Comparison of minimum wages Europe vs Brazil: job opportunities abroad
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The debate about minimum wages between Brazil and Europe gains strength when Brazilians seek professional opportunities abroad. The significant difference between minimum compensation may be the first step in understanding the advantages of work in European countries.
In Brazil, the current minimum wage is R$ 1,631.00, while European countries such as Ireland, Germany, Malta, and Spain offer substantially different amounts when converted to our currency, considering the current exchange rate of €1 = R$ 6.29.
Why compare minimum wages between countries?
Understanding wage differences helps professionals make informed decisions about international careers. In addition to the gross amount, it is essential to consider purchasing power, cost of living, and social benefits offered by each country.
The analysis goes beyond the numbers. It is important to consider that exchange students have a specific experience, different from permanent residents, but still advantageous in terms of professional and personal development.
Ireland: the rising European destination
Ireland sets its minimum wage at €13.50 per hour, resulting in approximately €2,349 monthly for a 40-hour working week. Converting to reais at the current exchange rate, this represents around R$ 14,775 per month. (Value referring to the price 17/09/2025).
This figure places Ireland among the countries with the highest minimum wages in Europe. The country offers excellent opportunities for Brazilians, especially in the technology and services sector.
For exchange students, or Study and work program in Ireland allows you to work 20 hours a week during studies and 40 hours during vacation, providing valuable professional experience.
Germany: economic power and professional stability
The German minimum wage of €12.82 per hour results in €2,222 per month. In reais, this amounts to approximately R$ 13,976, more than eight times the Brazilian minimum wage.
The German economy, one of the strongest in Europe, offers stability and opportunities for professional growth. Sectors such as engineering, technology, and health present even more attractive remuneration than the established minimum.
As discussed in the article about cost of living in Germany in 2025, despite the higher salaries, the costs are also proportionately higher, but the purchasing power remains higher than the Brazilian one.
O Study and work program in Germany by Be Easy allows students to access this promising market while developing their language and professional skills.
Malta: Mediterranean life at an affordable cost
Malta has the lowest minimum wage among the countries analyzed: €7.00 per hour, totaling €1,218 per month or approximately R$ 7,661. Even though it is the lowest amount, it still significantly exceeds the Brazilian salary.
Malta's advantage goes beyond numbers. The cost of living is considerably lower than other European countries, as detailed in Complete guide to the cost of living in Malta 2025.
O Study and work program in Malta offers a Mediterranean climate, work permit after 3 months of study and a multicultural environment unique in Europe.
Spain: Iberian culture and growing opportunities
At €8.45 per hour, the Spanish minimum wage totals €1,469 per month or about R$ 9,240. Spain combines quality of life, rich culture, and relatively moderate costs compared to other European countries.
The Spanish labor market offers several opportunities, especially in the areas of tourism, technology, and education. The detailed analysis of cost of living in Spain in 2025 shows that purchasing power compensates for the apparently lower salary.
For Brazilians interested in learning Spanish while working, Study and work program in Spain by Be Easy provides complete cultural immersion.
Comparative analysis: beyond the numbers
Comparison of values in reais
Brazil: R$ 1,631.00 monthly
- Advantages: Local cost of living, family proximity
- Challenges: Lower purchasing power
European countries analyzed:
- Ireland: R$ 14.775 (€2,349)
- Germany: R$ 13,976 (€2,222)
- Spain: R$ 9,240 (€1,469)
- Malta: R$ 7.661 (€1.218)
All European countries offer higher minimum wages than Brazilians, even considering different living costs. The most striking difference is that of Ireland, which offers more than 9 times the Brazilian minimum wage.
Purchasing power and quality of life
The minimum wage represents only part of the financial equation for exchange students. During their experience abroad, working students can count on:
- International professional experience: Significant valuation in the curriculum
- Language development: Fluency that opens doors in the Brazilian market
- Global networking: Professional connections that last after the exchange
- Temporary quality of life: Efficient infrastructure during the stay
- Safety: Safer environment to live and work
Opportunities for Brazilian professionals
Sectors in high demand
The article about 5 best countries to work with IT in 2025 highlights how technology professionals can find opportunities that are even more lucrative than the minimum wage.
Areas such as:
- Information Technology
- engineering
- Cheers
- upbringing
- Tourism and hospitality
They offer salaries well above the minimum established in each country.
Work and study programs
Be Easy offers several options for Brazilians interested in working in Europe:
- Learning a language abroad: Fundamental basis for any international career
- University abroad: Globally recognized higher education
- High School: Preparing at an early age for global careers
Impact of the euro exchange rate on income
With the current exchange rate of €1 = R$ 6.29, Brazilians who work in Europe see their income converted with greater advantage. A salary that may seem modest in euros becomes substantial when converted to reais. This exchange rate advantage makes the idea of working temporarily in Europe even more attractive.
Factors other than the minimum wage
Career progression
European countries often offer more structured career paths, with real possibilities for wage growth and professional development.
International networking
Working in Europe provides global professional connections, expanding career horizons far beyond the country of origin.
Multicultural experience
The European experience develops interpersonal skills and adaptability valued in the global market.
Costs associated with the exchange
Although salaries are attractive, exchange students should consider specific costs:
- Initial cost: Ticket, visa, documentation
- Private health insurance: Required for international students
- Accommodation: Amounts vary significantly by city
- Language course: Investment in the chosen school
- Cultural adaptation: Initial establishment time and costs
The detailed cost analysis in each country helps with adequate financial planning for the exchange experience.
Requirements and necessary documentation
Work visa
Each country has specific requirements for issuing work visas. Some facilitate the process for certain professions in high demand.
Professional qualifications
Recognition of Brazilian diplomas and certifications varies by country and professional area.
Bahasa
Fluency in the local language or English is critical to making the most of opportunities.
Financial perspective for exchange students
Working in Europe during the exchange with salaries in euros and a favorable exchange rate allows:
- Costing the experience: Cover living, food, and transportation expenses
- Savings during the exchange: Form a reserve for local emergencies
- Financial return: Possibility to return to Brazil with economy
- Investment in education: Cost additional courses
- Professional experience: Permanent valuation of the curriculum in the Brazilian market
The great value lies in the combination of personal and professional development and possible positive financial return from the experience.
Get ready for international success with Be Easy
Be Easy offers full support for Brazilians who wish to work in Europe, from initial preparation to establishment in the destination country. Our programs combine quality education with professional experience, maximizing your chances of success.
Contact us to find out which program best suits your professional goals. Transform the wage gap into a real opportunity for international growth.
