Crypto regulation in Brazil
A crypto law since 2022, central bank licensing since 2026, and stablecoins treated like foreign exchange.
Crypto is legal in Brazil. A 2022 law (Law 14.478) set the legal framework, and the Central Bank of Brazil's rules, published November 10, 2025 and in force since February 2, 2026, require virtual asset service providers to be authorized and treat many stablecoin transactions as foreign exchange. Individuals' gains are tax-free if total crypto sales stay at or below R$35,000 in a month; above that, capital gains tax applies.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Facts on this page were checked against official sources on November 4, 2026.
Brazil at a glance
| Owning crypto | Legal. |
|---|---|
| Buying and selling | Through central-bank-authorized virtual asset service providers (rules in force February 2, 2026). |
| Paying with crypto | Legal, not legal tender. |
| Exchange licensing | Central Bank authorization under Law 14.478/2022 and BCB Resolutions 519, 520 and 521. |
| Mining | Legal. |
| Tax | Gains exempt if monthly sales are R$35,000 or less; otherwise 15% to 22.5%. |
| Stablecoins | Stablecoin purchases and cross-border transfers are treated as foreign-exchange operations. |
| Restrictions and bans | Unauthorized foreign VASPs had 270 days from February 2, 2026 to move clients to authorized firms. |
Owning crypto
Owning crypto is legal, and Brazil is one of Latin America's largest crypto markets. Brazil's stock exchange has listed crypto ETFs since 2021.
Buying and selling
Exchanges and brokers serving Brazilians must be authorized by the Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) under rules that took effect on February 2, 2026. Foreign providers already operating had 270 days to move clients to an authorized Brazilian provider or set up a local entity. From October 30, 2026, BCB-supervised institutions may not deal with virtual asset providers that are neither authorized nor in the authorization process.
Paying with crypto
Crypto is not legal tender. Brazil's instant payment system, Pix, dominates everyday payments.
Exchange licensing
Law 14.478, signed in December 2022 and in force since June 2023, defined virtual asset service providers, required authorization and added a crime of fraud using virtual assets. A 2023 decree named the Central Bank as regulator. BCB Resolutions 519, 520 and 521 (November 10, 2025) set the authorization process, conduct and capital rules, and foreign-exchange treatment.
Mining
Mining is legal and subject to general tax rules.
Tax
Brazil's tax authority (Receita Federal) exempts individuals' gains if total crypto sales in a calendar month are R$35,000 or less. Above that, gains are taxed at progressive rates from 15% to 22.5%, paid monthly. Large transactions must be reported to Receita Federal. A 2025 proposal to replace this with a flat 17.5% rate lapsed in October 2025 without becoming law.
Stablecoins
Under the 2025 central bank rules, buying, selling or transferring stablecoins across borders counts as a foreign-exchange operation and must follow FX rules, which matters because stablecoins make up most of Brazil's crypto volume.
Restrictions and bans
- Crypto fraud is a specific crime under Law 14.478.
- Unauthorized providers must stop serving Brazilians after the transition.
What changed recently
Law 14.478 signed; in force June 2023.
Decree names the Central Bank as crypto regulator.
Central Bank publishes Resolutions 519, 520 and 521.
The new authorization rules take effect.
Supervised institutions may no longer deal with unauthorized providers.
- Many providers were still in the authorization process when we checked.
- Tax reporting rules are being updated to match the OECD's Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework; check Receita Federal for current forms.
This page summarizes the rules for general understanding. Laws change, and how they apply depends on your circumstances. For a decision that matters, check the official sources below or ask a qualified local adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Is crypto legal in Brazil?
Yes. Providers must be authorized by the Central Bank under rules in force since February 2, 2026.
How is crypto taxed in Brazil?
Gains are tax-free if your total crypto sales in a month are R$35,000 or less. Above that, rates run from 15% to 22.5%.
Where to next
Sources
- Lei 14.478/2022 (Presidência da República)
- Banco Central do Brasil
- New regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers in Brazil (Chambers, 2026)
- Receita Federal (Brazil's tax authority)
Written for beginners and checked against the sources listed. Last reviewed November 2026. This page is educational and is not financial, tax or legal advice. How we write and check pages.