Is it worth opening MEI for extra income? The full review

MEI for freelancer, courier, or app driver. When formalization makes financial sense and when it is just cost without return.

The right MEI question for extra income

Most people ask "should I open MEI?" when the right question is another: "how much am I losing by not having MEI?"

This change in perspective reveals a more honest calculation. MEI costs R$ 80,90/month. But it also delivers CNPJ, invoice, INSS and access to credit. The question is, for your extra income level, are these benefits worth more than R$ 80,90?

Man celebrating extra income with cash in hand after formalizing MEI

Scenario 1: Freelancer without MEI — the invisible risks

Working without MEI as an individual is not illegal, but has costs:

Income tax: freelance income must be declared in the carnê-leão monthly. On earnings above R$ 2.259/month, you pay between 7.5% and 27.5% IR.

Loss of PJ customers: companies need to issue a self-employed payment receipt (RPA) or ask for an invoice. Many prefer not to have this job and hire only those who have CNPJ.

No social security coverage: If you get sick or have an accident, you don't have sick pay or maternity leave.

Scenario 2: Freelancer with MEI — what changes

With MEI:

Issues invoice in seconds through the city hall platform

Pays R$ 80,90/month of DAS (includes INSS + ISS or ICMS)

Has CNPJ to open a legal entity account, hire services and have credibility

Accesses sick pay after 12 months of contribution

Break-even analysis: when the MEI pays itself

If you invoice R$ 1.000/month:

DAS: R$ 80,90 = 8.09% of turnover

INSS you would have to pay as a volunteer (rate 20% = R$ 303,60/month) vs MEI (R$ 75,90/month) = savings of R$ 227,70/month only in INSS

Result: MEI is practically paid only for the economy in the INSS

If you invoice R$ 3.000/month:

DAS: R$ 80,90 = 2.7% of turnover

Practically sure to pay off

Without MEI, the carnê-leão can charge you R$ 180/month or more (7.5% above the exemption range)

Comparison of INSS: MEI vs alternatives

Type	Tax rate	Monthly cost	Cover

|-----------|---------|-------------|---------|

Individual Taxpayer (self-employed)	20% of revenue	R$ 303,60 (about min.)	Full
Voluntary taxpayer (no link)	20% of min.	R$ 303,60/month	Full
MEI	5% of the minimum wage	R$ 75,90/month	Partial (no time-retirement)

MEI is the cheapest way to have some social security coverage in Brazil. It costs R$ 75,90/month of INSS vs R$ 303,60 for any other modality.

For those who have CLT: is MEI still valid?

Those who have a CLT job already contribute to the INSS by salary. So MEI does not add new social security coverage. Calculation changes:

The MEI is still valid for the CLT if:

You have PJ clients that require invoice (no MEI = no contract)

Invoice more than R$ 2.000/month as extra income (CNPJ organizes finances)

Want access to PJ credit to expand extra income

The MEI may not apply to the CLT if:

Invoice less than R$ 800/month and no customer requires invoice

Extra income is sporadic (1–2 times a year)

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Practical scenarios with recommendation

Profile	Monthly Revenue (R$)	Do you have CLT?	Net promoter score

|--------|-------------------|---------|-------------|

Informal seller (Shopee/Mercado Livre)	R$ 2.000	No	Open MEI
Freelancer design/text	R$ 4.000	No	Open MEI
Employee who freels on weekends	R$ 500	Yes	Evaluate (invoice?)
IFood Deliverer (main income)	R$ 1.800	No	Open MEI
Uber driver (extra income, has CLT)	R$ 1.200	Yes	Probably yes (note, CNPJ)
Who sells handicrafts sporadically	R$ 400	Yes	Probably not

The MEI costs that people forget

Monthly DAS is not the only cost. Also consider:

Annual DASN: mandatory declaration by May 31. Free, but if you forget, fine of R$ 50-1,000.

Issuance of invoice: requires configuration in the city hall (once only, free).

Legal Entity Account: digital banks charge R$ 0–30/month (Nubank Legal Entity, C6 Business, Mercado Pago are free).

Decision tree: open or not open

Please answer by yes or no:

Do any customers ask for invoices? If yes, open the MEI.

Don't you have INSS anywhere? If yes, open the MEI.

Invoice more than R$ 2.000/month consistently? If yes, open the MEI.

Do you have CLT, invoice less than R$ 800/month and no customer requires a note? Maybe you don't need to.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open MEI if I already have INSS for the job?

Yes. Having CLT does not prevent being MEI. The two coexist. MEI's INSS would be a complementary contribution, but not mandatory if you already have CLT coverage.

Does MEI protect in the event of an accident at work?

Yes, but only after 12 months of uninterrupted contribution. Temporary disability allowance (formerly called sick pay) covers accident or sick leave.

Do I need an accountant for MEI?

No. MEI is designed to be self-sufficient. DAS is paid online, the invoice is issued by the city hall portal, and the annual DASN is made on the gov.br portal. Accountant is not required — but it can help if you have questions.

Can I cancel MEI if it doesn't work?

Yes. Cancellation (low) is free, done online at gov.br/mei. Before canceling, clear the outstanding DAS so as not to generate active debt.

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[Simulate the cost of MEI for your extra income](/calculators/mei) — See in seconds how much DAS weighs in your billing and if the formalization makes sense for your profile.