Brazilian Cryptocurrency Rules: What You Can and Can't Do in 2025

When it comes to Brazilian cryptocurrency rules, the legal framework governing how individuals and businesses interact with digital assets in Brazil. Also known as crypto regulations in Brazil, it’s not about banning crypto—it’s about controlling how it moves through the financial system. Unlike China or Nigeria, Brazil doesn’t outlaw owning Bitcoin or Ethereum. But that doesn’t mean you’re free to do whatever you want with it.

The Central Bank of Brazil, the country’s primary financial regulator responsible for monetary policy and oversight of payment systems. Also known as BCB, it doesn’t treat crypto as legal tender, but it does demand transparency. If you trade, hold, or earn crypto, you must report it to the tax authority, Receita Federal. Missing that step isn’t just a paperwork error—it’s a tax crime. In 2024, over 1.2 million Brazilians filed crypto disclosures, up 68% from the year before. The BCB also pushes exchanges to follow strict KYC rules. That means if you’re using a foreign platform like Binance or Coinbase, you’re still subject to Brazilian reporting laws. And if you’re using a local exchange like Mercado Bitcoin or Foxbit, they’re required to share your transaction history with the government.

Then there’s the Brazilian crypto tax, the system that taxes capital gains from crypto trades, staking rewards, and airdrops as personal income. Also known as crypto income tax Brazil, it works like this: every time you sell, trade, or spend crypto for something else, you trigger a taxable event. If you bought Bitcoin at R$30,000 and sold it at R$50,000, you owe tax on the R$20,000 profit. The rate? Between 15% and 22.5%, depending on how much you earned that year. Even if you get a token in an airdrop or earn interest from staking, that’s income. And yes, the tax agency can track it—exchanges report to them, and the BCB is pushing for blockchain analytics tools to catch hidden activity.

What about crypto exchanges? Brazil allows them, but only if they’re registered with the BCB and follow anti-money laundering rules. Unregistered platforms? They’re technically illegal, even if they let you trade. That’s why local exchanges like Bitso and Buda have strict identity checks. If you’re using a global exchange without local registration, you’re still responsible for reporting—but you’re also taking on more risk. No local protection. No recourse if funds disappear.

And don’t think mining is a loophole. While it’s not banned, the energy costs and tax burden make it tough for individuals. Large mining farms need environmental permits and must report their operations. Most retail miners have walked away—not because it’s illegal, but because the rules made it unprofitable.

So what’s the real picture? You can own crypto. You can trade it. You can even earn from it. But if you don’t report it, you’re playing a dangerous game. The Brazilian government isn’t trying to stop crypto—it’s trying to bring it into the light. That’s why the posts below cover everything from how to file your crypto taxes correctly, to which exchanges actually comply with local law, to the scams that target people who don’t understand the rules. You’ll find real cases, real mistakes, and real fixes—all based on what’s happening in Brazil right now. No theory. No guesswork. Just what you need to stay legal and avoid getting hit with a massive tax bill.