How much is my Christmas and holiday bonus in Portugal?
| Gross allowance | €1,500.00 |
| Segurança Social (11%) | − €165.00 |
| IRS withholding | − €168.17 |
| Both allowances together, net | €2,333.66 |
If the Christmas allowance is paid in November 2026, withholding is halved: you get about €1,250.92.
Mainland Portugal: income tax is lower in the Azores and Madeira · Figures checked in October 2026 · See assumptions ↓
How it was calculated
Each bonus is worth one base salary (or a share in proportion to the months worked). 11% goes to Segurança Social (social security), and it has its own IRS (income tax) withholding, calculated on the bonus alone.
The Christmas bonus is paid by 15 December; the holiday bonus is usually paid before your holidays.
Example: you earn €2,000 gross a month, worked the whole year, are not married and have no dependants. Your gross Christmas allowance is €2,000. €220 goes to Segurança Social and €301.34 to IRS withholding, so you get €1,478.66. With the holiday allowance, the two add up to €2,957.32 net. If the Christmas allowance is paid in November 2026, withholding is halved and you get about €1,629.33.
The halved withholding in November 2026 applies only on the mainland and not above €20,221.
Figures checked in October 2026 · Sources: Código do Trabalho, Despacho 233-A/2026 (tabelas de retenção), Diário da República, Portal das Finanças
Estimate: An approximate result that depends on assumptions. Confirm important figures with the relevant authority.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Christmas allowance paid?
By 15 December.
Is the Christmas allowance taxed?
Yes. It has its own IRS (income tax) withholding and 11% goes to Segurança Social. In November 2026 the withholding was cut in half.
How much Christmas allowance do I get if I started this year?
You get a share in proportion to the months worked. With a €1,100 salary and 7 months of work, the gross allowance is €641.67, that is €1,100 × 7 ÷ 12. The same applies in the year your contract ends.
Do overtime and bonuses count towards the Christmas allowance?
No. The Christmas allowance equals your base pay plus seniority payments (diuturnidades). Overtime, bonuses and meal allowance are left out, unless your contract or collective agreement says otherwise.
How much is the Christmas allowance on the minimum wage?
On the 2026 minimum wage, the gross Christmas allowance is €920. €101.20 goes to Segurança Social and there is no IRS withholding, so you get €818.80.