Step-by-Step Guide to Registering as a Micro-Entrepreneur (MEI) in Brazil

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If you’re starting a small business in Brazil, becoming a Microempreendedor Individual (MEI) is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to operate legally. The MEI structure is designed to support solo entrepreneurs and small businesses by offering simplified tax, registration, and benefits processes.

This guide will walk you step by step through everything you need to register as a MEI in Brazil—even if you’re a complete beginner.

What Is MEI?

MEI stands for Microempreendedor Individual. It allows self-employed individuals to formalize their activities with:

  • A CNPJ (company registration number)
  • Access to issuance of invoices (nota fiscal)
  • Reduced and fixed monthly taxes
  • Eligibility for social security benefits (like retirement and sick leave)

It’s ideal for freelancers, service providers, small shop owners, artisans, and anyone earning up to the MEI revenue limit.

Requirements to Become a MEI

Before registering, make sure you meet the legal criteria:

  • You earn up to R$ 81.000,00 per year (about R$ 6.750,00 per month)
  • You work alone or with only one employee
  • Your business activity is listed in the MEI approved list of occupations
  • You do not participate in another business as owner or partner

You can check the full list of allowed occupations at gov.br/mei.

Step 1: Gather Your Personal Information

Before starting the registration, have the following information ready:

  • CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física)
  • Date of birth
  • Title of voter or declaration of last income tax
  • Your address (residential and business, if applicable)
  • Phone number and email address

You’ll also need to decide on:

  • Your business activity (from the official MEI list)
  • A trading name (nome fantasia)
  • Whether your business will have a physical location

Step 2: Register Online at the Official Portal

You can register for free at the Portal do Empreendedor:

👉 Access: https://www.gov.br/mei

Steps:

  1. Click “Quero ser MEI”
  2. Select “Formalize-se”
  3. Log in with your gov.br account (or create one)
  4. Fill out the form with your personal and business information
  5. Choose your economic activity (CNAE code)
  6. Confirm your data and submit the application

At the end, you’ll instantly receive:

  • Your CNPJ
  • The MEI Certificate (CCMEI)
  • Your business license (Alvará Provisório)

Step 3: Understand Your Monthly Taxes (DAS)

As a MEI, you pay a fixed monthly tax called DAS (Documento de Arrecadação do Simples Nacional). The amount depends on your type of business:

  • Commerce or Industry: R$ 67,00 (approx.)
  • Services: R$ 71,00 (approx.)
  • Commerce + Services: R$ 72,00 (approx.)

You can generate your DAS every month via:

  • Portal do Empreendedor
  • App MEI Fácil or Gov.br MEI
  • Email reminders (if you subscribe to updates)

Paying on time gives you access to retirement, maternity leave, sick benefits, and more.

Step 4: Issue Invoices (Nota Fiscal)

Once registered, you’ll need to emit electronic invoices (nota fiscal eletrônica) depending on your activity and clients.

For services, check with your municipal city hall to register for the nota fiscal system.

For commerce or products, use NF-e systems or apps like Emissor Nacional de Nota Fiscal.

You don’t need to issue invoices for individuals (unless they request), but for businesses, it’s mandatory.

Step 5: Keep Basic Records

Even with simplified tax obligations, it’s important to stay organized.

Do this monthly:

  • Record all income
  • Save invoices issued and DAS receipts
  • Track your revenue to avoid exceeding the MEI limit

If your revenue goes over R$ 81.000,00, you’ll need to switch to another business model (like Simples Nacional).

Step 6: Submit Your Annual Statement (DASN-SIMEI)

Every year (until May 31st), MEIs must submit the Declaração Anual do Simples Nacional – MEI (DASN-SIMEI).

It’s a simple form reporting how much you earned the previous year.

Steps:

  1. Go to https://www.gov.br/mei
  2. Click on “Já sou MEI” > “Declaração Anual”
  3. Log in and fill out the revenue for the year
  4. Submit and download the confirmation receipt

No accountant needed—just be honest and keep your records clear.

Step 7: Stay Informed and Compliant

Even as a MEI, keep an eye on:

  • Rule changes (especially revenue limits)
  • Benefits updates (INSS, maternity leave, etc.)
  • Opportunities for credit, support, or training

Follow the official government channels or apps like MEI Fácil to stay updated.

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