Brazilian lawmakers are reviewing a new bill that could allow employers to pay workers partially in cryptocurrency. The proposal, PL 957/2025, was introduced by Federal Deputy Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança on March 12 and aims to regulate crypto payments for salaries, wages, and labor benefits.
If passed, the bill would legalize voluntary and partial salary payments in Bitcoin (BTC) and other digital assets. However, employers would still be required to pay at least 50% of salaries in the Brazilian real (BRL) to ensure compliance with national monetary policies.
Limits on Crypto Salary Payments
The proposed legislation explicitly prohibits full salary payments in cryptocurrency, except for expatriates and foreign workers under Central Bank of Brazil regulations. Independent contractors and service providers, however, could receive their full compensation in crypto if agreed upon in their contracts.
To ensure stability, the bill mandates that crypto salaries must be converted using an exchange rate established by an institution authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil.
Potential Boost for Brazil’s Crypto Sector
Orleans-Bragança, a descendant of Brazil’s former royal family and a federal deputy representing São Paulo, believes the bill could attract more crypto investment into the local economy. He argues that allowing partial crypto payments would strengthen Brazil’s fintech sector while maintaining regulatory oversight.
The bill also emphasizes worker-employer autonomy, giving both parties more freedom to structure their contracts while preserving fundamental labor rights.
The proposal draws inspiration from Switzerland, Japan, and Portugal, where crypto salary payments have already gained traction.
- In Japan, salary payments in crypto require an individual agreement between employers and employees, with clear conversion guidelines.
- Portugal’s regulations have introduced flexibility, fostering greater adoption of digital assets in its financial sector.
If approved, Brazil could join a growing list of countries embracing cryptocurrency for payroll solutions, marking another step toward mainstream adoption.
