--- title: What is meal allowance and what is its value for 2025 in Portugal? description: The meal allowance in Portugal is a monetary contribution whose purpose is to compensate workers for the expense of a daily meal. Its amount has been updated in 2023. --- [Skip to content](https://support.bridgein.pt/en/knowledge/what-is-meal-allowance-and-what-is-its-value-for-2023#main-content) English Show submenu for translations ![1\_AF\_BRIDGE IN\_primary logo\_positive\_rgb-3.png\]](https://support.bridgein.pt/hs-fs/hubfs/1_AF_BRIDGE%20IN_primary%20logo_positive_rgb-3.png?height=40&name=1_AF_BRIDGE%20IN_primary%20logo_positive_rgb-3.png) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://bridgein.hubspotpagebuilder.eu/blog) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://bridgein.hubspotpagebuilder.eu/blog) - English Show submenu for translations - BRIDGE IN homepage BRIDGE IN homepage Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Support Center](https://support.bridgein.pt/en/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Employment Costs](https://support.bridgein.pt/en/knowledge/employment-costs?hsLang=en) 3. [Perks & Benefits](https://support.bridgein.pt/en/knowledge/employment-costs?hsLang=en#perks-benefits) # What is meal allowance and what is its value for 2025 in Portugal? ## The meal allowance is a monetary contribution whose purpose is to compensate workers for the expense of a daily meal. The meal allowance remains an important social benefit offered by employers to help employees cover meal expenses during their workday. Starting **2025**, there are updates to the tax-exempt thresholds for meal allowances, providing greater benefits to employees. The meal allowance is considered a social benefit and is paid for by most companies. It is not mandatory by law, depending on the collective labour agreement applicable. Still, it is a very common benefit as it is not subject to taxation. The meal allowance amount in Portugal has been recently updated, registering an increase in 2023. #### **Key Updates for 2025:** - **Updated Tax-Exempt Values (2025):** - **Cash Payments:** Up to **€6.00 per day** remain exempt from IRS and Social Security contributions. - **Meal Cards/Vouchers:** The tax-exempt threshold has increased from **€9.60 to €10.20 per day**. Amounts exceeding these limits will be subject to taxation. - **Application:** - The new thresholds apply to **2025 payments**, as approved in the State Budget. - For payments via **meal cards**, employees can now benefit from a **higher tax-free amount**, making this method even more advantageous. - **Payment During Absences:** - Meal allowances are generally not paid during absences, such as vacations, sick leave, or other non-working days. - **Proportional Payments:** - For part-time employees working fewer hours, the allowance is calculated proportionally. - Remote workers are entitled to the same meal allowance as on-site employees. 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