Portugal in 2025: How much you earn per hour and what really remains at the end of the month

In recent years, Portugal has become a popular destination for Brazilians seeking financial stability and a better quality of life. But the real question is: how much is left after mandatory deductions and expenses? To answer accurately, it’s necessary to go beyond the gross numbers and understand what €870 per month means in terms of purchasing power and hourly earnings.

How much do you earn per hour in Portugal?

Let’s start with the metric that many ignore: the amount earned each hour of work. With the minimum wage set at €870 for 2025 (in relation to a standard 176-hour workweek per month), the worker receives approximately €4.94 per hour on a full-time basis.

For part-time workers, the monthly equivalent is around €435, proportionally distributed. This hourly rate, although higher than in Brazil, should be analyzed considering local costs — from housing to food.

Professionals with specific qualifications or proven experience can earn two, three, or even four times this hourly rate, depending on the sector.

The Portuguese minimum wage in 2025: regional details

The mainland territory has a floor of €870 per month, reflecting a government policy of gradual wage increases. However, autonomous regions have slightly higher levels:

• Madeira: €913.50
• Azores: €915

These values represent a clear evolution compared to the €820 recorded in 2024, demonstrating a trajectory toward European averages, although Portugal remains among the countries with the lowest minimum wages in Western Europe according to statistical data.

What is the net salary? Deductions that reduce income

Here lies the central issue for those planning to move. From the nominal value of €870, mandatory deductions significantly reduce the amount received:

Social Security: 11% mandatory deduction for all employees, amounting to €95.70

Portuguese Income Tax (IRS): Applied progressively based on family size and civil status of the taxpayer

Simulating a scenario without dependents, the Social Security deduction results in an initial income of €774.30. The subsequent application of IRS can reduce this amount by an additional 5% to 8%, leaving the worker with roughly €710 to €730 available per month.

Cost of living: the context that determines viability

To properly assess whether it is feasible to live on these amounts, one must consider actual expenses. According to surveys by specialized platforms:

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

Portugal remains the second most affordable country in Western Europe, yet with costs substantially higher than in Brazil.

( Typical monthly expense breakdown:

Housing — the largest budget item:

• T2 in central area: €1,518
• T2 in common area: €1,005
• Peripheral studio: €729

Food:

• Fast food meal: €8
• Set menu at a restaurant: €12
• Fresh products )chicken, cheese###: €3.36 to €4.90 per unit

Transport:

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

Utilities and services:

• Electricity, water, gas: €112
• Gym membership: €34
• Private medical consultation: €65

Qualified professionals: earnings significantly different

While the minimum wage sets a floor, earnings in Portugal vary widely depending on specialization and experience. Engineers, programmers, healthcare professionals, and specialized technicians earn between €1,500 and €3,500 per month, drastically changing the economic equation.

For these professionals, after deductions, available income allows savings or investments in quality of life, making Portugal a truly attractive option.

Portugal-Brazil comparison: real purchasing power

The Portuguese minimum wage (€870, approximately R$5,500–R$5,600 depending on exchange rates) exceeds the Brazilian (R$1,518) by more than three times nominally.

However, the cost of living is also proportionally higher. While a minimum-wage worker in Portugal has an available income close to €710, the same worker in Brazil faces smaller deductions but higher living costs relative to income.

The Portuguese advantage is especially solid for professionals with valued qualifications in the European market — in these cases, the salary difference is exponentially greater than the additional costs.

Is it feasible to live on the minimum wage in Portugal?

Technically yes, but with important caveats:

In smaller cities: easier adaptation, with the possibility of cheaper housing and less financial pressure

In Lisbon and Porto: requires strict financial control, prioritizing peripheral housing and reducing discretionary expenses

Financial dependents: having dependents or prior commitments makes the experience more challenging

Informed decision: criteria to evaluate the move

Before migrating, consider:

1. Your specific salary for your profession — don’t limit yourself to the minimum, research the average remuneration for your field
2. Strategic location — Lisbon and Porto consume 45-50% of income; medium-sized cities reduce this percentage to 30-35%
3. Growth trajectory — Portugal offers higher salary progression opportunities than Brazil for qualified professions
4. Safety and benefits — Portugal’s healthcare and social security systems are long-term investments
5. Personal goals — quality of life change vs. financial accumulation define the best strategy

Conclusion: Portugal beyond the numbers

The minimum wage of €870 in 2025 will be a viable opportunity for some, insufficient for others. The reality depends less on the absolute value and more on how it fits your specific plans, professional area, and medium/long-term aspirations. Brazilians with specialized training tend to find Portugal a substantially more favorable scenario than those relying solely on the minimum wage.