How to Hire an Employee as a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur): Practical Guide, Rights and Costs

If you are a self-employed individual (MEI) and feel the need to expand your business, knowing how to hire an employee can be crucial. The process is simpler than it seems, but it requires attention to ensure compliance with the law. Furthermore, by following the regulations, you protect yourself from labor disputes and guarantee the employee's rights.

A self-employed individual (MEI) can hire up to one registered employee, who must receive the current minimum wage or the category's minimum wage. The employee gains access to various social security benefits, such as retirement, sick pay, and unemployment insurance. These are important steps to strengthen business management and expand its reach.

It's essential to plan before hiring. Analyze the financial impact, understand your legal obligations, and choose the ideal professional for the role. With planning and information, the process will proceed smoothly and without surprises.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring an Employee as a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur)

To begin, plan the job profile and verify its actual necessity. Then, advertise the vacancy in the way you prefer, such as in groups, posters, or social media.

Select candidates who match the profile defined in the job description and requirements. Conduct objective interviews to choose the ideal employee. After selecting the employee, register them on eSocialMEI.

Registration ensures that all legal obligations are met, such as FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) and INSS (Brazilian social security) contributions. Finally, provide a contract, define working hours, and initiate the employment relationship while respecting legally mandated rights.

Maintain clear communication and guide the new employee regarding tasks, schedules, and internal rules. This avoids misunderstandings that could harm the working relationship.

Rights of an Employee Hired by a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur)

An employee hired by a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) is entitled to several labor and social security benefits. The main ones are: minimum wage or category minimum wage, annual vacation plus 1/3, and thirteenth salary.

The employee is also entitled to paid weekly rest, preferably on Sundays. In addition, payment of FGTS (Brazilian severance fund), INSS (Brazilian social security), and adequate compensation for overtime worked is guaranteed.

Other benefits include night shift pay, unemployment insurance, severance pay, and transportation allowance. In specific situations, such as hazardous work, there is additional payment.

The contract may include additional benefits defined in collective bargaining agreements, such as a basic food basket or health insurance. Always consult the union to ensure compliance with the rules.

Costs Involved in Hiring an Employee

Before hiring, it's essential to understand the financial impact. Monthly costs include salary, FGTS (Brazilian severance fund), INSS (Brazilian social security), and any additional pay based on the type of work schedule.

Paid vacation, one-third vacation bonus, 13th-month salary, and any other mandatory benefits stipulated by law or collective bargaining agreement should all be taken into account.

The FGTS (Severance Indemnity Fund) corresponds to 8% (3 days' salary) and the INSS (National Social Security Institute) to 3%. Payments are made via eSocial, simplifying the process for the MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur).

Additionally, check for any extra costs, such as transportation vouchers or basic food baskets, as stipulated by industry agreements. Stick to your plan to avoid surprises.

Therefore, by calculating all expenses and obligations, it's possible to better organize the business's cash flow and ensure financial health.

How to Define the Ideal Employee Profile

The ideal candidate profile depends on the role. List the daily tasks and essential skills, such as writing, math, or computer use.

Check if the job posting requires specific education, proven experience, or a technical course related to the company's work.

Also describe important behavioral qualities, such as communication, proactivity, or the ability to deal with the public.

Establish clear criteria for advertising the position and filtering out the most aligned candidates. This ensures the selection of a professional who will bring value to the business.

With the profile in hand, you gain more efficiency in screening and managing the employee.

Benefits of Hiring Legally

Formally hiring an employee provides security for both the self-employed individual (MEI) and the employee. Both are protected by rights and duties clearly defined in the legislation.

Employers avoid fines, labor lawsuits, and legal liabilities by complying with mandatory registrations, contracts, and payments.

The employee receives essential benefits such as social security (INSS), severance pay (FGTS), and unemployment insurance. This generates stability and motivation to perform their duties better.

Formalization allows for sustainable business growth, boosting productivity and building trust with clients and partners.

Therefore, investing in a regular process is part of the long-term success of your business.

Practical Tips for Safe Hiring

Seek guidance from an accountant or the local Sebrae (Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service) to avoid mistakes. Clarify any doubts about legislation and benefits.

Document every step of the process, from advertising the job opening to registering the employee on eSocialMEI.

Openly discuss rights, obligations, and expectations with your colleague. This prevents conflicts and strengthens the professional relationship.

Use spreadsheets or simple systems to organize payments, vacations, and other obligations. Planning is your best ally.

Finally, stay up-to-date on changes in legislation and adapt your processes as needed.

Conclusion

Hiring an employee as a MEI (Individual Microentrepreneur) is an alternative for growing in a structured, safe, and legal way.

Knowing your obligations, rights, and costs prevents problems and improves the entrepreneur's management.

Planning, information, and formalization ensure a healthy environment for both the business and the employee.

This way, your business will be ready for new challenges and opportunities, with peace of mind and transparency.

Always rely on the support of specialized professionals to further strengthen your management.