App Driver as MEI: Is It Worth Formalizing in 2026?

Being a MEI as an Uber driver has tax and social security advantages. But it doesn't always pay off. See the full review.

What is MEI and why are app drivers interested in it?

MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) is a legal regime that allows you to formally work with CNPJ, pay reduced taxes and have access to INSS.

For app drivers, MEI makes it possible to:

Own CNPJ (some platforms offer advantages)

Access to business credit

Basic INSS per R$ 75,90/month (2026)

Retirement by contribution time or age

Yes, for the activity of "Road Passenger Transport" (CNAE 4923-0/01 for private transport by app).

MEI costs per month:

DAS (flat tax): ~R$ 75,90

Counter (optional but recommended): ~R$ 100–200

Total: R$ 175–276/month

Benefits of MEI:

INSS: retirement due to age (60 years old woman, 65 men) with minimum wage

Sick pay and maternity leave

MEI loan with interest lower than PF

✅ It is worth being a MEI if:

Do you think about working as a driver for more than 3 years

Does not have INSS from another job

Wants access to business credit to improve the car

❌ May not apply if:

You already have INSS for another job

You have been testing the app for less than 6 months

Monthly cost will compromise your marginal profit

For a driver with profit of R$ 1.500/month:

MEI costs R$ 75,90/month = 5% of profit

But it guarantees social security health coverage

It seems little — and in most cases it's worth it.

👉 [Calculate if your profit is MEI](/) — Include the cost of the MEI in your monthly expenses and see the actual impact on your net profit.