---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "south_america", "gafilat", "legal"]
aliases: ["UY", "URY"]
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2025-09-01
compile_into: ["[[country--uruguay]]"]
sources:
  - name: "Banco Central del Uruguay"
    url: "https://www.bcu.gub.uy"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇺🇾 [[country--uruguay|Uruguay]] (UY) — Crypto Regulation

> 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

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Risk Score | 30/100 (Moderate Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Low |
| Region | [[domain--south-america|south america]] |
| Currency | [[entity--uyu|UYU]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | 12% IRPF on capital income (Category I); territorial basis |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 25% IRAE corporate tax; territorial basis |
| VAT on Crypto | No |
| Mining Tax | Subject to income tax if conducted as business |
| Staking Tax | May be subject to IRPF as capital income |
| Airdrop Tax | No 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

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--bcu|BCU]] |
| Framework | BCU virtual asset guidance |
| Ease | unknown |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

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.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | fsrb_only |

## DeFi

**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

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.12/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 95% |
| Climate | temperate |
| Infrastructure | good |

Uruguay has a high share of renewable energy, mainly hydro and wind, making it attractive for sustainable mining operations. Electricity costs are moderate. Infrastructure for data centers and internet is good, supporting mining activities.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 73/100 |
| Ease of Business | easy |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | moderate |

## Enforcement

BCU has issued guidance but limited enforcement.

## CBDC Status: pilot

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-04-13.*

**Sources:**
- [Banco Central del Uruguay](https://www.bcu.gub.uy)