How much does a worker in Portugal earn: net minimum wage, deductions, and financial reality

When talking about immigration to Portugal, one of the first questions is: how much do you actually receive after deductions? For those coming from Brazil, the answer is not simple. The gross amount of the minimum wage in Portugal reaches €870 per month in 2025, but the net income (after taxes and contributions) is significantly lower. This article uncovers the real numbers, showing not only what you earn but what actually remains at the end of the month.

Gross numbers vs. the reality of Portugal’s minimum wage

In 2025, Portugal set the minimum wage at €870 per month for the mainland — an increase of €50 compared to 2024. In the autonomous regions, the values are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Converting to Brazilian reais, these amounts range around R$5,580 to R$5,900, depending on the euro exchange rate. At first glance, it seems like a considerable amount compared to the Brazilian minimum of R$1,518(, but the analysis changes when mandatory deductions are accounted for.

Mandatory deductions: where does part of your salary go

The gross salary undergoes two main deductions:

Social Security: 11% mandatory
All Portuguese workers contribute 11% of their salary to the social security system. On a minimum wage, this automatically deducts €95.70.

IRS )Personal Income Tax(
This is the Portuguese income tax. The amount varies depending on family situation, dependents, and region — but those earning only the minimum often are exempt or have minimal withholding. Still, it’s important to be aware of this possibility.

Practical example of net minimum wage:

• Gross salary: €870
• Social Security contribution )-11%(: -€95.70
• Net minimum salary )without IRS(: €774.30

For a worker without dependents in a typical situation, the final amount usually falls between €760 and €780. This represents a reduction of approximately 11% just with Social Security.

How much do you earn per hour and in part-time jobs

With a monthly working hours of 176 hours )standard 40 hours per week(, the hourly rate is around €4.94. For those working part-time, the monthly earnings would be approximately €435 )also subject to the same deductions(.

Qualified professions )engineering, healthcare, technology( can earn two to four times more per hour, which significantly changes the financial scenario.

Salary variation by sector: not everyone earns the minimum

Although the minimum wage is the legal floor, compensation varies greatly depending on the profession:

• Technology professionals: €1,500–€3,000+
• Nurses: €1,200–€1,800
• Teachers: €1,000–€1,500
• Salespeople: €800–€1,200
• Administrative assistants: €700–€1,000

This variation is crucial in migration decisions. Many Brazilians seeking opportunities in Portugal manage to position themselves in careers with earnings above the minimum.

Actual cost of living: how much is needed to live comfortably

Portugal is the second cheapest country in Western Europe, but “cheap” is relative. For a single person, monthly costs are around €1,800. A family of four spends approximately €3,300.

Main expenses:

Food: Fast food for €8, set menu in a restaurant for €12, chicken )500g( for €3.36

Housing: A T2 apartment )85m²( in a central area costs over €1,500, while in more distant neighborhoods it costs €1,000. A studio in a common area: €750

Transport: Monthly bus pass €35, gasoline at €1.69/liter

Essential services: Gym €34, electricity + water + gas €110, medical consultation €65

Direct comparison: Portugal versus Brazil for workers

A worker earning the minimum wage in Portugal earns nominally 3.6 times more than in Brazil. However, the cost of living is also significantly higher.

In Brazil: Minimum wage R$1,518, lower proportional deductions, more affordable rent and food in many regions.

In Portugal: Minimum wage €870 )~R$5,580(, higher deductions )11% Social Security + possible IRS(, rent and food with European prices, but more robust public services.

After paying rent, food, and transportation in Lisbon or Porto, a minimum wage worker has a tight margin. In smaller cities, the situation is more comfortable.

Is it feasible to live solely on the Portuguese minimum wage?

Yes, but with important caveats:

In big cities )Lisbon, Porto(: Requires strict budget control. Rent consumes 40–50% of income, leaving little for leisure and emergencies.

In medium-sized cities: More feasible. Rent is lower and some services cost less.

Lifestyle: Those who cook at home, use public transportation, and avoid leisure expenses can sustain themselves. Those who dine out, go to bars, and buy premium brands will face difficulties.

Salary progression: the factor of time

A frequently overlooked aspect is that, after the first two years in Portugal, salary increases are common. European companies value local experience and performance. Someone starting with the minimum wage can reach €1,200–€1,500 in a few years, especially in in-demand sectors.

Is migrating to Portugal worth it considering salaries?

The answer depends on multiple factors:

Favorable for:

• Qualified professionals )engineers, programmers, healthcare workers(: earn well above the minimum
• Those seeking security and robust social benefits
• People willing to live in small cities or peripheral regions

Unfavorable for:

• Those who would only earn the minimum and want to live in Lisbon or Porto
• Professionals without specific market-demanded qualifications
• Those who cannot adapt to higher costs than Brazil

Final considerations

The net minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 is around €770–€780 after deductions. Comparing this numerically to Brazil can be misleading. What truly matters is to evaluate:

1. What profession you have and how much you would specifically earn in Portugal
2. Which city you plan to live in
3. If you are open to lifestyle changes
4. Your prospects for professional growth in the medium term

For workers with skills demanded in the European market, opportunities in Portugal tend to be more attractive. For those relying solely on the minimum wage, the move requires careful planning and possibly income supplementation in the initial months.