Some Professions Are Still Prohibited from Opening a CNPJ as a MEI, but New Rules Are Emerging. Find Out More!
If you are thinking about opening a CNPJ MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur), pay attention: there is a new update in the MEI that directly impacts who can or cannot formalize. If you work in one of the so-called prohibited professions from having a CNPJ, this update may be relevant for you.
Limited Professionals
The process to open a MEI remains simple and practical. It is all done online, at no cost, the registration ensures that the entrepreneur can issue invoices, pay a fixed tax rate, and enjoy social security benefits, such as retirement.
However, despite the conveniences, there are still some professions prohibited from having a CNPJ as a MEI, and this list remains after the recent update in the MEI. In general, the category continues to be aimed at activities related to commerce, industry, and services, which prevents some careers from formalizing as microentrepreneurs.
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See Below the List of Professions Prohibited from Having a CNPJ as a MEI:
- Administrator
- Attorney
- Archivist
- Architect
- Accountant
- Dentist
- Developer
- Economist
- Nurse
- Engineer
- Physiotherapist
- Journalist
- Doctor
- Nutritionist
- Orthodontist
- Personal Trainer
- Producer
- Programmer
- Psychologist
- Advertiser
- Veterinarian
This list remains unchanged even after the update in the MEI, which continues to limit some professionals from seeking other forms of formalization.
How to Open a CNPJ MEI?
Now, if your activity falls within the permitted ones, the formalization process remains the same. It is important to gather the basic documentation, such as ID, CPF, and proof of residence, in addition to having a gov.br account with silver or gold level. Then, just access the Entrepreneur Portal, select the option “I Want to Be a MEI” and proceed with filling in the business details.
The update in the MEI did not change this part of the process, but it is worth highlighting the advantages that formalization brings:
Obtaining aCNPJ;
Issuing invoices;
Ease of selling to government agencies;
Access to banking services exclusive to companies;
Simplicity in paying taxes and reduced costs;
Access to social security benefits, such as sick leave, retirement by age, and maternity pay.
What Changes with the Update?
Although the list of prohibited professions from having a CNPJ remains virtually the same, there are discussions about future changes. The idea is to make room for more categories of workers, but this is still in the study phase. For now, it is essential for any professional wanting to open a MEI to check if their activity is among the permitted ones.
Recent Update in the MEI Reinforces the Importance of Being Aware of the Rules
The recent update in the MEI may not have made significant changes for those in one of the prohibited professions from having a CNPJ, but it reinforces the importance of being aware of the rules. Those engaged in permitted activities still have all the formalization facilities and benefits available. For those who are outside the MEI scope, it is worth keeping an eye on upcoming developments and being prepared for future changes.
Stay tuned for upcoming updates and, if your work is within the permitted scope, take advantage of the benefits of becoming an Individual Microentrepreneur! Share your thoughts.

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