How to Open an MEI in 2026: Step by Step on the Portal do Empreendedor

To open an MEI (Microempreendedor Individual, Individual Microentrepreneur) in 2026, log in to the Portal do Empreendedor (Entrepreneur Portal) with your gov.br account (silver or gold level), choose "Quero ser MEI" ("I want to be an MEI"), fill out the form, and submit. Registration is free, can be done online at any time, and delivers your CNPJ (business taxpayer ID) right away.

Who can be an MEI

The requirements are in Lei Complementar 123/2006 (Complementary Law 123/2006) and Resolução CGSN 140/2018.

• Carry out a permitted activity, listed in Annex XI of Resolução CGSN 140/2018.
• Have annual revenue of up to R$ 81,000.00 (or R$ 251,600.00 for the self-employed freight transport MEI).
• Not be a partner, administrator, or owner of another company.
• Have, at most, one employee.

Documents and information you need

• A gov.br account at the silver or gold level (bronze for foreigners) and your ID card (RG).
• Contact details and address.
• Business details: main activity, secondary activities, how you will operate, and where the business will run.

Step by step on the Portal do Empreendedor

1. Go to the Portal do Empreendedor (gov.br/mei) and choose the "Quero Ser MEI" topic.
2. Click "Formalize-se" ("Formalize your business") and log in with your gov.br account.
3. Fill out the registration form with your information and the business's.
4. Check the required declarations and submit.
5. Download the CCMEI (Certificado da Condição de Microempreendedor Individual, Individual Microentrepreneur Status Certificate), which shows your CNPJ number and serves as proof of the business.

The service is free for citizens: be wary of websites that charge to open an MEI.

What to do after opening

• Generate and pay the DAS (Documento de Arrecadação do Simples Nacional, Simples Nacional tax payment slip) every month (see the guide on the DAS-MEI).
• File the annual revenue declaration by May 31 (see the guide on the DASN-SIMEI).
• Issue an invoice (nota fiscal) when selling to companies; for individuals, as a rule, it is not required unless the customer asks for it.
• Check with city hall about the business permit (alvará) and local requirements, especially if the activity will run from home.

How much it costs to be an MEI

In 2026, the DAS-MEI is R$ 81.05 (5% of the R$ 1,621.00 minimum wage, for INSS, the national social security institute), plus R$ 1.00 of ICMS (state sales tax, for commerce and industry) and/or R$ 5.00 of ISS (municipal services tax, for services), depending on the activity. So the amount ranges from R$ 81.05 to R$ 87.05 per month.

Watch the limit in your first year

If you open your MEI in the middle of the year, the limit is prorated: R$ 6,750.00 per month of activity, counting the entire month of opening. Someone who opens in April, for example, has a limit of 9 months × R$ 6,750.00 = R$ 60,750.00 through 12/31.

Common mistakes when opening

• Choosing an activity not listed in Annex XI of Resolução CGSN 140/2018: it is not permitted for an MEI.
• Being a partner or owner of another company, which prevents opting for the MEI.
• Forgetting to pay the DAS or file the annual declaration, which leads to fines and issues with the CNPJ.
• Using an address without checking city hall's operating rules.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to open an MEI?

No. Registration on the Portal do Empreendedor is free. What exists is the monthly DAS contribution after the MEI is open.

Can I be an MEI and have a signed work card?

It depends on the case and the type of work relationship. The guide on MEI and a signed work card explains the rights and risks.

How long does it take to get the CNPJ?

Registration on the portal is processed immediately, and the CCMEI with the CNPJ is available at the end of the process.

Read also

• MEI: revenue limit in 2026 and what happens if you exceed it
• DAS-MEI 2026: amount, due date, and how to pay
• Can an MEI have a signed work card? Rights and risks