Have you ever thought about working as a MEI? This can be a great option for several areas, and is often more acceptable than having a formal job.

But a common question is: is MEI considered a job? The answer is yes! In addition to being a legal way to undertake, working as a MEI can bring several advantages.

So, if you still have doubts about becoming a MEI, know that this could be an excellent opportunity to advance your career and gain financial independence.

We have created a complete guide that can help you understand what it means to be an Individual Microentrepreneur. Don't waste any more time and start your business right now!

Firstly, we need to highlight that MEI is not a job, but a form of work! We will describe more details about the difference in other topics in the text.

The MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) is a simplified way of formalizing small entrepreneurs in Brazil.

This modality was created to facilitate the legalization of small businesses or people who work on their own.

Therefore, a MEI can have access to several benefits. For example: retirement, sickness benefit, maternity pay, among others.

Those who choose this method of work also benefit from exemption from federal taxes, such as Income Tax and PIS/COFINS.

Furthermore, you can issue an invoice, have access to loans and count on a series of services and benefits offered by Sebrae.

However, to become a MEI it is necessary to follow some rules. Firstly, the entrepreneur's annual turnover can be a maximum of R$81,000.00 per year.

At the same time, the entrepreneur cannot have participation in another business as a partner or owner.

However, this restriction can be seen as an opportunity to focus on your own venture and maximize your results.

After all, total dedication can bring great benefits to the growth of your business and the success of your career as a MEI.

Finally, it is also necessary to carry out one of the activities permitted by the program. This condition should not be seen as a limitation.

But rather as an opportunity to find an area of activity that is restricted to your interests and skills.

After all, working with something you really like and have talent for can be a source of motivation and professional fulfillment.

Currently there are more than 400 different professions that can be MEI! Therefore, it is necessary to check this program's website to see if your area is included.

Check out a list of some of the professionals who can work in this way:

MEI is not a job, but as previously described in this text, it can bring you a series of advantages! Therefore, continue reading if you want to know how to register.

Firstly, access the Entrepreneur Portal and fill out a form with personal and business information.

Then, choose from one of the permitted activities that can be carried out.

Finally, after formalizing, the MEI must pay a monthly fee, called DAS (Simples Nacional Collection Document), which varies depending on the activity carried out.

This fee is equivalent to all taxes and duties that must be paid by the professional and, as it is paid in a single payment, it facilitates the entrepreneur's accounting.

MEI and formal employment have many differences. Firstly, we mention the fact that a person with MEI is an entrepreneur, not an employee.

At the same time, formal employees have CLT benefits. For example: vacations, 13th salary, unemployment insurance, FGTS, among others. None of these are available for MEI.

Finally, the employee has a formal boss-employee relationship with a company. On the other hand, a MEI, when providing services, is creating a company-to-company relationship.

As mentioned previously, MEI is not considered a traditional job. But rather a form of autonomous and entrepreneurial work.

However, it is important to highlight that this modality can bring several advantages, such as the flexibility to manage your own schedules and business. In addition to making it possible to maintain your earnings.

Therefore, if you are looking for a viable and promising alternative for your career, consider becoming a MEI, it could be an excellent option.

In other words, this is a way a person can work and earn money. However, it does not have any type of employment relationship.

Therefore, there are no benefits like those described above that are available to those who work under the CLT regime.

Do you know the term pejotization? This refers to the practice of hiring workers as MEI instead of CLT.

Pejotization can be harmful to workers, as they lose some labor rights provided for by law.

For example: maximum working hours, payment of overtime and the right to paid vacation and 13th salary, among others.

At the same time, pejotization can be considered an illegal practice in some cases! 

Such as when the contracting company demands exclusivity in the provision of services or when the worker has pre-determined schedules and routines, which characterize a relationship of subordination.

Therefore, to avoid pejotization and not confuse MEI and employment, keep an eye on the conditions of a vacancy!

Avoid applying for jobs that violate labor laws and, whenever possible, report it!

Finally, if you want to check out reliable platforms for getting a job, read our guide below on the topic.