The Complete Guide
Key Facts
Brazil offers three main paths to self-employment for foreigners: MEI (annual cap R$81,000), autônomo as a registered individual without a company, and a full CNPJ as Microempresa, EPP or Sociedade Limitada.
Foreigners need a CPF tax ID and a valid residence permit (CRNM) — or an investor visa with R$150,000 to R$500,000 in deposited capital — before they can open a CNPJ. Tourists cannot legally self-employ in Brazil.
From 1 July 2026 Brazil switches to an alphanumeric CNPJ format, replacing the 14-digit numeric structure to expand the available business identification range — existing CNPJs remain valid.
