The minimum wage and average salary in Portugal in 2025

Portugal’s salary regulations apply to all workers. There’s a minimum pay amount and employers must make sure they’re meeting this legal threshold. Employees who aren’t receiving the correct pay have the right to negotiate with their employer or take legal action. Find out about remuneration laws in Portugal, what you can expect to be paid for different jobs, and what to do if you disagree with your salary.

For international workers earning in Portugal, managing finances across borders is an important consideration—whether you’re sending money to family back home, paying bills in another country, or managing savings in multiple currencies. Understanding your salary rights and exploring efficient ways to handle cross-border payments can help you make the most of your earnings in Portugal.

Keep reading for more information on the following topics:

Minimum wage in Portugal

As of 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal is €870 per month, ranking 11^th in the European Union. Portugal’s minimum wage is higher than Cyprus’s and slightly lower than Lithuania’s.

Portuguese minimum salaries are based on 14 payments of €870 per year, excluding allowances and tips – workers in Portugal tend to receive a monthly wage plus two extra payments in summer and around Christmas. These are known as the 13^th and 14^th salary (décimo terceiro salário and décimo quarto salário).

The minimum wage for those receiving 12 payments is about €1,015. To calculate the minimum hourly wage, you can divide this amount by 160 hours per month, making approximately €6.34.

Is it possible to live on minimum wage in Portugal?

The cost of living in Portugal is relatively low compared to the rest of Europe. However, according to Numbeo, a single person’s average costs in Portugal are about €682 without rent. Considering that rent in Portugal averages €16.40/m² per month (€20.10 in Lisbon, 2025 figures), it may be tricky to live on this wage without sharing accommodation.

Minimum wage in Portugal: exclusions and variations

Portuguese minimum wage differs from many other countries – it is the same for all ages. However, there are a few variations to consider:

• Self-employed people and freelancers – As self-employed workers’ income depends on the work they secure for themselves, there is no guarantee that they will receive an equivalent minimum wage. If you are freelancing and struggling, you may be able to receive a Social Integration Income (Rendimento Social de Inserção – RSI).
• Interns and trainees – In Portugal, some internships are subject to a minimum wage. Mandatory professional traineeships must pay an ‘internship allowance.’ Remuneration for other types of internships and training depends on the company, sector, and role.
• Workers in Madeira and the Azores – These regions have different minimum wages: Madeira’s is €915 per month, while the Azores’ is €913.50.

The minimum wage applies to a 40-hour working week, so part-time workers can expect to earn a proportion of this. Temporary workers and students working part-time in Portugal are entitled to the same wages as other employees.

What to do if you’re not being paid the minimum wage in Portugal

It is illegal for an employer to pay you less than the minimum wage for the hours you work. If this happens to you, there is a course of action. First, inform your employer of the discrepancy to make sure there hasn’t been an oversight and that you receive the correct income.

Should your employer refuse to rectify the situation, contact the Work Conditions Authority (Autoridade para as Condiciões do Trabalho – ACT). You can file an anonymous complaint for free in person or online. The ACT will then begin an investigation.

Average salary in Portugal

The average annual full-time salary in Portugal is €22,933 (2023), which is lower than the EU average of €37,863. According to Statistics Portugal (Instituto Nacional de Estatística – INE), this was a marked increase compared to 2022.

Highest-paying industries in Portugal

Like anywhere in the world, your job sector and level impact your earnings. According to INE, the three main sectors paid the following average monthly wages in 2022:

• Services: €1,407
• Industry, construction, energy, and water: €1,280
• Agriculture, forestry, and fishing: €1,056

What are the highest-paying jobs in Portugal?

When it comes to the roles themselves, salaries also vary widely. In general, roles that require more training or education offer higher wages. Below, you can find the average monthly salary for different roles in Portugal:

Role	Salary
Representatives of the legislative and executive bodies, directors, officers, and executive managers	€2,885
Specialists in intellectual and scientific activities	€2,095
Intermediate level technicians and professions	€1,706
Administrative staff	€1,216
Plant and machine operators and assembly workers	€1,147

Average salary by region

Not only do salaries in Portugal depend on your level and industry, but average pay in different areas also varies. Below, you can find the average monthly earnings in 2022 across Portugal’s regions:

Region	Salary
Grande Lisboa	€1,705
Península de Setúbal	€1,361
Norte	€1,253
Região Autónoma da Madeira	€1,244
Alentejo	€1,225
Centro	€1,218
Região Autónoma dos Açores	€1,191
Oeste e Vale do Tejo	€1,166
Algarve	€1,151

Portugal’s four largest cities generally have the highest average monthly earnings, which INE lists as:

• Lisbon: €1,856
• Porto: €1,629
• Coimbra: €1,331
• Braga: €1,286

When looking for work, it’s a good idea to check the average salary for your prospective role. This can help you to give an estimate of what you expect to earn during job interviews. Sites like Paylab and Glassdoor let users record their salaries, so you’ll have an idea of what your pay slip might look like.

Is there a gender pay gap in Portugal?

Portugal has a gender pay gap – on average, women are paid 8.6% less than men for the same work. Nevertheless, this is better than the EU average of 12.7%. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024 (PDF), Portugal ranks 78^th out of 146 countries for ‘wage equality for similar work.’

The country has introduced legislation to boost wage transparency and enforce pay equality. Each year, companies with over 50 employees must report pay data to the government, which reviews it for discrepancies between men and women. If it finds any disparities, the company must submit an evaluation plan to solve them.

International workers’ wages in Portugal

An International Labour Organization report reveals that Portugal has one of the highest migrant pay gaps, with foreign nationals earning 28.9% less than Portuguese citizens on average in 2020. This could be because fewer than 20% of foreign workers hold highly skilled jobs.

Non-citizens tend to work in construction, manufacturing, garment making, driving, assembly, and so-called non-skilled positions (PDF in Portuguese), according to a 2023 Migration Observatory report on integration.

The highest-earning immigrants come from the following countries:

• United States – €2,600 average monthly wage
• Belgium – €2,301
• Spain – €2,113

At the other end of the scale, workers from many countries earn, on average, less than the minimum wage. The lowest earners come from the following countries:

• Nepal – €703 average monthly wage
• Bangladesh – €711
• Thailand – €711

However, the report does not highlight why nationals of these countries earn less.

Managing finances as an international worker

For many international workers in Portugal, managing cross-border finances is a regular necessity. Whether you’re supporting your family back home, paying off loans in your home country, or maintaining financial commitments across borders, sending money internationally can become a significant expense if you’re not careful about fees and exchange rates.

Some providers may add a markup to the exchange rate and charge transfer fees, which can reduce the amount your recipient receives. When sending money internationally, it’s worth comparing your options to understand the true cost of your transfer. Wise is a payment institution that uses the mid-market exchange rate and shows all fees upfront before you confirm your transfer. This transparency helps international workers understand exactly how much they’re spending on each transaction.

Additionally, if you’re managing money in multiple currencies, a multi-currency account can help you hold over 40 currencies, receive local account details in several currencies, and convert between them when the rate suits you. This can be particularly useful for international workers who receive payments from abroad or need to manage savings in different currencies.

What if your salary is too low

If your salary is lower than expected for your sector or role, it’s worth first trying to negotiate with your employer. Several trade unions have collective agreements (Acordos Coletivos de Trabalho) that stipulate working conditions. They can assist their members with understanding their rights and handling negotiations.

On the other hand, if your employer is engaging in discriminatory practices, including those relating to pay, you can request legal assistance from the Commission for Equality in Labor and Employment (CITE – in Portuguese)

Frequently asked questions about wages in Portugal

Are the 13th and 14th salary payments mandatory in Portugal?

Yes, the 13th and 14th salary payments (décimo terceiro salário and décimo quarto salário) are mandatory for most employees in Portugal. These extra payments are typically made in summer (around June or July) and before Christmas (usually in November or December). They are included in the calculation of the annual minimum wage, which is based on 14 monthly payments of €870 for 2025. Self-employed workers and freelancers may not automatically receive these payments as they set their own rates.

What happens if I don’t receive my minimum wage payment in Portugal?

If you’re not receiving the legal minimum wage, first discuss the issue with your employer to ensure there hasn’t been an administrative error. If your employer refuses to correct the situation, you can file a complaint with the Work Conditions Authority(Autoridade para as Condiciões do Trabalho – ACT). Complaints can be filed anonymously and free of charge, either in person or online, and the ACT will investigate the matter.

How do regional salary differences affect job opportunities in Portugal?

Salaries in Portugal vary significantly by region, with Grande Lisboa offering the highest average monthly earnings at €1,705 (2022 figures), while Algarve has one of the lowest at €1,151. However, the cost of living also varies considerably—Lisbon has higher housing and living costs compared to smaller cities or rural areas. When evaluating job opportunities, it’s important to consider both the salary offered and the local cost of living to understand your actual purchasing power in different regions.

How can international workers send money from Portugal to their home country?

International workers have several options for sending money from Portugal, including banks, money transfer services, and payment institutions. When comparing options, look at both the exchange rate markup and transfer fees to understand the total cost. Many providers may add a markup to the exchange rate, which can increase costs. Alternatives like Wise use the mid-market exchange rate with transparent, upfront fees, which may help reduce the overall cost of regular transfers, depending on the route, amount and fees. Always compare the total amount your recipient will receive, not just the advertised fees, to find the most cost-effective option.

What’s the best way to manage multiple currencies when working in Portugal as an expatriate?

Many expatriates working in Portugal need to manage money in several currencies—earning in euros while maintaining financial commitments in their home currency. Opening a multi-currency account can simplify this process by allowing you to hold, convert, and manage multiple currencies in one place. Some services also provide local account details for different currencies, making it easier to receive payments from abroad or pay bills in other countries. Look for accounts that offer transparent exchange rates and low conversion fees to minimize costs when moving money between currencies.

Conclusion: Managing your finances in Portugal

Understanding minimum wage laws and average salaries in Portugal is essential for both employees and employers. As an international worker, being informed about your salary rights ensures you receive fair compensation for your work. If you’re sending money abroad or managing finances across multiple countries, exploring cost-effective options for international transfers can help you make the most of your earnings in Portugal.

Useful Resources

• Commission for Equality in Labor and Employment (Comissão para a Igualdade no Trabalho e no Emprego) – contact details for legal assistance during labor disputes
• Numbeo – data on the cost of living in Portugal
• Statistics Portugal (Instituto Nacional de Estatística) – metrics on various topics in Portugal, including employment, demographics, and the economy
• Work Conditions Authority (Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho) – information for employers and employees on Portuguese labor laws