Brazilian Workers to Receive Salaries in Crypto Under Proposed Legislation
By Alexey Borovets
Updated on March 25, 2025
In a groundbreaking move that could reshape the employment landscape in Brazil, federal deputy Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança has introduced a bill allowing workers to opt for payment in cryptocurrencies. This proposal, designated as PL 957/2025, aims to enable employees to request up to 50% of their salaries to be paid in digital currencies while ensuring their rights and protections are maintained.
Overview of Bill PL 957/2025
On March 12, 2025, Bragança, a descendant of Brazilian royalty and a vocal advocate for crypto adoption, presented the bill in Congress. It seeks to give Brazilian employees the option to earn part of their salary in the form of cryptocurrencies, while simultaneously maintaining a minimum requirement for payment in Brazilian real, the country’s official currency.
According to the provisions outlined in the bill, expatriates and foreign remote workers would be allowed to request their entire salary in crypto. However, most employees will still have to receive at least 50% of their salaries in Brazilian real. The Central Bank of Brazil will regulate the cryptocurrency to real exchange rate, ensuring a consistent and fair conversion process.
Employers would be required to issue detailed statements to workers that encompass the gross salary amount in Brazilian real, the portion of salary paid in crypto, and the conversion rates used. Additionally, all tax obligations would remain unchanged, as if workers were receiving their salary fully in Brazilian real. Notably, the bill ensures that traditional entitlements like paid leave, the 13th salary, and similar benefits will not be affected by an employee’s choice to opt for salary in crypto.
In a crucial effort to ensure worker safety, the legislation also mandates that employers provide educational resources about cryptocurrencies. This includes instructing employees on the risks involved, how to secure their digital assets, and practical guidance on converting cryptocurrency into fiat currencies when necessary.
Goals of the Legislation
The proposed legislation aims to align Brazil’s labor laws with the evolving digital market, addressing the rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies. It intends to secure financial stability for employees while fostering an environment conducive to innovation and personal freedom. By allowing the choice to receive salaries in crypto, the legislation encourages individuals to explore modern payment methods without imposing undue restrictions.
Bragança highlights that Brazil can draw on successful cryptocurrency integrations from countries such as Japan, Switzerland, and Portugal, which have adopted crypto into their economies without establishing a formal Bitcoin reserve. The hope is that this legislation will complement Brazil’s fintech landscape, attract global talent, and potentially reduce payment transaction fees while mitigating inflationary pressures.
Political Context and Industry Impact
As the world’s tenth-largest economy, the timely embrace of cryptocurrencies holds significant implications for Brazil’s status in Latin America and beyond. While Brazil’s regulatory environment surrounding crypto is generally friendly, further clarity is needed as the nation considers a myriad of other legislative projects, including the potential creation of a sovereign Bitcoin reserve.
Additionally, the bill aligns with Brazil’s broader strategy of incorporating cryptocurrencies into international trade discussions, especially among BRICS nations. The proposed use of digital assets could contribute to reducing dependency on the U.S. dollar in international transactions, enhancing economic independence for the bloc.
As the landscape of finance continues to evolve, with various sectors exploring the benefits of decentralization, Brazil’s move to potentially allow crypto salaries could position it as a leader in the rapidly developing world of digital currencies.
The introduction of PL 957/2025 marks a notable step toward integrating cryptocurrency into the fabric of everyday employment, paving the way for Brazil to join the global discussion on the future of digital currencies and their role in financial ecosystems.
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