In Brazil, the individual micro-entrepreneurship system MEI offers online registration for foreigners with appropriate immigration status. Foreigners with permanent CRNM, temporary residence holders with a work permit and recognized refugees can apply for MEI. In 2026, the annual income limit is applied as 81 thousand reais. The monthly fixed DAS payment varies between 82.05 and 87.05 reais depending on the type of activity. Although the Super-MEI bill, which aims to increase the income limit to 140 thousand reais, is being discussed in Congress, the current limit is valid until official changes are made.
The MEI system, which is used for small-scale entrepreneurs and freelancers in Brazil, is becoming an increasingly important option for foreigners and refugees.
The new dossier news published by The Rio Times on May 24 discussed in detail how the Individual Micro-entrepreneur regime in Brazil works for foreigners, expats and recognized refugees in 2026.
The MEI system provides low-cost and fast registration for people who want to run small-scale commercial activities in Brazil. In Brazil, this model has long been seen as a system that reduces bureaucracy for local small businesses and individual workers.
What is MEI?
MEI is a simplified tax and registration regime that allows operating as an individual microentrepreneur in Brazil.
Thanks to this system, people who meet the appropriate conditions can register online, obtain a CNPJ, which is a tax number and business ID in Brazil, and carry out legal business activities at a limited income level.
MEI is especially preferred for small service providers, freelancers, one-person businesses and low-volume commercial activities.
Can foreigners become MEI?
Under the Immigration Law of 2017 and Supplementary Law 128/2008 in Brazil, it is possible for some foreigners to register in the MEI system.
Accordingly, three groups of foreigners can apply for MEI.
First, foreigners who have a permanent National Migration Registration Card, that is, CRNM.
Secondly, people who have a temporary residence permit that includes an open work permit.
The third is people with refugee status recognized by Brazil.
People who meet these conditions can complete the MEI registration process completely online.
The determining criterion is immigration status, not citizenship
One of the most striking aspects of the system in Brazil is that eligibility assessment is based on immigration status, not citizenship.
In other words, it is more important what residence or protection status the person has in Brazil than which country he or she is a citizen of.
This approach shows that Brazil has followed a trend in line with the digital nomad visa, humanitarian protection pathways and more flexible immigration policies in recent years.
2026 income limit: 81 thousand reais
The annual gross income limit in the MEI system for 2026 continues to be 81 thousand Brazilian reals. This amount corresponds to approximately 16 thousand 100 US dollars. (741 thousand TL)
Although the “Super-MEI” bill, which aims to increase the income limit to 140 thousand reais, is being discussed in the Brazilian Congress, a higher limit is not yet valid in terms of current rules.
For this reason, companies, consultants and foreign applicants must rely on the 81 thousand reais limit until the official change comes into force.
How much is the monthly flat tax payment?
Tax liability in the MEI system is simpler and more predictable than in classical company regimes.
DAS, the fixed social tax payment for 2026, varies between 82.05 reais and 87.05 reais per month, depending on the type of activity.
This payment is seen as one of the most important advantages of the MEI system. Because it reduces the burden of complex accounting for small-scale entrepreneurs and makes costs more calculable.
Preparation is important for foreigners
Although MEI registration seems online and fast, the pre-registration preparation process is critical for foreigners.
The applicant must first have the correct visa or residence status. CRNM renewal, scope of work permit, residence type and legal stay in Brazil should be checked prior to registration.
Digital platforms that offer visa and passport services can assist applicants at this stage with issues such as document lists, status tracking and in-country support. Especially for foreigners who have just moved to Brazil, it is important to clarify whether their immigration status is appropriate before proceeding to the MEI portal.
Why is it important for companies?
The MEI system has practical consequences not only for individual entrepreneurs, but also for multinational companies sending personnel to Brazil.
Companies can consider the MEI route to provide a more organized structure for freelancers in Brazil, accompanying spouses or people who are assigned for short periods of time and need to invoice local companies.
Thanks to MEI registration, a person can obtain a CNPJ and issue service invoices to local institutions in Brazil within certain limits.
However, if used incorrectly, this structure may pose risks in terms of labor law and tax. Therefore, the source of income, the nature of the working relationship and the annual income limit should be carefully monitored.
There are more than 84 thousand foreign MEIs in Brazil
According to Sebrae data cited by The Rio Times, there are more than 84 thousand active foreign MEIs in Brazil.
In this group, Venezuelans, Bolivians and Colombians especially stand out.
This data shows that the MEI system is becoming an increasingly important tool not only for local small businesses but also for the economic integration of immigrants.
3 most common mistakes
The guide draws attention to the three most common compliance errors that foreigners encounter during the MEI process.
The first mistake is missing apostilled translations of documents such as passports and bank documents.
The second mistake is underreporting income. This may lead to a forced transition to the more complex and costly microbusiness regime.
The third mistake is that the annual DASN-SIMEI declaration is not submitted on time.
Deadline for DASN-SIMEI is May 31
People with MEI status must submit their DASN-SIMEI declaration, which is an annual income statement, by May 31 every year.
If this date is missed, daily penalties may apply.
For this reason, foreign MEI holders are recommended to use digital tax reminder tools, follow the accounting calendar and not leave the annual declaration to the last day.
What happens if the income limit is exceeded?
The advantages of the MEI system are valid as long as the annual income limit is stayed within.
If the income exceeds the 81 thousand reais limit, the person may have to leave the MEI regime and switch to a more complex microbusiness regime.
This transition could mean more accounting burdens, different tax calculations and higher compliance costs.
For this reason, foreign entrepreneurs, especially those whose income increases during the year, need to monitor their income regularly.
Integration tool for refugees and expats
The MEI system stands out as a mechanism that facilitates participation in economic life for refugees and expats in Brazil.
Thanks to this system, people with official immigration status can establish their own businesses, provide services and operate within a more regular tax structure.
In this respect, MEI is considered not only as a corporatization model, but also as one of the important parts of Brazil’s immigrant integration policy.
New tool for flexible work plans in Brazil
Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, is trying to offer more flexible options for immigrants and international workers.
When the digital nomad visa, humanitarian protection pathways and the MEI system are evaluated together, it appears that Brazil has adopted a more flexible approach to include different immigrant groups in the economic system.
This makes Brazil more interesting for international companies, remote workers, and freelancers looking to serve the local market.
Key message: Immigration status first, MEI registration second
MEI registration for foreigners in Brazil is technically a fast and online process.
However, the real critical point is whether the person has the appropriate immigration status to make this registration.
MEI registration may not be possible without permanent CRNM, temporary residence with work permit or recognized refugee status.
Therefore, the first step of foreigners who want to become individual entrepreneurs in Brazil should be to clarify their visa and residence status. Then, income limit, tax liability, annual declaration and document requirements should be followed carefully.
