Bitcoin in Peru: rules, tax and how it's priced
In Peru bitcoin is quoted in soles per 1 BTC (S/ or PEN per BTC), and most buyers purchase small fractions. The figures on this page are the international BTC/USD price converted at today's USD/PEN exchange rate, before exchange fees, spreads and any local premium, so prices on local platforms and P2P markets can differ.
Is bitcoin legal in Peru?
Yes. Owning and trading bitcoin is legal, but it is not legal tender; the sol is. Peru has no licensing regime for crypto platforms, and the securities regulator (SMV) and the banking regulator (SBS) have said they are not the competent authority for crypto-assets in general. Crypto firms are covered by anti-money-laundering rules instead. Supreme Decree 006-2023-JUS made virtual asset service providers reporting entities of the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF-Perú), which is part of the SBS. SBS Resolution 02648-2024, published in August 2024, sets their due-diligence and reporting duties and was amended in April 2026. Its travel rule, which requires sender and recipient details to accompany transfers between providers, applies from 1 August 2026. A bill to create a register of crypto platforms was sent back to committee in March 2025.
Tax on crypto in Peru
Peru has no crypto-specific tax rule, and in 2023 the tax authority, SUNAT, said the law contains no specific regulation for crypto-assets. Tax specialists disagree on how individuals' gains should be treated. One reading is that occasional sales by individuals who are not in business are not taxed. Another is that gains are capital income: about 5% effective (6.25% after a 20% deduction) on Peruvian-source gains, or progressive rates of 8% to 30% if the gain counts as foreign-source income, for example on an offshore exchange. Regular trading as a business is taxed as business income. In May 2026 SUNAT announced plans to collect information on crypto transactions, possibly from 2027. Keep records and get advice from a Peruvian tax professional.
Buying bitcoin in Peru
Peruvians buy bitcoin with soles through local and international exchanges and peer-to-peer (P2P) trades, usually funded by bank transfer or other local payment methods. Because there is no licensing regime, there is no official list of authorised crypto platforms, and Peruvian financial consumer protections generally do not apply. Providers that serve Peru must still verify customers' identity and, since August 2026, apply the travel rule to transfers between providers. Sol prices on local platforms can differ from the converted international price shown here, so compare the final amount after fees.
Legal and tax information last reviewed October 2026. Crypto rules change quickly — check with the regulator or tax authority, or a qualified adviser, before acting. This is not tax, legal or investment advice.