Moving to Portugal in 2025: what do those who want to migrate really gain?

When considering moving abroad, many Brazilians question whether Portugal’s minimum wage truly compensates. The answer isn’t simple: although the nominal amount seems attractive, we need to examine the real purchasing power, mandatory deductions, and the overall economic scenario. In 2025, Portugal offers a minimum salary of €870 per month in the mainland, but what you actually take home after deductions is quite different from what it appears at first glance.

How much do those earning Portugal’s minimum wage receive

The minimum wage in Portugal in 2025 has been set at €870 per month for the mainland region, representing a gradual increase from €820 in 2024. This movement reflects the government’s strategy to gradually bring Portugal closer to the European average salary, although the country still remains among those with the lowest minimum wages in Europe.

In the islands, the amounts are slightly higher:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

Converting to Brazilian currency, Portugal’s minimum wage amounts to approximately R$5,584, depending on the EUR/BRL exchange rate. This figure may surprise at first glance but deserves contextualization within the European economic reality.

Deductions that reduce the net salary

Any professional in Portugal faces significant deductions on their paycheck. The main deductions are:

Social Security:: 11% of gross salary — mandatory for all, without exception

IRS (Income Tax) — applies to earnings above the minimum, varying according to family situation and dependents

In a practical example: a worker earning €870 has a Social Security deduction of €95.70, resulting in an approximate net salary of €774.30 before considering any IRS withholding. If there are additional deductions, this amount decreases further.

Salary increase trajectory

The evolution of Portugal’s minimum wage shows a trend of continuous increases, reflecting the government’s commitment to value workers’ remuneration. However, even with these adjustments, Portugal remains below the average salary of countries like Germany, France, and the UK.

What different professions earn in Portugal

Earnings vary substantially depending on specialization and experience:

Technical and specialized professions (nurses, engineers, programmers) earn from €1,400 to €2,800 monthly, while administrative roles range between €1,000 and €1,600. Salespeople and retail workers earn between €950 and €1,300, and experienced (teachers) can earn €1,800 to €2,200.

In 40-hour workweeks (176 hours per month), the hourly rate at minimum wage is approximately €4.94. Skilled professionals earn two to four times this amount per hour.

Cost of living: the necessary side of the coin

Understanding the cost of living is as crucial as knowing Portugal’s minimum wage. Data indicates that a single person needs €1,800 per month to live comfortably, while a family of four requires approximately €3,304.

Food: a set menu costs €12, chicken (500g) costs €3.36, and cheese (500g) costs €4.90. Fast food meals are around €8.

Housing: this is the heaviest expense. A T2 apartment in a prime area costs around €1,518 per month, while in common regions, rent drops to €1,005. A studio in a regular area costs €729.

Transport: gasoline is €1.69 per liter, and a monthly public transport pass costs €35.

Essential services: gym membership costs €34, electricity plus water and gas €112, and a private medical consultation €65.

Portugal vs Brazil: a comparison that goes beyond numbers

In 2025, the contrast between Portugal’s minimum wage (€870) and Brazil’s minimum wage (R$1,518) seems staggering when converted. Portugal’s minimum wage exceeds three times the Brazilian amount when expressed in reais.

However, this superficial comparison masks a more complex reality. In Portugal, after all deductions, a minimum wage worker receives approximately €770 net. In Brazil, deductions are proportionally smaller, leaving the worker with a slightly higher percentage of the gross amount.

The crucial difference lies in mandatory costs: housing in Lisbon or Porto consumes a large part of the budget, while certain basic items in Brazilian cities (private education, health plans) represent similar proportions.

Conclusion of the comparison: Portugal offers higher purchasing power for specialized professionals, but for those earning only the minimum wage, the margin of advantage is narrower than expected.

Living on minimum wage in Portugal: is it feasible?

The answer depends on important variables:

• Location: in Lisbon and Porto, strict budget control is required. In medium-sized cities, it becomes more manageable.
• Lifestyle: those living in regular areas, using public transportation, and preparing meals at home can sustain themselves.
• Fixed expenses: the fewer dependents and financial commitments, the better the feasibility.

Technically, it is possible, but the quality of life will be modest. For professionals with training, prospects are substantially better.

What kind of person should consider Portugal

Portugal offers favorable scenarios for specialized professionals who can earn above the minimum wage. Engineers, programmers, health professionals, and tech specialists find significant demand with attractive remuneration.

For workers who would only receive Portugal’s minimum wage, the analysis should include: personal lifestyle, tolerance for high housing costs, career advancement opportunities, and social security offered by the Portuguese state (which is more robustly structured compared to Brazil).

Making the final decision

Migrating to Portugal requires a multifactorial analysis, not just comparing Portugal’s minimum wage with Brazilian values. Assess your profession in the Portuguese market, identify cities where your expertise is in demand, calculate the specific cost of living in your intended location, and project medium-term professional growth scenarios.

For those with technical training or valued experience in the European market, Portugal offers significant potential. For those starting in roles with minimum pay, the decision requires more careful planning and tolerance for a period of tighter financial adaptation.