Operating License
Does an MEI (individual microentrepreneur) need an Operating Permit in São Paulo? See when it does and when it does not
Municipal Law No. 15.031/2009 exempts some MEI (individual microentrepreneur) activities from the license. The others have 60 days after municipal registration to obtain the license. In a strictly residential zone, the exemption does not apply.
- MEI activities listed in a decree are exempt from the operating license.
- All other activities need the license within 60 days after registration with the CCM (Municipal Taxpayer Registry).
- In an Exclusively Residential Zone (ZER), the exemption does not apply.
By MTC Serviços editorial team2 min read
In São Paulo, Law No. 15.031/2009 exempts from the operating license the activities of the individual microentrepreneur (MEI) defined in an act of the Executive Branch. The exemption does not apply to establishments for which the MEI provides services or of which the MEI is a part.
For the other activities permitted to the MEI, the license must be obtained within 60 days after registration in the Municipal Taxpayer Registry (Cadastro de Contribuintes Mobiliários, CCM). During this period, the law does not apply penalties for lacking a license.
Where the exemption does not apply
The activity is allowed in all use zones, except in buildings located in Exclusively Residential Zones (ZER and ZERp). Even when exempt, the MEI must respect nuisance parameters and safety, hygiene and sanitary requirements.
If these rules are not followed, the law provides for a violation notice with a fine of R$ 100, doubled for repeat offenses, and a summons with up to 30 days to regularize or end the activity. If the summons is not complied with, the activity may be shut down.
The other licenses
The exemption covers only the City Hall license. The health license is required of an MEI only when the activity is high-risk and has a physical establishment, and the Fire Department exempts low-risk activities, such as one carried out at home without serving the public.
What this changes for you
- Before opening, check whether your activity is on the MEI exemption list.
- If it is not, count 60 days from your CCM registration to obtain the license.
- In a ZER property, the exemption does not apply: check the address's zoning before signing the lease.
Want to know how this applies to your property or business? MTC reviews it before any proposal.
Chat on WhatsAppSources
- Municipal Legislation Catalog: Law No. 15.031/2009(opens in a new tab)
- SP156: obtaining the Operating License Document (Auto de Licença de Funcionamento, ALF)(opens in a new tab)
- São Paulo City Hall (Health): health licensing(opens in a new tab)
- São Paulo Fire Department: Technical Instruction No. 42/2025(opens in a new tab)
Informational text, based on official acts and publications. The ads on this page are for MTC's own services. To find out how this applies to your property or business, talk to the MTC technical team.
