Portuguese salaries remain 38% below EU average
The average annual salary in Portugal reached 24,800 euros in 2024, a 7% increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, the Business Roundtable Portugal association reports that Portuguese earnings remain 38% lower than the European Union average of 39,800 euros.
Portugal's monthly minimum wage will be €920 in 2026, up from €870 in 2025 (a €50 increase). That is below the EU median (about €1,100); for comparison Spain €1,134, Germany roughly €2,054 and France about €1,802 (UK: £1,524 or ~€1,780), so Portugal remains lower than several Western European countries, which affects purchasing power and labour costs.
