While many countries dance around cryptocurrency regulation, Brazil is charging ahead with bold new legislation. Federal Deputy Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança introduced Bill PL 957/2025 on March 12, 2025, proposing a framework for cryptocurrency wage payments. It’s not a full crypto takeover – the bill maintains guardrails while embracing digital innovation.
The rules are straightforward. Workers can receive up to 50% of their salary in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. The rest? Still paid in good old Brazilian real. No exceptions. Well, almost none. Expatriates and independent contractors can get their full payment in crypto if they want. Your boss can’t force this arrangement on you, though. It’s voluntary, and workers can opt out whenever they want.
Brazil isn’t letting this be the crypto Wild West. The Central Bank will establish official exchange rates to prevent speculation. Employers must provide clear payment statements and calculate labor charges based on the real value. They’ll even need to offer financial education programs covering volatility and security. Because let’s face it – not everyone understands how Bitcoin works. The proposal aims to leverage smart contracts to automate and secure these cryptocurrency payment transactions without intermediaries.
The potential upside? Brazil’s fintech sector could boom. Foreign investment might pour in. The unbanked could join the financial system. The bill specifically aims to boost financial inclusion for underbanked populations who lack access to traditional banking services. Brazil is positioning itself as a crypto pioneer, joining places like Japan, Portugal, and Switzerland that have similar regulations. El Salvador went all-in with Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, but Brazil’s approach is more measured.
The bill still has hurdles to clear. It needs approval from the Chamber of Deputies, the Federal Senate, and finally, the president. No timeline yet for when (or if) this becomes law. Recent Fidelity purchases of $127 million worth of Bitcoin demonstrate growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies while Brazil develops its framework.
Brazil’s crypto wage bill represents a middle path – embracing innovation while protecting workers. It’s a pragmatic approach to cryptocurrency adoption. Not revolutionary, not conservative. Just practical. And in the messy world of crypto regulation, that’s invigorating.
