Top Side Hustles in NL

The best side hustles in the Netherlands give you the chance to generate extra income alongside your regular job. Whether you're looking for a few hundred euros per month or want to build a serious second income stream - there are more opportunities in 2025 than ever. In this comprehensive overview, we discuss 25 proven side hustles in the Netherlands, including expected income, startup costs, difficulty level, and practical tips to get started right away.

Why start a side hustle in the Netherlands?

More and more Dutch people are looking for ways to earn extra money alongside their fixed job. According to the CBS, over 12% of working Dutch people have a second income stream. The reasons are diverse: inflation and rising costs, building financial freedom, developing new skills, or simply turning a hobby into money. A side hustle in the Netherlands is also fiscally interesting - you can take advantage of the self-employed person's deduction and the SME profit exemption if you meet the hourly norm.

Overview: the best side hustles in the Netherlands compared

Below, you'll find a comparison table with the 25 best side hustles in the Netherlands. For each option, you'll see the expected monthly income, startup costs, difficulty level, and how quickly you can expect your first income.

E-commerce side hustles: selling via online platforms

1. Selling on bol.com

Selling on bol.com is one of the most popular and lucrative side hustles in the Netherlands. With over 13 million active customers, bol.com offers enormous reach. You can sell your own products or purchased items through the sales partner program. The Zoloo Product Tracker helps you find profitable products, while the Profit Calculator calculates your margin before you invest. The platform handles payment and optionally offers Logistics via bol (LVB), so you don't have to worry about shipping. The commission varies per category between 5% and 17%.

2. Dropshipping via bol.com

With dropshipping via bol.com, you sell products without holding any inventory. Your supplier ships directly to the customer. This significantly reduces your startup costs, but the margins are generally lower and you have less control over delivery times. With a good product database and reliable European suppliers, you can still build a serious income here. Note: bol.com has strict requirements for delivery times, so choose suppliers who ship from the Benelux or Germany.

3. Starting your own webshop

In addition to selling through marketplaces, you can also set up your own webshop via platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce. The advantage is full control over your brand and margins. The disadvantage is that you are responsible for marketing and customer acquisition yourself. Combine this with selling on bol.com for maximum reach - many successful sellers use both channels at the same time.

4. Print on Demand

With print on demand, you design products (t-shirts, mugs, posters) that are only produced after an order is placed. You don't need to hold any inventory and the risk is minimal. Platforms like Printful and Gelato integrate with various sales channels. The margins are lower than with your own products, but you can appeal to a niche audience with creative designs.

5. Selling handmade products

Are you creative? Sell your handmade products via Etsy, bol.com, or your own webshop. Think of jewelry, candles, ceramics, or knitted items. Handmade products have higher margins and loyal customers. The disadvantage is that it's hard to scale - your time is the bottleneck.

6. Selling digital products

E-books, templates, presets, spreadsheets, and digital planners are products that you create once and can sell unlimitedly. The margin is almost 100% and there are no shipping costs. This makes it an ideal side hustle for those looking for passive income.

7. Selling second-hand via Vinted and Marktplaats

A low-threshold way to get started: sell items you no longer use via Vinted, Marktplaats, or bol.com Plaza. Some people make a serious business out of buying vintage clothing or collectibles and selling them for a profit (reselling or flipping).

Freelance and service provision as a side hustle

8. Freelance writing

Content marketing is booming and companies constantly need good Dutch-language content. As a freelance writer, you can write blog posts, product descriptions, white papers, and social media content. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Schrijvers.nl help you get assignments. Experienced writers earn €0.10 – €0.25 per word.

9. Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant (VA), you support entrepreneurs remotely with tasks such as email management, calendar planning, customer service, bookkeeping, and social media. The demand for VAs is growing rapidly in the Netherlands. You need little starting capital - just a laptop and good organizational skills.

10. Social media management

Companies struggle to keep up with their social media channels. As a social media manager, you manage accounts, create content, plan posts, and analyze results. With knowledge of Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, you can serve multiple clients for €300 – €800 per client per month.

11. Online coaching and consultancy

Do you have expertise in a specific area? Offer online coaching or consultancy. This can range from business coaching and career advice to nutrition coaching and fitness. The hourly rate for coaches in the Netherlands is between €50 and €200, depending on your niche and experience.

12. Graphic design

With skills in Adobe Creative Suite or Canva, you can work as a freelance graphic designer creating logos, business cards, social media graphics, and website designs. Build a portfolio and use platforms like 99designs or Dribbble to find clients.

13. Tutoring

One of the fastest-paying side hustles: offer tutoring in subjects you're good at. Through platforms like Bijles.nl or Superprof, you can get started right away. Tutoring rates in the Netherlands range from €15 to €50 per hour, depending on the level and subject.

14. Translation work

The Netherlands is a multilingual country, and the demand for translators is high. If you speak English, German, French, or Spanish fluently in addition to Dutch, you can work as a freelance translator. Translation agencies and platforms like ProZ.com and TranslatorsCafé offer assignments. Rates vary from €0.08 to €0.15 per word.

15. SEO consultancy

Companies want to rank higher in Google but don't know how. As an SEO consultant, you help them with keyword research, technical optimization, and link building. A good keyword explorer and ranking checker are essential tools in your arsenal. SEO consultants charge €75 – €150 per hour.

16. E-mail marketing freelancer

E-mail marketing returns an average of €36 for every euro invested. Yet, many small and medium-sized businesses don't have anyone managing their e-mail campaigns. With knowledge of tools like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, or the Zoloo e-mail campaign tool, you can serve this niche.

Content and creative side hustles

17. Starting a YouTube channel

YouTube offers enormous growth opportunities, but it requires patience. You earn money through ads (after 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours), sponsored deals, and affiliate links. Dutch YouTubers in niches like finance, tech, or cooking earn €500 – €5,000+ per month. Investing in a good camera and microphone pays off.

18. Starting a podcast

Podcasting has grown explosively in the Netherlands. You earn money through sponsorships, ads, and premium content. It takes longer to earn money than with other side hustles, but a successful podcast builds a loyal audience that you can also use for other business activities.

19. Blogging

A blog can generate passive income in the long term through ads (Google AdSense), affiliate marketing, and sponsored content. Choose a niche you know a lot about and that has search volume. It takes an average of 6 – 12 months for a blog to generate significant income, but after that, it can be largely passive.

20. Stock photography

Do you have a good camera and an eye for composition? Upload your photos to Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock and earn royalties every time someone downloads your photo. The larger your portfolio, the more you earn. Some stock photographers earn hundreds of euros per month with a portfolio of 1,000+ photos.

21. Creating online courses

Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable make it easy to share your knowledge through online courses. Once created, a course can sell for years with minimal effort. The key is to choose a specific topic with clear demand.

Other side hustles in the Netherlands

22. Affiliate marketing

With affiliate marketing, you promote products from other companies and earn a commission per sale or click. Popular Dutch affiliate networks include Daisycon, TradeTracker, and the bol.com partner program. Combine this with a blog, YouTube channel, or social media for the best results.

23. App development

If you can program, app development is a lucrative side hustle. You can build your own apps or develop freelance for clients. The demand for app developers in the Netherlands is high, with hourly rates of €50 – €125 for freelancers.

24. Mystery shopping

As a mystery shopper, you visit stores, restaurants, or hotels and evaluate the service. You get paid per assignment (€10 – €50) and often get to keep the products. It's not a full-time income, but a fun way to earn some extra money. Platforms like Multisearch and BARE International offer assignments in the Netherlands.

25. Pet sitting and dog walking

Through platforms like Petbnb and Rover, you can earn extra money as a pet sitter or dog walker. Pet sitters earn an average of €15 – €30 per night, and dog walkers earn €10 – €15 per walk. Ideal if you love animals and want flexible hours.

Practical tips for your side hustle in the Netherlands

KvK registration and taxes

In the Netherlands, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) as soon as you start earning income regularly. Registration is free. You are then considered an entrepreneur for income tax purposes and can take advantage of tax deductions. Keep a good administration and invoicing from day one - tools like Zoloo can help you with this.

Start small and scale up

The most successful side hustlers start small alongside their job. Test your idea with minimal investment, validate the demand, and only scale up once you've proven it works. Use data and analytics to support your decisions - the Zoloo Sales Dashboard gives you real-time insights into your sales and margins.

Choose the right side hustle for you

The best side hustle is one that fits your skills, interests, and available time. Want to start quickly with minimal risk? Then choose tutoring, virtual assistance, or selling second-hand items. Want to build a scalable income in the long term? Then selling on bol.com, having a webshop, or creating content are better options.

Frequently asked questions about side hustles in the Netherlands

Do I need to register with the KvK for a side hustle?

Yes, if you generate income regularly with your side hustle, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce. This also applies if you do it alongside your job. Registration itself is free and gives you access to tax benefits such as the self-employed person's deduction.

How much can I earn with a side hustle?

This strongly depends on the chosen side hustle, your investment in time and money, and your experience. Tutoring or mystery shopping can earn you €50 – €500 per month, while successful bol.com sellers or online coaches can earn €3,000 – €10,000+ per month.

What are the best side hustles for beginners?

For beginners, tutoring, virtual assistance, selling second-hand items, and freelance writing are the best options. These require little start-up capital, are low-threshold, and quickly generate the first income.

Can I combine a side hustle with a full-time job?

Yes, most side hustles are flexible enough to do alongside a full-time job. Just check your employment contract for any clauses related to outside work. Many employers allow side hustles as long as they're not competitive.