Is crypto legal in Brazil?

Yes, crypto is legal in Brazil. People can buy, hold and trade it, and since 2023 the country has had a federal law for the businesses that offer crypto services. Bitcoin is still not legal tender, and as of October 2026 the central bank's licensing rules for crypto firms are in force.

Is bitcoin legal tender in Brazil?

No. Law 14.478, signed on December 21, 2022, defines a virtual asset as a digital representation of value that can be traded or transferred electronically and used for payments or investment. The same article says the definition does not include the national currency or foreign currencies. The Brazilian real stays the country's money, and bitcoin is treated as a separate kind of asset.

The law took effect 180 days after publication, in June 2023. It also added a new crime to the Penal Code for fraud using virtual assets, securities or financial assets, with a penalty of 4 to 8 years in prison plus a fine.

Who regulates crypto in Brazil?

The law said crypto service providers can only operate with prior authorization from a federal body, to be named by the executive branch. Decree 11.563 of June 2023 named the Banco Central do Brasil as that regulator. The CVM, Brazil's securities regulator, said the decree did not reduce its own powers. Tokens that qualify as securities still fall under CVM rules, especially for public offerings.

Is crypto trading legal in Brazil, and can you buy bitcoin there?

Yes. Trading is legal, and buying bitcoin normally happens through a crypto exchange or broker. What changed in 2025 and 2026 is how those firms are supervised. In November 2025 the BCB published rules covering who can provide crypto services, how they get authorized, and how crypto fits into the foreign exchange market and international capital flows. The rules took effect on February 2, 2026.

Under these rules, licensed providers can offer intermediation, custody or brokerage. Firms already operating could keep going during an adaptation period, but they have to meet requirements such as anti-money laundering controls, security and capital, and then apply for authorization. Buying, selling or swapping crypto pegged to a fiat currency, such as a dollar stablecoin, is treated as a foreign exchange activity. Transfers to or from self-custody wallets also fall under those rules, and the provider must identify who holds the outside wallet.

Profits from crypto can be taxable. Our guide on how crypto is taxed in Brazil covers that side.

Is bitcoin mining legal in Brazil?

Nothing in Law 14.478 or the BCB's 2025 rules bans mining. Those rules focus on companies that provide crypto services to others. Miners still need to follow ordinary business, energy and tax rules. For a wider view, see is crypto mining legal and our crypto regulation around the world overview.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.