Introduction

More and more people are experimenting with crypto, even outside their investment accounts. But what if you want to receive your salary in Bitcoin? Is that legally possible? And what happens if the value suddenly crashes? In this blog, you’ll learn about salary payments in cryptocurrency, what the law says about it, and what protections employees have in this regard.

Salary in Bitcoin: Is that allowed?

The short answer is: yes, you can, but there are a few important conditions.

The law stipulates that wages are the consideration for work. In principle, wages must be paid “in cash,” but that does not mean they must necessarily be in euros, as long as there is mutual agreement. You can therefore agree that part of the wages will be paid in another form, such as cryptocurrency, gift cards, or room and board. In the latter case, this is considered wages in kind, and cryptocurrency falls under this category as well.

Please note: The minimum wage must be in euros.

However, there is a clear limit on what can be paid in bitcoin. The law stipulates that the statutory minimum wage must always be paid in euros. This means that only the portion above the minimum wage may be paid in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

In short:

The base salary must always be in euros.
Bonuses, commissions, or additional pay may be paid in cryptocurrency, with the employee’s consent.
Everything must be documented in a verifiable manner between the employer and the employee.

What if the price drops?

Cryptocurrency is known for its high volatility. Suppose you receive (part of) your salary in bitcoin, and shortly afterward the price plummets—is that just bad luck?

If you have agreed in advance to be paid in Bitcoin (for the portion above the minimum wage), you bear the exchange rate risk yourself. In that case, you cannot hold the employer liable for any loss in value.

At the same time, the law provides a way out: you can always withdraw your consent and request to receive your full salary in euros again going forward. This is provided for in the Civil Code. However, such a change must be announced reasonably in advance so that the employer can make the necessary arrangements.

Case Study: Domino’s Pizza

The idea of being paid in bitcoin is not a legal fiction. In 2021, Domino’s Pizza Netherlands announced that 16 of its locations were offering employees the option to receive a portion of their salary in Bitcoin. The program was implemented through an external service provider to ensure compliance with all tax and legal obligations. This always applied to the portion of the salary above the minimum wage.

Although the hype has died down somewhat in the meantime, this example shows that employers can indeed be open to alternative forms of wage payment, provided they are properly arranged from a legal standpoint.

What can you do as an employee?

If you’re interested in getting paid in crypto:

Talk it over with your employer.
Make sure everything is documented in writing.
Make sure you are well-informed about tax implications and market risk.
Keep in mind that you can always switch back to wages in euros.

And as an employer: be aware of the legal obligations regarding the minimum wage and the inclusion of in-kind compensation in payroll records.

Conclusion

Receiving a salary in bitcoin is legally possible, but only under certain conditions. The statutory minimum wage must always be paid in euros, and you must explicitly consent to alternative payment for the portion above the minimum wage. As long as both parties are well-informed and the agreements are clearly documented, payment in cryptocurrency can be an experimental but legally sound option.

This blog was written by Stijn Blom, Esq., an employment law attorney at Arbeidsadvocaat.nl B.V. Stijn has extensive experience in employment law and assists employers and employees on a daily basis with a wide range of employment law issues. From dismissal cases to drafting watertight agreements and policies—with his practical and personalized approach, he helps employers and employees move forward. Want to learn more? Visit Stijn’s page.

Arbeidsadvocaat.nl is happy to help you if you have any questions about your salary. Please feel free to contact us .

April 2025