Brazil's MEI No Longer Requires Operating Permit

Since 1 September 2020, micro‑entrepreneurs (MEI) in Brazil are exempt from obtaining an operating permit (alvará) and related licenses. The exemption is granted automatically during registration or cadastral updates on the Portal do Empreendedor, and is reflected on the Certificado da Condição de Microempreendedor Individual (CCMEI).

MEIs must still comply with local zoning, health, environmental, safety and other regulations. Municipal authorities can inspect premises and, if violations are found, issue notices, fines, suspension of activity or loss of the exemption. No fee is charged for the permit exemption, and the rule applies nationwide across all Brazilian states and municipalities.