Migrating From Individual Microentrepreneur to Microenterprise in 2025 Requires More Than Paying the Board Fee: Monthly Fixed Costs Can Exceed R$ 500.
The question about how much it costs to migrate from MEI to ME in 2025 is common among small business owners who have exceeded the revenue limit or need to issue more invoices. The process involves not only the payment of initial fees but also ongoing expenses that become part of the company’s financial routine. According to accountant Laís Narciso, a specialist in management and finance, costs range from registration with the commercial board to proportional taxes, accounting fees, and social security contributions.
For many entrepreneurs, this change represents both an opportunity for growth and a financial challenge. On one hand, the ME removes the revenue ceiling and allows for hiring more employees; on the other hand, it requires greater organization, more taxes, and fixed expenses that can strain the cash flow of those who do not plan ahead.
Commercial Board Fees: The First Cost of Migration
The opening or transformation of a company needs to be formalized with the commercial board.
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Fees vary from state to state: they can be free, like in Espírito Santo, or exceed R$ 330 in states like Rondônia and Amazonas.
On average, the entrepreneur spends between R$ 100 and R$ 300 just to formalize the change of category.
At this time, it is also common to update the articles of incorporation, economic activities (CNAE), and the business name.
This is a mandatory step that officially marks the exit from the simplified MEI regime.
Digital Certificate: From e-CPF to e-CNPJ
Another cost that arises when migrating is the digital certificate, necessary for signing electronic documents and issuing invoices.
In the transformation process, the e-CPF may be required, with an average price of R$ 35, although some states already accept free signatures via Gov.br.
After migration, the e-CNPJ becomes mandatory, with an average cost of around R$ 200 per year.
This expense needs to be renewed annually and is essential for keeping tax obligations up to date.
Accountant: From Optional to Mandatory
While MEI can operate without an accountant, ME requires regular accounting.
Fees range from R$ 400 to R$ 600 per month for simple businesses and can exceed R$ 1,000 in more complex sectors.
Some firms charge an additional fee to handle the declassification process, typically between R$ 500 and R$ 900.
For Laís Narciso, this is one of the main financial changes: “The entrepreneur needs to be prepared for this fixed monthly expense, which becomes part of the company’s routine.”
Social Security on Pro-Labore and Municipal Fees
Another recurring cost is the payment of social security on the pro-labore of the managing partner, which does not exist for MEI.
The minimum rate is 11% of the current minimum wage — in 2025, equivalent to R$ 145.20 per month.
This payment guarantees the administrator’s social security rights but represents a new obligation in the budget.
Many municipalities charge annual oversight fees, called policing fees, which range from R$ 20 to R$ 600, depending on the city and type of activity.
Monthly Taxes in the Simples Nacional
Perhaps the biggest impact of how much it costs to migrate from MEI to ME in 2025 lies in the monthly taxes.
While MEI pays a fixed fee of about R$ 70, the microenterprise starts to collect taxes proportional to its revenue within the Simples Nacional.
For companies with annual revenues of up to R$ 180,000, rates start at 4% for commerce, 4.5% for industry, and 6% for services.
Depending on the activity and revenue bracket, they can reach 15.5%. This means that the monthly guide (DAS) easily exceeds R$ 400 or R$ 500.
Is It Worth Migrating From MEI to ME?
Migrating from MEI to ME is inevitable when the revenue limit of R$ 81,000 per year is exceeded or when the activity performed is not allowed for MEI.
The decision involves analyzing costs and benefits: more taxes and obligations, but also greater capacity for growth, hiring, and credibility in the market.
According to Laís Narciso, “the ideal is for the entrepreneur to plan ahead, understanding not only the fixed expenses but also the opportunities that migration can generate in the long term.”
In summary, how much it costs to migrate from MEI to ME in 2025 depends on factors such as state, activity, and size of the business.
The main expenses include commercial board fees (up to R$ 330), annual digital certificate (around R$ 200), accounting fees (starting at R$ 400 per month), social security on pro-labore (minimum of R$ 145.20), municipal fees, and proportional taxes that can exceed R$ 500 monthly.
Do you think the migration costs are fair or too burdensome for those starting to expand? Have you gone through this experience? Leave your comment and share your opinion.


Ter o governo como sócio não é uma boa ideia……ele fica sempre com a maior fatia do bolo.
A matéria precisa se atualizada…Os cálculos não correspondem a verdade
No entanto, valeu a tentativa
Ou seja… Sonegue notas e se passar um pouco minta na declaração mais vale correr o risco do que ter o governo de sócio, belo incentivo eles dão para quem que empreender
Quero ver mentir com o Drex