salaries jump to €1,500+, completely changing the equation
• Can work remotely: Working for a Brazilian or international company with Portuguese cost of living — the ideal combination
• Are young and can invest in your career: Portugal offers stability, social benefits, and long-term growth opportunities
• Prioritize European quality of life: Besides money, access to healthcare, education, safety, and political stability

Conclusion: What really matters

The minimum wage 2024 Portugal is just a number. What makes the decision to move is understanding:

1. The actual net income )not the announced gross(
2. The specific cost of the city where you will live
3. Your salary potential in your chosen profession
4. The time horizon )short-term vs long-term(

For Brazilians earning minimum wage in Portugal, the experience is challenging. For professionals with valued skills, it is an open door to significantly improve income and quality of life. The key is to plan realistically, know the numbers precisely, and choose the right city for your financial profile.