The number of street vendors formalized as individual microentrepreneurs (MEI), in 2025, grew 45% compared to 2023. More than 56 thousand professionals who sell on the streets registered as MEI last year, compared to 38 thousand in 2023 and 42 thousand in 2024.
The data are from DataSebrae, from the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae). The entity celebrates the greater number of formalization of these workers and hopes that the category takes advantage of the carnival boom.
In Bahia, there were 2,900 street vendors formalized as MEI last year, 39% more than in 2023. In Rio de Janeiro, there were 6,500, an increase of 54% compared to two years before. In São Paulo, 16 thousand street vendors were formalized last year, 43% more than in 2023.
“These professionals are essential to the party [carnaval]which should generate around R$18.6 billion this year”, said the institution, adding that “the biggest popular celebration in the world is held by small businesses”.
During the carnival period, Sebrae carries out an action in Salvador to promote micro and small companies during the festivities in segments such as fashion, economy, food and beverages on the Barra-Ondina circuit. The objective is to show that the party is a great space for generating income.
Also according to Sebrae, in Bahia, small businesses comprise almost all of the segments of bars, restaurants and food away from home (98.6%) and transport and tourist reception (97%). They also represent 84.1% of hotels and accommodation facilities.
The expectation is that more than 1.2 million tourists will arrive in the capital of Salvador and generate more than R$1.8 billion.
MEI
The Individual Microentrepreneur (MEI) is the simplest form of professional formalization, opening up the possibility of having a CNPJ.
MEI’s revenue can be up to R$81 thousand per year, with the right to hire up to one employee to assist with its tasks.
