Many people who want to start a business are unsure whether or not it is necessary to open a CNPJ. This article aims to clarify this issue for you.
vhsys blog | I'm going to undertake, now what? Do I need a CNPJ?
Complete ERP + Integrated PJ Account + Stone Machine with zero monthly fee
Outperform your competitors with Integrated Management
Organize your finances and increase your sales, all in one place!
Discover the perfect plan for your business
There is a specific requirement that allows companies that do not yet sell products or services to not need a CNPJ. This ends up being quite common among Startups.
In addition, we separate a special Mobile Number Database topic to talk about what are the existing types of CNPJ to help you when opening one. So shall we get straight to the point?
Below are the topics we will cover here:
Outperform your competitors with Integrated Management
Is it possible to open a business without CNPJ?
When is it mandatory to have a CNPJ?
How to choose the right CNPJ for my business
4 tips for those who are starting a business
Click here and take the vhsys free trial
Is it possible to open a business without CNPJ?
The answer to that question is, yes ! You can open a business without having a CNPJ!
Before commercializing products or services, many companies go through several stages. These steps refer to supplier search research, target audience study and various other information that allow understanding the viability of the enterprise.
This situation is very common within startups, (a company model with innovative business) which often begin to develop software or digital products informally, by a developer or a group of people, who may eventually become partners in the future.
Well, in short, you can open a business without CNPJ as long as you don't sell any type of product or service.
When is it mandatory to have a CNPJ?
The law determines that acts of trade in products or services can only be carried out by entrepreneurs, these being: MEI , individual entrepreneur, business company, etc.
From the moment the company is actually implemented and sales begin, CNPJ registration is mandatory , or regularization through a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur), if applicable.
Through this registration, it is possible to issue invoices and request easy credit lines for entrepreneurs.
There are several types of CNPJ, before opening yours, you need to do some research and understand which type your business fits into. For your happiness, we have separated all this information below. Let's check it out? 🙂
How to choose the right CNPJ for my business
Brazil has several types of companies to meet the needs of each specific entrepreneur. This variety makes it possible to structure and organize legal entities according to size, billing and social purpose. Shall we check out the types?

MEI - Individual Microentrepreneur
Perhaps this is the most widespread type across the country and the best type of company in some situations. It is constituted only by the individual entrepreneur who works on his own account. This model allows the creation of a legal entity with the objective of organizing the action and generating a CNPJ. In addition, it allows the contract of a maximum of one employee. Ideal for those who are starting to undertake.
To qualify for the MEI, the company must have a maximum turnover of R$ 81,000 per year. In addition, the entrepreneur cannot have a stake in any other title company.
MEI is part of Simples Nacional, it is exempt from federal taxes that are normally paid by other companies. However, every month a fixed amount is paid, destined for Social Security and ICMS and ISS. This amount may vary according to MEI activity.
sole proprietorship
The Individual Company is often confused with the MEI, however, the Individual Company has some more restrictive characteristics in relation to the activities it can carry out as a legal entity.