In 2026, the minimum wage in the Autonomous Region of Madeira will be 980 euros per month, effective from January 1, 2026. This amount was set by Regional Legislative Decree No. 1/2026/M, published in the Official Gazette on February 3, 2026, and is 60 euros higher than the minimum wage in force on the mainland, which is 920 euros.
What is the minimum wage in Madeira in 2026?
The guaranteed minimum monthly wage in the Autonomous Region of Madeira is 980 euros as of January 1, 2026. This applies to workers employed in the Region, on the island of Madeira and in Porto Santo, regardless of professional category or sector of activity.
Compared to 2025, when the value was 915 euros, the increase was 65 euros, which corresponds to 7.1 percent.
In the case of part-time workers, the minimum wage is applied proportionally to the normal working hours.
Minimum wage in Madeira and on the mainland
The Autonomous Region of Madeira annually sets its own guaranteed minimum monthly wage, under Article 6 of Regional Legislative Decree No. 21/2009/M, of August 4. In recent years, this amount has always been higher than that set for the mainland.
| Wood | Continent | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum monthly wage in 2026 | 980 € | 920 € |
| Difference | + 60 € (6,5%) | — |
| Diploma | Regional Legislative Decree No. 1/2026/M, of February 3 | Decree-Law No. 139/2025, of December 29 |
Evolution of the minimum wage in Madeira
| Year | Wood | Continent | Difference | Regional diploma |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 980 € | 920 € | + 60 € (6,5%) | DLR No. 1/2026/M, of February 3 |
| 2025 | 915 € | 870 € | + 45 € (5,2%) | DLR No. 20/2024/M, of December 23 |
| 2024 | 850 € | 820 € | + 30 € (3,7%) | DLR No. 3/2024/M, of February 8 |
| 2023 | 785 € | 760 € | + 25 € (3,3%) | DLR No. 11/2023/M, of February 14 |
| 2022 | 723 € | 705 € | + 18 € (2,6%) | DLR no. 5/2022/M, of March 17 |
| 2021 | 682 € | 665 € | + 17 € (2,6%) | DLR no. 6/2021/M, of March 15 |
Between 2021 and 2026, the regional minimum wage increased by 298 euros, and the difference compared to the mainland went from 17 to 60 euros.
What changes for the employer?
All workers earning less than 980 euros are entitled to the update from January 1, 2026. As the decree was published on February 3 with retroactive effect to January 1, any differences relating to wages paid before publication at the previous rate are due and must be settled.
The update is also reflected in social security contributions, which are levied on remuneration, and in the holiday and Christmas bonuses of the workers covered.
For planning purposes, it is important to bear in mind that regional decrees have been published between December and March, always with effect from January 1st. When publication occurs in the new year, the employer is obliged to retroactively pay the differences.
What changes for the worker?
Workers who earn less than 980 euros for a standard full-time working period are entitled to the difference from January 1, 2026.
If the employer fails to update the information, the first step is to request it in writing. If it is not rectified, the worker can file a complaint with the Regional Directorate of Labor and Inspection, which is the entity with inspection competence in labor matters in the Region, or resort to the labor court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since when has the minimum wage of 980 euros been in effect in Madeira?
Effective January 1, 2026. Regional Legislative Decree No. 1/2026/M was only published on February 3, but it takes effect from January 1, therefore the differences relating to remuneration paid before publication are due.
Is a part-time worker entitled to 980 euros?
Not entirely. In part-time work, the minimum wage is calculated proportionally to the normal working hours. A worker with half the hours full-time is entitled to at least 490 euros.
Is the minimum wage in Madeira higher than on the mainland?
Yes. In 2026, the minimum wage in Madeira is 980 euros and on the mainland it is 920 euros, a difference of 60 euros, or 6.5 percent.
When is the minimum wage updated in Madeira?
Every year, by Regional Legislative Decree approved by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, after consulting the social partners in the Permanent Commission for Social Dialogue. In recent years, the decree has been published between December and March, always with effect from January 1st.
Can an employer deduct the cost of food or accommodation provided?
The Labor Code allows for the value of food and accommodation provided by the employer to be considered in the calculation of the minimum wage, but only within limits set by law. The deduction is not unlimited, and each situation must be verified on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if the employer doesn't pay the minimum wage?
The worker can file a complaint with the employer, lodge a complaint with the Regional Directorate of Labor and Inspection, or resort to the labor court. Labor claims expire one year from the day following the termination of the employment contract, in accordance with Article 337 of the Labor Code.
Applicable legislation
- Regional Legislative Decree No. 1/2026/M, of February 3, which sets the value for 2026.
- Regional Legislative Decree No. 21/2009/M, of August 4, Article 6, which establishes the regime for the regional minimum wage.
- Decree-Law No. 139/2025, of December 29, which sets the value for the mainland in 2026.
- Labor Code.
If you have any questions about applying the minimum wage to a specific situation, you can contact us directly through the Contact page.