The minimum wage is imposed in 21 of the 27 countries of the European Union. But the figures very significantly between the different Member States, ranging from almost 2,142 euros in Luxembourg to around 312 euros in Bulgaria.

In Portugal the minimum wage - currently 635 euros - is paid 14 times a year; dividing the annual amount by 12, to allow comparison, Portugal has a minimum wage of 740 euros and 83 cents, ranking it about middle of the table in European terms.