Is Bitcoin Legal in Uruguay?
Yes. Bitcoin is legal in Uruguay, and crypto service providers must be authorised by the Central Bank (BCU).
Legal and regulated · facts checked November 2026 · some details from secondary sources · bitcoin is $77,615 today
| Status | Legal and regulated |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Banco Central del Uruguay (BCU), Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros |
| Main law | Ley 20.345 (Sept 2024) on virtual assets; BCU Circular 2507 (16 July 2026) sets the VASP (PSAV) regime |
| Exchanges | Yes: VASPs need BCU authorisation. Applications open 1 Sept 2026, existing operators must regularise by 31 March 2027, and full compliance is due 30 June 2027. |
| Paying with bitcoin | Not legal tender (peso only); merchants may accept it voluntarily. |
| Banks | Yes; banks may deal with authorised VASPs. |
| Tax | No crypto-specific tax rules; general income tax (IRPF/IRAE) rules apply. |
| Mining | Allowed. |
| Recent change | 16 July 2026: BCU Circular 2507 created the final licensing regime for virtual asset service providers. |
Bitcoin in Uruguay: FAQ
Is bitcoin legal in Uruguay?
Yes: bitcoin is legal in Uruguay, and crypto service providers must be authorised by the Central Bank (BCU).
Is bitcoin legal tender in Uruguay?
Not legal tender (peso only); merchants may accept it voluntarily.
How is bitcoin taxed in Uruguay?
No crypto-specific tax rules; general income tax (IRPF/IRAE) rules apply.
Who regulates crypto in Uruguay?
Banco Central del Uruguay (BCU), Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros. Yes: VASPs need BCU authorisation. Applications open 1 Sept 2026, existing operators must regularise by 31 March 2027, and full compliance is due 30 June 2027.
Is bitcoin mining legal in Uruguay?
Allowed..
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