Abstract
Self-employed workers in Brazil are to a large extent excluded from the national social security system. This article describes two programmes introduced in the 2000s that have achieved good results in terms of the “formalization” and protection of these workers. The programmes offer microentrepreneurs and self-employed workers simplified administrative procedures, commercial benefits (ability to take out bank loans and issue invoices) and levels of social security contributions adapted to their incomes. The data provided by the authors illustrate the effectiveness of the programmes, which could also be implemented in other countries.