If you’re a new entrepreneur in Brazil and looking for a simple way to legalize your business, the MEI might be the perfect solution. MEI stands for Microempreendedor Individual — a special category created to help small business owners and self-employed professionals operate legally, pay taxes easily, and access benefits like social security.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what MEI is, who qualifies, what the benefits are, and how to register step-by-step — even if you have zero experience with legal or tax matters.
What Is a MEI?
The MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) is a simplified business structure designed for solo entrepreneurs in Brazil who work independently or run very small businesses.
It was created by the Brazilian government to:
- Reduce bureaucracy for small business owners
- Allow informal workers to operate legally
- Help entrepreneurs contribute to social security (INSS)
- Encourage small business growth through official support
As a MEI, you get a CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional de Pessoa Jurídica) — which is your official business registration number — and can start issuing invoices, paying taxes through a simplified system, and enjoying legal protections.
Who Can Become a MEI?
To qualify as a MEI in Brazil, you must meet the following conditions:
- Annual income must not exceed R$ 81,000 (around R$ 6,750 per month on average)
- You can’t be a partner or owner in another company
- You must work alone or have at most one employee
- Your activity must be on the approved MEI list (lista de atividades permitidas)
The list includes hundreds of professions, such as:
- Bakers
- Artisans
- Designers
- Hairstylists
- Freelance writers
- Repair technicians
- Dog walkers
- Online sellers
If your activity is allowed and you meet the income and staffing limits, you can register as a MEI with no cost and start operating legally within minutes.
What Are the Benefits of Being a MEI?
Being a MEI brings several advantages that go far beyond just being “legal.” Here are the key benefits:
1. CNPJ and Legal Status
You receive a CNPJ number that allows you to:
- Open a business bank account
- Apply for business credit and loans
- Issue invoices (Notas Fiscais)
- Participate in government tenders (licitações)
2. Simplified and Low-Cost Taxes
MEIs are part of the Simples Nacional tax system. Instead of calculating multiple taxes, you pay a small fixed monthly fee, which includes:
- INSS (for retirement and social benefits)
- ISS (if you provide services)
- ICMS (if you sell products)
In 2025, the monthly tax values are approximately:
- R$ 67,00 for services
- R$ 72,00 for commerce
- R$ 76,00 for mixed activities
That’s it — no complex calculations, no accountant needed (unless you prefer help).
3. Social Security and Retirement
As a MEI, you contribute to INSS (Brazil’s social security system), which gives you access to:
- Retirement benefits
- Maternity leave
- Sick leave
- Disability benefits
- Family salary
Your contribution guarantees future protection — even with the small monthly tax payment.
4. Access to Credit and Support
MEIs can apply for:
- Government-backed credit lines with lower interest rates
- Training and mentoring from SEBRAE
- Participation in digital platforms like PagSeguro, Mercado Pago, and marketplaces
Being formal also gives you more credibility with customers, suppliers, and institutions.
What Are the Obligations of a MEI?
While the MEI format is simple, there are still some basic obligations to follow:
- Pay the monthly DAS tax on time via boleto or Pix (you can generate it via the gov.br/mei portal or the MEI app)
- Issue invoices when requested or when selling to other businesses
- Keep basic financial control, even a spreadsheet
- Submit your annual earnings declaration (DASN-SIMEI) by May 31 of each year
Failing to follow these steps could result in fines or the cancellation of your MEI status — so it’s important to stay organized, even if your business is small.
Step-by-Step: How to Register as a MEI
The best part about becoming a MEI is how simple the registration process is. You don’t need to pay anything, and you can do it all online — often in less than 30 minutes.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Create a gov.br Account
Go to www.gov.br and create a free account. This will give you access to all government portals.
You’ll need:
- CPF (Brazilian ID number)
- A valid email address and phone number
- To confirm your identity using a validation method (like facial recognition via app or bank account verification)
2. Access the MEI Portal
Go to the Portal do Empreendedor and click “Quero ser MEI” (I want to be MEI).
You’ll log in with your gov.br credentials.
3. Fill Out the Registration Form
You’ll need to provide:
- Personal info (full name, CPF, date of birth)
- Contact info (email, phone, address)
- Business info (chosen activity, trade name, business address — which can be your home)
Make sure to choose your business activity from the list of allowed MEI activities (ocupações permitidas).
4. Receive Your CNPJ and Business Certificate
Once submitted, you’ll receive:
- Your official CNPJ
- Your Certificado de Condição de Microempreendedor Individual (MEI certificate)
You’re now legally registered — no waiting time, no lines, and no cost.
5. Download the MEI App (Optional but Useful)
The “MEI” app is available for iOS and Android. It helps you:
- Pay your monthly tax (DAS)
- Check your CNPJ status
- Track declarations
- Generate invoices
It’s a great tool to manage your MEI with ease.
What Happens If You Stop Being a MEI?
If your income grows beyond R$ 81,000/year, or you hire more than one employee, you’ll need to upgrade your business type. You can transition from MEI to a ME (Microempresa) through an accountant.
Also, if you no longer want to operate your business, you can cancel your MEI at any time through the same portal.
The important thing is to keep your records updated and stay within MEI limits — or grow in a structured way.