Is crypto legal in Peru?

Crypto is legal in Peru. Nothing in Peruvian law prohibits owning, buying or selling it, but it is not legal tender and there is no dedicated crypto law as of October 2026. The rules that do exist focus on preventing money laundering.

Is bitcoin legal in Peru?

Yes, but it is not money in the legal sense. According to the law firm CMS, Peru's Law 28194 lists the accepted means of payment, and crypto is not on the list. Two parties can still agree to settle a deal in bitcoin because the law does not expressly forbid it. CMS also notes that the securities regulator (SMV) and the banking regulator (SBS) have both said they are not the competent authority for crypto as such.

What are Peru's crypto laws?

The main rules come from anti-money-laundering law. A 2023 supreme decree made virtual asset service providers domiciled or incorporated in Peru reporting entities before the UIF, the SBS's financial intelligence unit, CMS reports.

Resolución SBS 02648-2024, published on August 1, 2024, then set out what those firms must do. According to Cuatrecasas, they must identify and monitor customers, appoint a compliance officer, keep records of operations and report suspicious ones. Firms had 120 days to comply. Gestión reported that the rule covers firms based in Peru or with a registered local branch, not foreign platforms without a local presence. For the global picture, see crypto anti-money-laundering rules.

The rule's travel rule chapter, which makes providers pass sender and recipient details along with transfers, applies from August 1, 2026, Notabene reported.

Is there a crypto bill in Peru?

Yes, but it has not passed. Bill 1042/2021-CR would set rules for crypto exchanges and create a single registry of exchange platforms. On March 19, 2025, Congress voted 71 to 11 to send it back to committee for further study, according to Congress's news service.

Can I buy bitcoin in Peru, and how is it taxed?

Yes. People in Peru can buy crypto through local or foreign platforms or peer to peer. Local providers must check identity under the SBS rule. The general steps are in how to buy cryptocurrency.

On tax, CMS says crypto is generally treated as an intangible movable asset. Gains made by Peruvian companies can be taxed at 29.5%, while individuals are generally taxed only if they trade habitually, which is decided case by case. Crypto transfers are not subject to VAT.

For other countries, see is cryptocurrency legal and crypto regulation around the world.

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