Top 10 Countries Where Crypto Payroll Is Becoming the New Normal

Top 10 Countries Embracing Crypto Payroll with Minimal Tax Burden

The idea of receiving your salary in cryptocurrency is no longer just futuristic hype—it’s quickly becoming reality. According to recent studies, more than 300 million people worldwide already get at least part of their pay in digital currencies, and in the U.S., 75% of Gen Z workers prefer crypto over traditional salaries.

ApeX Protocol’s Crypto Payroll Readiness Index looked at five factors—ownership rates, taxation, regulation, infrastructure, and real-world usability—to rank the top 10 countries where workers can most easily receive and use crypto salaries.

Here’s a country-by-country breakdown that explains why these nations are leading the charge.

Top 10 Countries Leading in Crypto Payroll with Little to No Tax

1. Singapore – The Global Leader in Crypto Payroll

Singapore ranks first with a Crypto Payroll Readiness Index of 84.1. The country has 24.4% crypto adoption and operates 81 crypto exchanges despite its small population.

It's what makes Singapore unique—its policy of tax freedom, no capital gains tax, and one of the best places to work for those getting compensated with digital currencies. With crypto debit cards now being made available, local merchants, and even the purchase of properties in crypto, Singapore is the blueprint for the payroll future.

2. Switzerland – Crypto-Friendly and Stable

Sweden is second at 71.0. It's lower in adoption (11.5%) but higher in tax-friendliness (95/100). The workers have no capital gains tax (0%) but a very minimal wealth tax (0.3–1%).

Switzerland also has more than 1,130 crypto ATMs—a huge presence when compared to its diminutive size. Topped by legal certainty and robust banking systems, Switzerland is probably the most stable and crypto-friendly payroll regime on the planet.

3. United Arab Emirates – Fastest Growing Crypto Hub

The UAE ranks third with 69.8 points and the highest adoption on this list—25.3% of residents own crypto. Taxes are highly favorable (95/100 score), and the state encourages digital asset innovation through its free zones in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Workers here can already use crypto for real estate purchases, debit card payments, and in-country transactions, making the UAE one of the fastest-growing hubs for crypto salaries.

4. United States – Biggest Infrastructure in the World

The U.S. holds the fourth spot with 67.9 points. While taxation is relatively high (50/100), the U.S. makes up for it with unmatched infrastructure—31,720 crypto ATMs and 166 registered exchanges.

With 15.5% adoption rates and legal clarity around payroll, U.S. workers have plenty of options to convert and use their crypto earnings. The sheer scale of infrastructure makes the U.S. one of the easiest places to integrate crypto payroll into daily life.

5. Hong Kong – Crypto Salary Tax Paradise

Hong Kong is fifth with 65.8 points. The destination has 0% profit tax for the majority of crypto holders and boasts 52 functioning crypto exchanges.

Crypto adoption is considerable at 14.3%, and employees can conveniently spend their wages using debit cards and local crypto payment. Being a low-tax policy haven and an international finance center, Hong Kong is rapidly turning out to be an excellent destination for crypto-friendly wages.

6. United Kingdom – Moderate Taxes, High Adoption

The UK ranks sixth at 62.7 points. Of note, 24% of people already hold crypto assets, one of the largest rates of adoption in the world.

There is moderate taxation (straightforward earnings subject to a 10% tax), but there are 95 exchanges operating in the country and it allows for crypto debit cards and transactions. This balance makes the UK a sensible choice for both employees and employers looking to use crypto payroll solutions.

7. Portugal – Europe's Crypto Tax Haven

Portugal is seventh with a score of 59.6. The largest benefit there is taxation—0% capital gains on assets held for more than a year.

The nation encourages crypto payments and property purchases, so receiving pay in digital money is not just a novelty but an option. With an 80/100 tax-friendliness score, Portugal continues to attract digital nomads and remote workers who prefer crypto income.

8. Brazil – Rising Adoption in Latin America

Brazil comes in eighth with 59 points. Adoption is already at 17.5%, and locals can use crypto debit cards for everyday purchases.

Taxes are moderate (15–22.5% capital gains), but the combination of high ownership and increasing infrastructure makes Brazil one of the leading crypto payroll countries in Latin America.

9. Germany – Europe's Regulational Balance

Germany ranks ninth with 58.3 points. Employees are spoiled with 0% taxation of crypto assets over a year old, and hence the tax friendliness score is 90/100.

Crypto debit cards are legal, and 194 ATMs can be found, providing access to physical-world usability. Germany's regulational simplicity paves the way for long-term sustainable crypto payroll adoption in Europe.

10. Canada – North America's Infrastructure Leader

Canada rounds out the list at number ten with 57.3 points. Adoption is small (10.1%), but Canada stands out at 3,015 ATMs, one of the largest in the world.

Taxation mid-tier (60/100 score), but employees get to conduct transactions in crypto and easily convert their virtual salaries into fiat. Canada's balance strategy and robust infrastructure make it a very practical location for holding payroll in crypto.

Conclusion: The Future of Crypto Payroll

From Singapore's tax-free income policy to America's unparalleled infrastructure and Portugal's pro-crypto policies, the top 10 destinations are creating a new definition of earning a living.

As younger generations of employees want flexibility and increasingly more businesses use blockchain payroll programs, crypto payroll is a matter of when, not if. The trailblazers will be nations with tax-efficient frameworks, high adoption rates, and robust infrastructure, creating a global benchmark for the future of work.