Brazilian Bill PL 957/2025: Up to 50% Salary in Crypto, Aiming to Boost Fintech Sector
LTB Brazilian Workers Could Soon Get Paid in Crypto: Bill PL 957/2025 Explored
“Imagine being able to get paid in Bitcoin. That’s the future Brazilian workers might soon experience thanks to a groundbreaking bill.” On March 12, 2025, federal deputy Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança introduced bill PL 957/2025, which could allow Brazilian employees to request up to 50% of their salary in cryptocurrency. This move aims to modernize Brazil’s labor laws and embrace the growing use of digital assets.
- Bill PL 957/2025 introduced by Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança
- Up to 50% of salary can be in crypto, at least 50% in Brazilian real
- Expatriates and foreign remote workers can opt for 100% crypto
- Employers required to educate on crypto risks and management
- Brazil aims to enhance fintech sector, challenge U.S. dollar dominance within BRICS
Under PL 957/2025, employees can choose to receive a portion of their salary in cryptocurrencies, with a mandatory minimum of 50% paid in Brazilian real. This provision ensures a balance between embracing new financial technologies and maintaining economic stability. Cryptocurrencies are digital or virtual currencies that use cryptography for security and operate independently of a central bank, offering a decentralized alternative to traditional money.
Expatriates and foreign remote workers working in Brazil are granted an exception, allowing them to receive 100% of their salary in cryptocurrency, provided it aligns with regulations set by the Central Bank of Brazil. This flexibility is intended to attract international talent and boost Brazil’s fintech sector. The exchange rate for crypto payments must align with the rate authorized by the Central Bank, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Employers, under the proposed bill, are tasked with a crucial role: educating their workforce about the intricacies of virtual assets. This includes providing materials on the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, strategies for fraud prevention, and guidance on how to manage and exchange digital currencies. This educational mandate underscores the importance of financial literacy in the digital age, a critical component for successful crypto adoption.
The bill’s introduction comes at a time when Brazil is actively seeking to enhance its competitive edge in Latin America and within the global fintech landscape. By integrating cryptocurrencies into its labor laws, Brazil aims to position itself at the forefront of financial innovation, potentially attracting more tech-savvy professionals and investors to the country. Brazil, as the world’s tenth-largest economy, is focused on maintaining its leadership in Latin America and enhancing its fintech sector through crypto adoption.
Moreover, Brazil’s exploration of cryptocurrencies extends beyond its borders. As part of the BRICS economic bloc, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Brazil is discussing the use of digital assets to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar. This initiative aligns with broader discussions about creating a new reserve currency, potentially supported by gold reserves, to reduce reliance on traditional financial systems.
Internationally, countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Portugal have already embraced legal crypto adoption. For instance, the Zug canton in Switzerland accepts taxes in crypto, Japan’s Mercari allows crypto payments, and Portugal’s Luzboa accepts cryptocurrency for electricity bills. These examples serve as inspiration and cautionary tales for Brazil’s own journey into the crypto sphere. Such international examples of crypto adoption illustrate the potential and pitfalls of integrating digital currencies into national economies.
While the potential benefits of this bill, such as reduced payment fees and decreased inflation, are highlighted by some media outlets, the reality of crypto market volatility remains a concern. Critics argue that while the move could empower workers by offering greater flexibility in remuneration, it also introduces new risks that must be carefully managed. Crypto volatility isn’t just a minor hiccup; it’s a financial rollercoaster that could leave workers in the lurch.
The political context of this bill is also noteworthy. Luiz Philippe de Orleans e Bragança, a descendant of the Brazilian royal family, is known for his support of platforms like Truth Social, indicating a political stance that aligns with certain international figures and movements. This adds another layer of complexity to the bill’s passage and its implications for Brazil’s future.
From a Bitcoin maximalist perspective, this bill could either support Bitcoin’s dominance by increasing its adoption or challenge it by opening the door to other cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin maximalists believe that Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that truly matters, and any move towards crypto adoption could be seen as a step in the right direction, even if it includes altcoins.
This bill aligns with the principles of decentralization and financial freedom, which are core to the crypto movement. By allowing workers to choose how they receive their salaries, it promotes individual autonomy and challenges the traditional financial system’s control over money.
The bill can also be seen as an example of effective accelerationism, pushing forward technological and financial innovation. By embracing cryptocurrencies, Brazil is accelerating the adoption of new technologies and potentially disrupting the status quo in global finance.
While Bitcoin is often at the forefront of crypto discussions, altcoins and other blockchains could play a significant role in this new system. They could fill niches that Bitcoin does not serve, offering different functionalities and potentially attracting different types of users. For instance, Ethereum’s smart contract capabilities could be used for more complex salary arrangements or automated payroll systems.
Key Takeaways and Questions
- What is the main purpose of the bill PL 957/2025?
The main purpose is to modernize Brazil’s labor laws to accommodate the growing use of cryptocurrencies, ensuring security and promoting individual freedom in remuneration choices. - What percentage of salary can Brazilian employees request in cryptocurrency?
Employees can request up to 50% of their salary in cryptocurrency, with at least 50% required in Brazilian real. - Are there any exceptions to the 50% rule?
Yes, expatriates and foreign remote workers can receive 100% of their salary in cryptocurrency under the regulation of the Central Bank of Brazil. - What are the employer’s responsibilities under the proposed bill?
Employers must provide educational materials on virtual assets, including risks, fraud prevention, and how to manage and exchange cryptocurrencies. - How does this bill fit into Brazil’s broader economic strategy?
The bill is part of Brazil’s strategy to enhance its fintech sector, maintain its competitive edge in Latin America, and explore the use of cryptocurrencies within the BRICS bloc to challenge U.S. dollar dominance. - What are some international examples of crypto adoption?
Japan, Switzerland, and Portugal are cited as countries that have legally adopted cryptocurrencies in various capacities, such as tax payments, digital payments, and utility bills. - How does this bill align with Bitcoin maximalist views?
It could either support Bitcoin’s dominance by increasing its adoption or challenge it by opening the door to other cryptocurrencies. - What role do altcoins and other blockchains play in this context?
They could fill niches that Bitcoin does not serve, offering different functionalities and potentially attracting different types of users.
