Brazilian Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Regulate Bitcoin-Based Salaries
Brazilian federal deputy Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança has introduced a new bill aimed at regulating salary payments in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC). The proposed legislation, bill PL 957/2025, was filed on March 12 and seeks to officially authorize employers to partially pay wages, remunerations, and labor benefits using cryptocurrencies.
Key Points of the Proposed Bill
- Employers may voluntarily pay up to 50% of an employee’s salary in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
- At least 50% of the salary must still be paid in Brazil’s national currency, the Brazilian real.
- Full salary payments in crypto are prohibited, except for expatriate employees or foreign workers under specific Central Bank regulations.
- Independent service providers may receive full payments in crypto, subject to contractual agreements.
- Crypto payments must follow official exchange rates set by institutions authorized by Brazil’s Central Bank.
Motivation Behind the Bill
Orleans-Braganza believes that allowing crypto salary payments will boost Brazil’s fintech sector, attract crypto investments, and provide greater contractual freedom between employers and employees. He cited successful examples from countries like Switzerland, Japan, and Portugal, where similar regulations have encouraged crypto adoption and financial innovation.
Global Context
While some countries have embraced cryptocurrency payments, others have imposed strict restrictions:
- Switzerland, Japan, and Portugal have successfully implemented crypto payment regulations.
- Turkey and Russia prohibit cryptocurrency as a means of payment.
- El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, allows voluntary crypto payments but no longer accepts crypto for taxes or government fees.
Separately, Brazil is also exploring blockchain-based initiatives to facilitate international transactions within the BRICS group, highlighting the country’s growing interest in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
