If you live in Brazil and want to start your own small business or begin offering services as a self-employed professional, the MEI (Microempreendedor Individual) system may be the ideal solution for you. It offers a fast, low-cost way to formalize your business, access rights like retirement and health care, and issue official invoices.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly what the MEI is, who qualifies, the benefits of becoming one, and a detailed step-by-step guide to registering — even if you’ve never done anything like this before.
What Is an MEI?
MEI stands for Microempreendedor Individual, which translates to “Individual Microentrepreneur.” It’s a simplified legal category created by the Brazilian government to help self-employed workers and small-scale entrepreneurs formalize their activities.
It was created under Lei Complementar nº 128/2008 and is part of the Simples Nacional taxation system, which makes tax payments easier and more affordable.
By registering as an MEI, a person becomes an officially recognized entrepreneur with a CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica — Brazil’s business registry number), tax ID, and access to social security benefits.
Who Can Be an MEI?
To register as an MEI, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Annual revenue limit: You must earn up to R$ 81,000 per year (about R$ 6,750 per month on average).
- No ownership in another company: You cannot be a partner, manager, or owner in another business.
- Only one employee: You’re allowed to hire just one employee, who must be paid the minimum wage or union wage.
- Eligible activities: You must operate in a business category approved by the government for MEI registration (there is a specific list of permitted professions).
Professions range from artisans, delivery riders, and hairdressers to freelancers like digital marketers and electricians.
Advantages of Becoming an MEI
The MEI system was designed to encourage informal workers to become official entrepreneurs. Here are some of the main advantages:
1. Legal Recognition and a CNPJ
By registering, you receive a CNPJ number, allowing you to open a business bank account, access credit, and issue invoices.
2. Simplified and Low Taxation
You pay a fixed monthly tax (called DAS – Documento de Arrecadação do Simples Nacional), which includes:
- INSS (Social Security): R$ 66.10
- ICMS (if selling goods): R$ 1.00
- ISS (if offering services): R$ 5.00
The total usually stays under R$ 72/month.
3. Access to Social Security Benefits
As long as you pay your monthly DAS on time, you’re entitled to:
- Retirement by age
- Sick leave benefits
- Maternity leave
- Disability assistance
- Family benefits
4. Ability to Issue Invoices
You can issue nota fiscal (NF), making it easier to work with larger clients or government contracts.
5. No Need for an Accountant
MEIs are exempt from hiring an accountant. The registration and monthly management are designed to be simple enough for anyone.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Register as an MEI in Brazil
Here’s how to register as an MEI, from start to finish:
Step 1: Check If Your Activity Is Allowed
Visit the official MEI activities list here: gov.br/mei (or search for “atividades permitidas MEI”).
If your profession is on the list, you can move forward. If not, you may need to register under a different structure like Microempresa (ME).
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Before registering, have the following on hand:
- CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física)
- RG (identity document)
- Proof of residence
- Phone number and email
- Voter registration number (or the date of your last vote)
- Information about the address where the business will operate (can be your home)
Step 3: Create Your Gov.br Account
To register as an MEI, you need to access the government portal Gov.br.
- Go to gov.br
- Create an account or log in if you already have one
- Use a secure email and phone number
This account is used for all federal services, including MEI registration.
Step 4: Access the Portal do Empreendedor
Once logged in, go to:
Click on “Quero ser MEI” (I want to become an MEI), then choose “Formalize-se”.
The registration form will ask for:
- Personal information
- Business name (nome fantasia)
- Main and secondary activities
- Business address
- Whether you’ll work from home or another location
You’ll also be asked if you want to issue invoices and if you plan to hire an employee.
Step 5: Complete and Submit the Form
After filling out your information, review everything carefully.
Once submitted, you’ll immediately receive:
- Your CNPJ
- Your Inscrição Municipal or Estadual (depending on your activity)
- Your MEI Certificate (CCMEI) — this proves you’re officially registered
You can now print or save this certificate for business use.
Step 6: Set Up Your Monthly DAS Payment
To keep your MEI active, you must pay your DAS every month — even if you earn nothing.
To generate your payment:
- Go to PGMEI Portal
- Enter your CNPJ
- Select the current month
- Print the boleto or pay via Pix or bank app
The due date is always the 20th of each month.
What to Do After Registration
Becoming an MEI is just the beginning. To stay compliant and grow your business, follow these next steps:
1. Issue Invoices When Necessary
If your clients require an official invoice, you can issue an NF-e (Nota Fiscal Eletrônica) through your municipal or state system, depending on your activity.
2. File Your Annual Report
Every year by May 31, you must submit the DASN-SIMEI, an annual declaration stating your income from the previous year. It’s simple and free to do online.
3. Keep Good Records
Even though accounting is simple, track your earnings and expenses in a notebook, spreadsheet, or app. It helps with tax declarations and proves your business activity if needed.
Can I Cancel or Change My MEI?
Yes! You can cancel your MEI for free anytime at the government portal. You can also change your business address or activities by updating your MEI info online.
If your income grows or you want to expand your team beyond one employee, you’ll need to upgrade to a Microempresa (ME) — which has different requirements and obligations.
Final Thoughts: Is MEI Right for You
Becoming an MEI is one of the simplest ways to join the formal economy in Brazil. It’s fast, affordable, and provides legal security, tax advantages, and access to social benefits.
If you’re working independently — whether as a freelancer, artisan, service provider, or seller — registering as an MEI can open doors to new clients, credit lines, and long-term professional growth.
The process is 100% online, takes less than 30 minutes, and gives you full legal standing as a small business owner. Take that step — your business deserves to be official.