Guide

How to Open MEI Online in 2026

Step-by-step guide to registering your Individual Microentrepreneur (MEI) on Brazil's official government portal. Completely free and 100% online — no paperwork needed.

Good News

Opening a MEI is completely free and takes less than 10 minutes. No fees, no excessive bureaucracy.

1. Required Documents

Before you start, gather these documents:

2. Choose Your Activity (CNAE)

The CNAE is the code that defines your economic activity. Choose carefully:

Tip: Search the Receita Federal website for the CNAE that best matches your activity. You can select up to 2 primary CNAEs.

Popular examples:

💡 Use our CNAE calculator to find the ideal code for your activity. And after opening, simulate your maximum revenue to avoid exceeding the MEI cap.

3. Step-by-Step to Open MEI

Step 1: Access the Portal

  1. Go to www.gov.br/empresas/mei
  2. Click "Abrir Meu Negócio" (Open My Business) or "Registrar MEI"
  3. You'll be redirected to the Receita Federal services portal

Step 2: Fill in Personal Data

  1. Enter your CPF and click "Validar" (Validate)
  2. Confirm your date of birth
  3. Enter your voter registration number
  4. Fill in your full name, email, and phone number
  5. Confirm your residential address (this will be your business address)

Step 3: Choose CNAE and Activity

  1. Search for your activity in the search field
  2. Select the CNAE that best matches
  3. You can add up to 2 secondary activities
  4. Click "Continuar" (Continue)

Step 4: Select Contribution Option

  1. Choose whether to contribute as MEI (5%) or another regime
  2. For MEI, the rate is 5% of the minimum wage
  3. You'll be entitled to INSS social security benefits

Step 5: Review and Confirm

  1. Review all entered data
  2. Accept the terms of responsibility
  3. Click "Enviar" (Submit)
  4. You'll receive a protocol number

Step 6: Download Documents

  1. After confirmation, you'll receive your CNPJ
  2. Download the Registration Certificate (Comprovante de Inscrição e Situação Cadastral)
  3. Save this document — it's your MEI CNPJ proof
  4. You can print or save as PDF

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4. Next Steps After Opening MEI

Required

  • Pay your first DAS
  • Open a business bank account (PJ)
  • Generate Registration Receipt
  • Register with your local city hall

Recommended

  • Find an accountant
  • Register your trademark (INPI)
  • Set up an invoicing system
  • Organize documentation

5. How Long Does It Take?

6. Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to open a MEI?

Completely free. No fees or bureaucracy. The only cost will be the monthly DAS tax.

Do I need an accountant to open a MEI?

No. You can do it yourself online. An accountant helps with taxes but is not required.

Can I open a MEI while unemployed?

Yes. There are no restrictions. You can open a MEI regardless of your employment situation.

Confirmation email not received?

Check your spam folder. If you haven't received it within 1 hour, access the portal again with your CPF.

Next Steps

Related Content

DAS MEI 2026 →Updated amounts, deadlines, and how to pay the DASMEI Revenue Cap →Understand the R$ 81k limit and what to do if you exceed itOpen a PJ Account for MEI →Compare the best free business accounts for your CNPJMEI Hiring Rules →Rules, limits, and obligations for hiring employees as a MEI

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Every MEI needs contracts, invoices, and receipts. Our Kit MEI includes 4 professional PDF templates ready to fill out and use.

Buy Kit MEI — R$ 29.90