Updated April 2026 · 5 min read

How to register as MEI (freelancer) in Brazil with a foreign CPF

Work legally as a freelancer in Brazil. How foreigners can register as MEI micro-entrepreneur with their CPF.

What is MEI?

MEI (Microempreendedor Individual) is Brazil's simplified business registration for small entrepreneurs and freelancers. It gives you a CNPJ (business tax number), lets you issue invoices (notas fiscais), and costs only R$70-80/month in taxes regardless of how much you earn (up to R$81,000/year).

For foreigners working remotely or freelancing in Brazil, MEI is the simplest path to working legally. You can invoice Brazilian clients, receive payments to a business bank account, and stay tax compliant.

Can foreigners register as MEI?

Yes, but with conditions. You need: - A valid CPF - A permanent residence visa (RNE/CRNM), tourist visas do NOT qualify - A Brazilian address

Important: If you are on a tourist visa or digital nomad visa, you technically cannot register as MEI. The digital nomad visa specifically states you should be earning from foreign sources. MEI is for people with permanent or temporary residence who want to work locally.

If you have the right visa, registration is done online at gov.br/mei.

The registration process

Go to the MEI portal and log in with your Gov.br account (which requires your CPF).

Choose your CNAE (activity code), this is the category of work you do. Common ones for foreigners: - 6201-5/01, Software development - 7319-0/04, Marketing consulting - 8599-6/04, Language teaching - 7410-2/02, Design

Enter your business address (can be your home address) and confirm. Your CNPJ is generated immediately.

Open a business bank account (PJ account) at Nubank PJ, Inter PJ, or Cora, all free, all digital.

Monthly obligations

Every month you pay the DAS (Documento de Arrecadacao do Simples Nacional), a fixed tax of approximately R$70-80. Pay via boleto or Pix through the PGMEI portal.

Once a year you file the DASN-SIMEI (annual declaration) reporting your total revenue. This is simple and done online.

If you exceed R$81,000/year in revenue, you need to upgrade from MEI to a different business category (ME or EPP). An accountant can help with this transition.