Sebrae survey: 75% of Brazilian MEIs report higher sales after formalization

A Sebrae survey involving 14,000 small businesses in Brazil indicates that 75% of individual microentrepreneurs (MEI) reported increased sales following formalization. This figure represents the highest level recorded in the historical series, surpassing results from 2019 (71%) and 2022 (69%).

The primary motivations for formalization among MEIs include the ability to issue invoices (32%), access to INSS social security benefits (27%), and avoiding issues with tax inspections (17%). Regional data shows the highest positive impact on sales in Ceará (81%), Mato Grosso (80%), Piauí (80%), and the Distrito Federal (79%).

Sebrae president Décio Lima noted that formalization can increase income by up to 25% by providing access to credit, public bidding opportunities, and the ability to sell to larger companies. Similarly, 75% of micro and small enterprises (MPE) reported an increase in income after opening their businesses, with the highest percentages found in Amazonas (82%), Piauí (82%), and Mato Grosso do Sul (81%).