Top 5 countries where crypto payroll is now legal

What sounded like a fringe libertarian fantasy five years ago is now getting real - governments are starting to let people get paid in crypto. From Latin America to Asia, regulatory frameworks are shifting, making Bitcoin and stablecoins legitimate payroll options. In this article, we dive into the five countries where crypto payroll isn’t just possible - it’s legal, regulated, and rapidly becoming reality.

Brazil: Bitcoin wages now written into law

In Brazil, crypto salaries are no longer a theory - they’re part of national legislation. A 2025 bill officially allows companies to pay employees partially in Bitcoin, as long as both parties agree. This legal shift reflects Brazil’s broader commitment to fintech and blockchain innovation. While crypto has long circulated in Brazil’s informal economy, it’s now getting formal recognition, especially in sectors where agility and cross-border work matter.

Tech startups, freelance platforms, and international firms are embracing the opportunity. They see value not only in instant transactions, but also in cost-effective mass payouts. For companies that hire remote teams or manage large volumes of freelance labor, the ability to issue mass payouts in crypto is more than a convenience - it’s a business advantage. Brazil’s large gig economy makes it a natural fit for such tools, and stablecoins like USDC are growing in use due to predictable value and easier accounting.

Brazil’s central bank has not only acknowledged the role of digital assets in payroll but also supports sandbox initiatives where crypto salaries can be tested and scaled. This openness makes it easier for companies to implement compliant mass payouts through crypto rails.

Even traditional payroll providers are now experimenting with integration, showing that the change is no longer fringe.

As Brazil aligns labor, tax, and crypto laws, it’s becoming one of the most practical environments for real-world crypto payroll - and mass payouts are right at the center of it.

El Salvador: The crypto pioneer keeps paying in Bitcoin

El Salvador continues to lead by example when it comes to crypto salaries. Since Bitcoin became legal tender in 2021, its use has extended beyond simple payments. Public and private sector employers now have a framework to pay workers in Bitcoin, with salary agreements often split between crypto and fiat. This arrangement reflects a growing national belief that digital assets can power a modern, inclusive economy.

The government has gone beyond policy statements. It created the Bitcoin Office to help develop and regulate crypto-related initiatives, including payroll. Employees in tech, tourism, and even parts of the public sector have already received compensation in Bitcoin. While not all workers choose this option, demand is growing among younger professionals and international contractors who value speed, transparency, and direct control of their earnings. For businesses, the ability to use crypto for mass payouts offers flexibility and reduces dependency on traditional banks.

Mass payouts in El Salvador are more than a financial tactic - they’re part of a national branding strategy. The country promotes itself as a crypto hub, attracting Web3 firms and remote-first startups. These companies often rely on seamless payroll tools that support both BTC and stablecoins. As infrastructure improves, businesses are finding it easier to handle compliance and reporting while still benefiting from the efficiency of mass payouts. El Salvador may be small in size, but it’s reshaping how nations think about wages in the digital era.

United Arab Emirates: Web3 wages in a tax-free zone

The United Arab Emirates is positioning itself as a leader in regulated crypto innovation. In areas like the Abu Dhabi Global Market and the Dubai International Financial Centre, companies can legally pay salaries in digital assets. These zones offer clear rules for businesses operating in crypto and fintech, giving both employers and workers the legal certainty they need. Startups and international firms are using this opportunity to structure compensation packages that include stablecoins like USDT and USDC.

This clarity has attracted remote workers, developers, and creative professionals who value flexible pay. For many of these businesses, the ability to deliver mass payouts is critical. Teams spread across borders and time zones need reliable systems that work at scale. Mass payouts in crypto allow them to move faster than banks and avoid delays tied to traditional currencies. In the UAE’s pro-innovation environment, these systems are no longer just experiments - they’re becoming part of standard operations.

Mass payouts are also gaining ground because of the region’s tax advantages. With zero income tax and strong legal protections for foreign companies, the UAE offers a unique setting for growth. Many Web3 projects now base their operations in Dubai or Abu Dhabi for this reason. They benefit from a growing network of legal, financial, and technical infrastructure that supports compliant crypto payroll. In this framework, crypto salaries and mass payouts aren’t just possible - they’re part of the model. The UAE is showing what it looks like when regulation aligns with digital-first business needs.

Hong Kong: Playing it smart with stablecoins

Hong Kong is taking a measured and strategic approach to crypto payroll. While full legalization has not arrived, government-led pilot programs are paving the way. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has launched initiatives exploring the use of stablecoins like USDT and USDC in controlled settings. These programs give companies the space to test real-world payroll applications without legal uncertainty. It signals that Hong Kong is not ignoring crypto - it’s preparing to regulate it with precision.

Startups and financial firms are watching closely. The appeal lies in the city’s long-standing role as a global financial hub. Companies already engaged in cross-border hiring are experimenting with stablecoin-based compensation. For them, the ability to manage fast and secure mass payouts without relying on multiple bank partners is a key driver. Even in a sandbox environment, mass payouts help demonstrate the efficiency of blockchain-based payment systems. As more tech firms set up shop in Hong Kong, the demand for flexible payroll tools grows.

Banks are also starting to adapt. Some have begun offering limited support for crypto transactions, especially within pilot frameworks. This shift is small but significant, showing that Hong Kong’s institutions are preparing for broader adoption. As the city refines its approach, it’s creating space for businesses that want to stay ahead without risking noncompliance. Mass payouts are a practical use case leading the charge. Hong Kong may not be moving fast, but it’s moving smart - and the foundations it’s laying could set the tone for crypto payroll across Asia.

Switzerland: Where crypto salaries meet legal clarity

Switzerland offers one of the clearest legal paths for crypto salaries. Under Swiss labor law, employees can be paid in digital assets like Bitcoin or stablecoins, provided both parties agree in writing. This legal clarity makes Switzerland a reliable environment for financial innovation. Crypto is treated as a non-cash benefit, and its value must be recorded in Swiss francs at the time of payment. That gives businesses and workers a strong sense of predictability.

This framework has encouraged adoption among blockchain startups, legal firms, and tech consultants. Many of these organizations operate globally and rely on flexible compensation systems. When teams are scattered across countries, mass payouts become essential. Switzerland’s crypto infrastructure supports these transactions, offering both speed and compliance. With the country’s banking tradition and openness to digital assets, mass payouts can be issued without raising legal red flags. That’s rare in today’s regulatory landscape.

The canton of Zug - often called Crypto Valley - is leading the way. It’s home to dozens of companies already paying partial salaries in Bitcoin or USDC.

While adoption is not yet mainstream, the tools and rules are already in place.

More importantly, Switzerland treats crypto payroll not as a loophole, but as a legitimate part of modern compensation. As a result, mass payouts here are not an experiment - they’re a supported, legal option that helps international businesses operate with confidence and speed.

Crypto mass payouts done right: Infrastructure makes it real

Crypto salaries are gaining traction, but without strong infrastructure, they don’t scale. It’s not enough to send coins from one wallet to another. Businesses managing teams, contractors, or DAOs need a system that works smoothly across jurisdictions. This is where mass payouts become essential. To meet the demands of real-world payroll, companies look for tools that can handle volume, precision, and compliance at the same time. It’s not just about sending crypto - it’s about sending it correctly, at the right time, and to the right person.

That’s why infrastructure providers are playing such a key role. They offer APIs that support stablecoins like USDC and USDT and integrate into existing business systems. This allows companies to run mass payouts with the same confidence they’d expect from traditional banking systems. For international teams and remote-first firms, it means less friction and more control. With proper reporting, currency conversion, and wallet verification, crypto payroll becomes a practical part of the business stack.

One platform enabling this shift is Sheepy. It provides companies with tools to accept and send crypto payments, including options tailored for recurring salary transfers. This kind of infrastructure is what moves crypto payroll from a concept to a routine. Mass payouts are no longer a workaround - they’re a fully operational part of modern compensation. With the right foundation, businesses can pay globally, stay compliant, and keep up with how work happens today. The future of payroll isn’t just digital - it’s already distributed.