Portugal's gross monthly minimum wage saw another increase in 2025, but the rise wasn't enough to improve its standing compared to other European countries.
After falling out of the European top ten in 2024 when Poland surpassed it, Portugal has now been overtaken by Lithuania, according to the latest Eurostat data.
As part of an agreement between the government, business confederations, and the UGT, Portugal’s minimum wage increased at the start of 2025 from €820 to €870—a €50 boost, equivalent to around 6%.
Despite consistent annual increases over the past decade, Portugal’s minimum wage continues to struggle against those of other EU nations, according to a report by ECO.
This year, Lithuania, with a minimum wage of €1,038 gross per month (based on 12 payments), edged ahead of Portugal, where the equivalent figure is €1,015.
Still, Portugal maintained its 11th place ranking, as Cyprus did not implement any increases, remaining at around €1,000 per month (in 12 payments) and therefore dropping in the table.
Luxembourg Leads, Bulgaria Remains at the Bottom
Eurostat data shows that Luxembourg continues to offer the highest minimum wage in the EU, standing at €2,637.79 gross per month (12 payments).
Ireland holds second place with €2,281.50 per month, followed by the Netherlands in third with €2,193.36. Germany, Belgium, and France complete the top six, maintaining their positions from last year.
At the other end of the scale, Bulgaria remains the EU country with the lowest minimum wage at €550.67 per month (in 12 payments), despite a more than 15% increase from 2024.
Hungary and Latvia also rank among the lowest in the EU, both dropping one position compared to the previous year. Photo by Avij, Wikimedia commons.