How much it costs to open a company in 2026: from MEI to full corporate
How much does it cost to open a company in 2026? From MEI to a full corporate structure: registration, accountant, business license and upkeep figures expected for this year.
One of the first questions anyone planning to go into business asks is: “How much does it cost?” The answer depends fundamentally on the type of company you want to open. To figure out which type makes sense for you, check our comparison guide between MEI and LTDA; and before calculating costs, it is worth reviewing the complete guide on how to open a company to confirm the right type. The cost to open a MEI (individual micro-entrepreneur) is almost zero; for a Limited Liability Company (LTDA) with a complete structure, it can exceed R$ 20,000 in the first year. Vivian Sampaio, an accountant and lawyer with more than 26 years of experience, breaks down the costs by regime and shows where you can save.
General cost overview
Before getting into the details, here is the overall picture of costs by company type:
2026 figures, subject to change according to official indices.
MEI cost
The individual micro-entrepreneur (MEI) is by far the most economical model. Its costs are:
Free registration
Opening a MEI through REDESIM is free. There is no registration fee at the Board of Trade, no notary cost and no operating fee. The CNPJ (company tax ID) is generated automatically.
Monthly DAS
The DAS (Simples Nacional Collection Document) is the MEI’s only monthly charge. In 2026, the amount is made up of:
- Social Security contribution (INSS): 5% of the minimum wage
- ICMS (if retail/trade): R$ 1.00 to R$ 2.00 per month depending on the sector
- ISS (if services): R$ 5.00 to R$ 10.00 per month depending on the municipality
The total amount comes to around R$ 70 to R$ 80 per month, depending on the activity and the municipality.
Free business license
The MEI is entitled to a free operating license for low-risk activities carried out at a residential address. The cost is zero.
Total annual MEI cost
With all costs added up, the MEI costs less than R$ 1,000 per year in upkeep — including the monthly DAS. The opening cost is zero.
Sole Proprietor (EI) cost
The EI is more expensive than the MEI, but it is still a simple structure. The costs include:
Board of Trade fee
To open an EI registered with the Board of Trade (required to have articles of association and, in some states, to be able to have partners), the registration fee ranges from R$ 100 to R$ 500, depending on the state and the share capital.
Accountant
From the moment you have an EI with more complex accounting, you need an accountant. The monthly accounting fee for an EI runs between R$ 300 and R$ 600 per month.
Total annual EI cost
- Opening: R$ 100-500 (one-time fee)
- Accountant: R$ 3,600-7,200/year
- First-year total: R$ 3,700-7,700
LTDA cost
The Limited Liability Company is the most common model for businesses with partners, and where costs start to become significant.
Articles of association and Board of Trade registration
Registering the articles of association with the Board of Trade is paid. The fee varies by state and size, but in São Paulo it is around R$ 200 to R$ 600 for the registration itself, plus costs for certifying copies and transcripts.
Accounting fees
This is the most relevant cost of an LTDA. The accounting fees for setup and monthly upkeep depend on size and complexity:
Market rates in São Paulo for 2026.
License and permits
The license cost depends on the activity’s risk level:
- Low-risk license: free in São Paulo (automatic)
- Medium-risk license: municipal fee of R$ 200 to R$ 1,000
- High-risk license: in addition to the fees, there may be a cost for technical reports (R$ 500 to R$ 5,000, depending on the type)
Total annual LTDA cost
Adding setup (articles + registration), the first year’s accountant and the license, the total cost to open and maintain an LTDA under Simples Nacional (simplified tax regime) in 2026 falls between R$ 12,000 and R$ 30,000 in the first year. In the following years, the cost drops to the accountant’s monthly upkeep (R$ 800-1,200/12 = R$ 9,600-14,400/year). For those still deciding on the company type, check the comparison between MEI and LTDA before calculating costs.
Hidden costs that many forget
Beyond direct costs, there are costs that frequently surprise those opening a company:
Registration correction
If you opened the CNPJ with incorrect data (wrong CNAE, wrong address, incorrect company name), correcting it has a cost. A simple correction via REDESIM can cost R$ 200 to R$ 500 in accounting fees. More complex corrections can cost more.
Registration changes
Any change to the articles of association (change of address, entry or exit of a partner, change in capital) requires registration with the Board of Trade. Each change costs R$ 100 to R$ 500 in fees + accounting fees of R$ 500 to R$ 2,000.
Tax compliance
Maintaining a company requires periodic submission of ancillary obligations: SPED, ECD, ECF, Incentive Declarations. Each of them has an accounting cost. Companies that fail to file are subject to fines ranging from R$ 500 to R$ 50,000 per declaration.
How to reduce setup costs
MEI whenever possible
If your revenue stays below the MEI ceiling and you work alone, there is no reason to open an LTDA. The MEI costs less than 1/10 of an LTDA in annual upkeep.
Prepare before approaching the accountant
Having your personal documents ready, knowing your approximate CNAE and being clear about the address avoids extra meetings and rework that the accountant charges for separately.
Use digital incorporation
Opening via REDESIM is cheaper than in-person processes with an agent. If you are comfortable with technology, you can handle much of the process yourself.
Consolidate everything with one accountant from the start
Switching accountants midway has a cost (termination fees, file transfer charges). Choose your accountant well the first time.
FAQs
How much does an accountant cost to open a company?
Setup fees (not the monthly upkeep) range from R$ 500 to R$ 5,000, depending on the company type and complexity. The MEI, in many cases, does not even need an accountant to open. The LTDA always requires a qualified professional.
Does the accountant’s cost include the setup?
Not always. Some accountants include the setup fees in the first month of service; others charge separately. Clarify this in your first contact.
Do I need a lawyer to open an LTDA?
It is not mandatory, but it is highly advisable for contracts with partners. A lawyer can ensure that the clauses of the articles of association protect everyone’s interests. The cost of a lawyer to review the articles of association is R$ 1,000 to R$ 3,000 — an investment that usually pays for itself when there is conflict between partners.
Does the MEI pay any fee to open?
No. Registering the MEI via REDESIM is free. The MEI’s cost is just the monthly DAS. To understand why having an accountant from the start makes a difference, check our analysis of the importance of an accountant at setup.
Is it true that the first year of an LTDA is the most expensive?
Yes. The first year includes setup costs (which are one-time) plus monthly upkeep. From the second year on, costs drop because you only pay for upkeep.
How much are you planning to spend to open your company? If you want to know the exact cost for your specific case, the VMAHUB team can provide a personalized estimate. Talk to an accountant on WhatsApp or fill out our contact form.
For an overview of the hub’s other guides on company cost, formation and management, start with the Naprática hub introduction.
Vivian Sampaio is an accountant, lawyer, author, mentor and speaker with more than 26 years of experience in accounting and law. Founder of VMAHUB.
Tags: Cost, Company Formation, MEI, LTDA, Accountant