Brazil Debate Draft Law to Allow Partial Payment of Wages in Bitcoin

Workers in Brazil could receive part of their salaries in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies if the National Congress approves a new bill that seeks to regulate this form of payment.

The proposal, identified as PL 957/2025, was presented by Deputy Luiz Philippe de Orléans-Braganza and raises the possibility of employers and employees agreeing to the partial payment of salaries in cryptocurrencies. Current legislation in Brazil, under Law 14.478/2022, already recognizes Bitcoin and other digital assets as “virtual assets,” and this new initiative seeks to extend that classification to the workplace.

Details of the Proposal

According to the bill, workers may receive part of their remuneration in cryptocurrencies, provided there is a written agreement with the employer. However, a limit of 50% is established, meaning that at least half of the salary must be paid in reais, the national currency.

Companies must provide their employees with a detailed proof of payment, including:

• The total amount in reais.
• The percentage and amount paid in cryptocurrencies.
• The conversion rate used.
• The discounts and charges applied.

The value of the cryptocurrencies will be determined based on the quotation of an entity authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil. In addition, employers may choose to abandon the cryptocurrency payment scheme and return to the traditional model at any time.ay choose to abandon the cryptocurrency payment scheme and return to the traditional model at any time. 

Restriction for Full Salaries in Bitcoin

The project maintains a key restriction: payment of 100% of wages in cryptocurrencies will not be allowed, except for expatriate or self-employed workers, in line with Central Bank regulations.

Deputy Orléans-Braganza argues that this measure seeks to modernize labor legislation and adapt it to the evolution of the financial system, as well as to promote innovation in the financial technology sector. He also highlights that the initiative could attract foreign investment and strengthen the cryptocurrency ecosystem in the country.

Another important aspect of the project is the inclusion of financial education programs for employees who choose to receive payments in cryptocurrencies, addressing issues such as market volatility and transaction security.

Next Steps

The bill will be analyzed by the relevant committees of the House of Representatives before being put to a general vote. If approved, it will go to the Senate for further evaluation.

This proposal is in addition to other recent attempts by the Brazilian Congress to integrate cryptocurrencies into the country’s financial system. In 2024, a legislator introduced a bill proposing that Brazil invest in Bitcoin as part of its reserves.

If passed, the initiative would mark a significant step forward in the adoption of digital assets in Brazil, establishing an innovative payment model that could influence other countries in the region.