Is working in Portugal worth it? A real analysis of salary, costs, and opportunities in 2025

Many Brazilians dream of the possibility of moving to Portugal in search of financial stability and a better quality of life. But the question that never leaves their mind is always the same: after all, is earning in euros worth it when considering what needs to be spent? To answer this question with concrete data, it’s necessary to go beyond nominal numbers and understand the real purchasing power, mandatory deductions, and the context of each Portuguese region.

What is the minimum wage in Portugal in 2025?

Portugal adjusted its minimum wage at the beginning of 2025, reaching € 870 per month for the mainland territory. This amount represents an increase of € 50 compared to the previous year, when the minimum was € 820. The salary progression follows a government strategy to approach the European average, although Portugal remains among the countries with the most modest minimum wages in the bloc.

In the islands, the situation is slightly different:

• Autonomous Region of Madeira: € 913.50
• Autonomous Region of the Azores: € 915

Converting to Brazilian reais, Portugal’s minimum wage in 2025 corresponds to approximately R$ 5,584, based on the current exchange rate. For context, this amount exceeds the Brazilian minimum wage of R$ 1,518 by more than three times. However, this superficial comparison can be misleading for those unfamiliar with the details of the Portuguese economy.

What’s actually left in the wallet? Deductions and net salary

Receiving € 870 doesn’t mean taking home € 870. The gross salary undergoes mandatory deductions that significantly reduce the available amount:

Social Security Contribution: The rate of 11% is mandatory for all employed persons. On the minimum wage, this amounts to € 95.70 per month.

Income Tax (IRS): Portugal’s tax regime is progressive and considers dependents, marital status, and other family conditions. Not everyone earning the minimum pays IRS, but when applicable, it further reduces the final income.

A typical scenario: single worker, no dependents, earning € 870

• Gross salary: € 870
• Social Security deduction (11%): € 95.70
• Salary after mandatory deduction: € 774.30
• If there is additional IRS withholding: reduction of € 20 to € 50 (depending on bracket)

In practice, net salary hovers between € 750 and € 774, depending on individual circumstances. This is the actual amount that enters the bank account and funds daily life.

How much does it cost to live in Portugal? The invisible side of moving

Earning more in euros means little if expenses also skyrocket. The cost of living in Portugal is substantially higher than in Brazil, especially in the two main cities. According to data from specialized international cost-of-living agencies:

Estimated monthly expenses:

• Single person: € 1,800
• Family of 4: € 3,304

Portugal ranks as the 2nd most affordable country in Western Europe, but this classification is relative. Compared to Brazil, prices are much higher in nearly all categories.

Food: Essential and visible in the budget

• Fast food (fast food): € 8
• Set menu in a restaurant: € 12
• Chicken breast (500g): € 3.36
• Cheese (500g): € 4.90
• Whole wheat bread: € 1.20
• Liter of milk: € 0.85

Housing: The biggest impact on the wallet

Rent is often the main monthly expense. Prices vary greatly depending on location:

• T2 apartment (85m²) in a prime area of Lisbon or Porto: € 1,518
• T2 apartment in a common area: € 1,005
• Studio in a less central region: € 729
• Rented room in shared house: € 400 to € 550

Those earning the minimum wage will find it difficult to afford a private apartment rent without sacrificing other expenses. The common solution is to share housing with colleagues or live in peripheral cities and commute daily.

Transportation and mobility

• Gasoline: € 1.69 per liter
• Monthly public transport pass in Lisbon/Porto: € 35
• Single transportation ticket: € 1.80
• Parking in central zones: € 1 to € 2 per hour

( Essential services and well-being

• Gym membership: € 34
• Electricity + water + gas bill )apartment###: € 112
• Private medical consultation: € 65
• Men’s haircut: € 10
• Cell phone (postpaid plan with data): € 25 to € 40

The comparison that matters: Portugal versus Brazil for those considering migration

When comparing only the nominal numbers (€ 870 versus R$ 1,518), Portugal seems to be the unquestionable winner. However, the economic truth lies elsewhere: in real purchasing power and the proportion of expenses relative to income.

Scenario 1: Earning minimum wage

Portugal:

• Gross income: € 870
• Net income: € 770 (approximately)
• Average rent: € 800 to € 1,000
• Result: deficit (spends more than earns)

Brazil:

• Minimum income: R$ 1,518
• Smaller deductions than Portugal: approximately R$ 150 to R$ 200
• Effective income: R$ 1,318
• Affordable rent in accessible region: R$ 600 to R$ 800
• Result: positive margin, though tight

This analysis reveals an uncomfortable truth: living solely on the minimum wage in Portugal is practically impossible. It’s necessary to have other income sources, live in a small city, or share expenses.

Scenario 2: Qualified professions

The dynamics change completely for those with specialized training or valued experience:

• Software developer: € 2,000 to € 3,500
• Nurse: € 1,400 to € 1,800
• University professor: € 2,200 to € 3,000
• Project manager: € 1,800 to € 2,500
• Specialized translators: € 1,600 to € 2,200

In this income range, Portugal offers a clear advantage: after deductions, there is still considerable purchasing power and savings opportunities.

How much is each hour worked worth in Portugal?

With a standard 40-hour workweek, the hourly wage for minimum wage earners is approximately:

• Total monthly hours: 176
• Gross hourly rate: € 4.94
• Part-time work (20h weekly): € 435 monthly

Qualified professionals can earn from € 10 to € 20 per hour, representing an exponential difference at the end of the month.

Is it feasible to live on minimum wage in Portugal?

The honest answer is: it depends. Feasible doesn’t mean comfortable.

Scenarios where it’s possible:

• Small and medium-sized cities (outside Lisbon, Porto, and Cascais)
• Shared living (split rent with others)
• No extra expenses (car, travel, expensive hobbies)
• Access to additional social benefits
• Family financial support

Scenarios where it becomes unsustainable:

• Living alone in Lisbon or Porto
• Need for a personal car
• Expenses with children or dependents
• Lack of social support network

In big cities, the minimum wage covers either rent OR food and transportation, rarely all three simultaneously. Reality forces many Portuguese and immigrants to seek additional income or move to more affordable regions.

Professional progression as a decisive factor

For immigrants with valued qualifications in the European market, Portugal offers genuine opportunity. Starting salaries are modest compared to countries like Germany or Switzerland, but costs are also lower. Moreover, career progression in Portugal tends to generate significant raises after gaining experience.

A Brazilian with an international diploma or certification starting as a trainee at € 1,200 can reach € 2,000 to € 2,500 in 18 to 24 months. At this level, quality of life improves drastically.

Final considerations: Does moving make sense?

Deciding to move to Portugal cannot be based solely on the minimum wage. It’s necessary to evaluate:

• Your profession and specific earning potential in the Portuguese market
• The city chosen (Lisbon, Porto, and Cascais are significantly more expensive than inland)
• Support network and the possibility of sharing costs
• Medium-term goals and professional growth prospects
• Tax burden and social benefits Portugal offers
• Demand for your skills in your area of expertise

For qualified professionals or those transitioning careers, Portugal offers stability, security, and real prospects for financial progress. For those relying solely on the minimum wage, the challenge is greater — but not impossible, especially in regions outside the megapoles.

Moving to Portugal is less about earning more in euros and more about building a solid professional trajectory in an environment of growing opportunities. Isolated numbers can be deceptive; the full context reveals the truth.