Argentina Has Not Legalized Salaries Paid in Bitcoin

In recent days, many online posts have suggested that Argentina has legalized paying salaries in Bitcoin. In reality, this is not the case. The final version of the new labor market reform does not allow wages to be paid in cryptocurrencies or transferred directly to digital wallets.

On March 6, Argentina’s president, Javier Milei, signed Law 27.802. The legislation introduces a broad reform of labor regulations, changing employment rules and aiming to reduce labor costs as well as the number of legal disputes. The Senate approved the bill with 42 votes in favor and 28 against, while two senators abstained.

The new regulations allow salaries to be paid in foreign currencies and partially in non-cash benefits such as food, housing, or other services. The law also enables employers and employees to renegotiate contracts based on performance or productivity.

Earlier versions of the bill included Article 35, which would have allowed wages to be transferred to digital wallets. This provision could have opened the door to paying salaries in cryptocurrencies. However, the article was removed in February 2026 after objections from the banking sector. Banks argued that digital wallet providers are not subject to the same regulations as traditional financial institutions, which could expose employees to financial risks. Lawmakers accepted these concerns and removed the provision from the final legislation.

As a result, current regulations still require salaries to be paid into traditional bank accounts. This does not mean cryptocurrencies are banned in Argentina. They can still be legally bought, sold, and stored, and they are widely used in private transactions. The restriction applies only to official salary payments.

Cryptocurrencies have been gaining popularity in Argentina largely for economic reasons. The country has struggled with high inflation and currency instability for many years, prompting many citizens to look for ways to protect the value of their savings. As a result, more people are turning to digital assets.

Stablecoins such as USDT and USDC are particularly popular. Because they are pegged to the U.S. dollar, many Argentinians see them as a simpler way to preserve value compared to holding local currency. Cryptocurrencies are also increasingly used in everyday financial activities, including saving money, transferring funds, and settling payments between businesses.

Although the law still requires wages to be paid through traditional bank accounts, interest in digital forms of payment remains very strong in Argentina. For this reason, the issue of paying salaries in cryptocurrencies may return to public debate in the future.