🇺🇾 Uruguay

Cryptocurrency is legal in Uruguay with ongoing development of a regulatory framework by the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU). The BCU has issued guidance for virtual asset service providers and is conducting public consultations on regulatory projects.

Overview

StatusLegal
Risk Score25/100 (Low Risk)
Regionsouth america
CurrencyUYU

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)12% IRPF on capital income (Category I); territorial basis
Capital Gains (Corporate)25% IRAE corporate tax; territorial basis
VAT on CryptoNo
Staking TaxMay be subject to IRPF as capital income
Airdrop TaxNo specific guidance

Uruguay operates a territorial tax system. Only Uruguay-sourced income is taxable. Foreign crypto gains may be exempt. The DGI has not issued comprehensive crypto tax guidance.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredYes
RegulatorBCU / SSF
FrameworkLey 20.345 (Virtual Assets Law, September 2024) + BCU/SSF PSAV Normative Project (March 2026 second consultation draft)
Easeunknown

The BCU has published a normative project for virtual asset service providers and is in the process of public consultation, indicating a forthcoming licensing regime.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Low

BCU has issued guidance but limited enforcement.

CBDC

StatusPilot
Namee-Peso
Issuing AuthorityCentral Bank of Uruguay
Modelretail
TechnologyRoberto Giori Company (Non-DLT)

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleYes
FATF MemberNo
FATF Statusfsrb_only
FATF BodyGAFILAT
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Unclear

No explicit information on DeFi regulation was found in the source.

Stablecoins

Status: unknown

No framework.

NFTs

Status: no_rules

No regulation.

Mining

LegalYes
Electricity Cost$0.12/kWh
Renewable Energy95%
Infrastructuregood

Uruguay benefits from very high renewable energy penetration, mainly hydro and wind, making it attractive for sustainable crypto mining. Infrastructure is solid with good internet connectivity and data center facilities.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitystable
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index73/100
Banking Accessopen
Sanctions Program ActiveNo

Risk Factors

Uruguay is politically stable with a strong rule of law and low corruption in the region. It is not subject to international sanctions and offers a favorable environment for crypto businesses with open banking access and good internet freedom.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Uruguay?

Cryptocurrency is legal in Uruguay with ongoing development of a regulatory framework by the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU). The BCU has issued guidance for virtual asset service providers and is conducting public consultations on regulatory projects.

What is the FATF status of Uruguay?

Uruguay is classified by FATF as: fsrb_only.

Are VASPs licensed in Uruguay?

Yes, licensing is required for VASPs.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Uruguay?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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