Side Hustles in Netherlands: 25+ Ideas

A Dutch side hustle is the way to generate extra income alongside your regular job. Whether you want to earn an extra €500 per month or build a fully online business, there are dozens of opportunities that fit perfectly with the Dutch market. In this extensive overview, we cover more than 25 side hustle ideas, including realistic earnings, startup time, and legal requirements.

What is a Dutch side hustle?

A side hustle is an activity that earns you money alongside your regular job. The difference with a traditional part-time job is that with a Dutch side hustle, you often have more flexibility and are your own boss. You determine your working hours, investment, and growth ambition. In the Netherlands, there are specific rules regarding extra income - think of KvK registration, VAT obligation, and tax return.

When do you need a KvK registration?

In the Netherlands, you are required to register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) as soon as you structurally and independently earn money. This applies to most side hustles. The registration costs a one-time €75.00 and gives you a VAT number. With an annual turnover of less than €20,000, you can use the small business scheme (KOR), which means you do not have to pay VAT.

The best Dutch side hustle ideas for e-commerce

E-commerce is one of the most popular and profitable categories for a Dutch side hustle. The Dutch market offers unique opportunities thanks to platforms like bol.com, the logistics network of PostNL and DHL, and a high internet penetration of 98%.

1. Selling on bol.com

Selling on bol.com is perhaps the most popular Dutch side hustle. With more than 13 million active customers, you have direct access to an enormous customer base. You can start with a small assortment and scale up as you gain more experience. Tools like Zoloo's Product Tracker help you find profitable products, while the Profit Calculator calculates your exact margins.

2. Dropshipping via bol.com

With dropshipping via bol.com, you sell products without your own stock. Your supplier ships directly to the customer. This significantly reduces your startup costs - you don't need a warehouse or large investment. Look for reliable European suppliers for faster delivery times.

3. Print on demand

With print on demand, you design t-shirts, mugs, posters, and other products that are only printed after an order. Platforms like Printful and Printify integrate with Dutch webshops and bol.com. Your creative designs determine your success - production and shipping are fully outsourced.

4. Starting your own webshop

With platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Lightspeed, you can launch your own webshop within a day. The advantage over marketplaces is full control over your brand and higher margins. The disadvantage is that you have to generate traffic yourself via SEO, social media, and advertisements.

5. Selling on Amazon.nl

Since Amazon is active in the Netherlands, this is an additional sales channel alongside bol.com. The FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) service handles storage and shipping, allowing you to focus on product research and marketing. Combine both platforms for maximum reach.

* Occasional sale of personal items is usually not subject to KvK registration.

Freelancing and service provision as a Dutch side hustle

Not everyone wants to sell physical products. Freelancing and online service provision are excellent alternatives for a Dutch side hustle, often with lower startup costs and faster income.

6. Freelance writer or copywriter

Demand for Dutch-language content is growing exponentially. Companies are constantly looking for freelance writers for blogs, product descriptions, social media posts, and SEO texts. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and the Dutch Freelance.nl help you get your first clients. Rates vary from €0.05 to €0.25 per word, depending on your expertise and niche.

7. Virtual assistant (VA)

As a virtual assistant, you help entrepreneurs with tasks such as email management, calendar planning, bookkeeping, customer service, and social media management. This is an ideal Dutch side hustle for those who are organized and prefer to work from home. The hourly rate for a Dutch VA ranges from €20 to €50.

8. Online coaching and consultancy

Got expertise in a specific area - fitness, nutrition, marketing, finance, or personal development? You can offer online coaching via Zoom or Google Meet. Dutch coaches earn an average of €50-€150 per session. With targeted courses, you can scale your knowledge.

9. Web design and development

The demand for websites and web applications is huge. If you have skills in WordPress, Webflow, or programming, you can earn €50-€100 per hour as a freelance web designer. Many Dutch SMBs are looking for affordable web designers for their online presence.

10. Graphic design

Using tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma, you can design logos, social media templates, packaging designs, and marketing materials. The rise of e-commerce (think bol.com sellers who need professional product photos and A+ content) offers extra opportunities.

11. Social media management

Companies pay €300-€1,500 per month for social media management. You plan content, respond to comments, analyze results, and develop the social media strategy. This is a perfect side hustle if you already spend a lot of time on social media.

Generating passive income as a side hustle

The holy grail of every side hustle: passive income. These methods require more work upfront, but can generate money in the long run without continuous effort.

12. Affiliate marketing

In affiliate marketing, you promote products or services from other companies through your blog, YouTube channel, or social media. For every sale made through your unique link, you receive a commission. Dutch affiliate programs like bol.com Partner, Daisycon, and TradeTracker offer commissions of 2% to 15% per sale.

13. Starting a YouTube channel

With a Dutch YouTube channel, you can earn money through ads (AdSense), sponsor deals, and affiliate links. The RPM (revenue per mille) for Dutch content averages between €2 and €8. With 100,000 views per month, you can earn €200-€800 per month - and that grows exponentially.

14. Creating online courses

Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and the Dutch Soofos make it easy to share your knowledge as an online course. A good Dutch-language course can generate passive income for years. Successful sellers earn €500-€5,000+ per month with their courses.

15. Stock photography and video

Upload your photos and videos to platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock. Every time someone downloads your content, you receive a fee. With a portfolio of 500+ high-quality photos, you can earn €100-€500 per month passively.

16. Writing and selling e-books

With Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing), you can publish e-books without a publisher. Dutch-language niche books on specific topics (such as selling on bol.com, investing, or healthy living) sell well. The royalty is up to 70% of the sale price.

Innovative Dutch side hustles for 2025

The digital economy offers more innovative opportunities. These emerging side hustles are particularly suitable for the Dutch market.

17. AI services

With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and DALL-E, new side hustle opportunities emerge. Offer services like AI-driven content creation, chatbot development, AI workflow automation, or AI training for companies. Demand is growing rapidly, and supply is still limited in the Netherlands.

18. Selling sustainable products

Dutch consumers are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. Sell sustainable, eco-friendly, or second-hand products via bol.com or your own webshop. Think reusable products, organic care products, or recycled toys. The Zoloo Product Database helps you identify trending sustainable products.

19. Start a podcast

The Dutch podcast market is growing by 30% annually. Earn money through sponsorships, affiliate deals, and merchandise. Popular Dutch podcasts earn €500-€5,000 per episode from sponsor deals. Start with a specific niche and build a loyal audience.

20. Develop an app or SaaS tool

If you can program (or collaborate with a developer), you can build an app or SaaS tool that solves a specific problem. Think of tools for accounting, planning, e-commerce analysis, or productivity. A successful micro-SaaS can generate €1,000-€10,000+ per month.

21. Offer online tutoring

The demand for online tutoring in the Netherlands is huge, especially for subjects like math, Dutch, English, and physics. Through platforms like Bijles.com, Superprof, and Thuisonderwijs.nl, you can earn €20-€60 per hour. Ideal as a side hustle for students and professionals with subject knowledge.

22. Translation work

If you're fluent in multiple languages besides Dutch, translation work is a lucrative side hustle. The Dutch-English combination is in highest demand. Professional translators earn €0.08-€0.20 per word. With specialization (legal, medical, technical), rates are even higher.

23. SEO consultancy

Many Dutch companies struggle with their Google visibility. If you have knowledge of search engine optimization, you can earn €50-€150 per hour as a freelance SEO consultant. Combine this with tools like the Keyword Verkenner and Ranking Checker for data-driven advice.

24. Marketplace trading and reselling

Buy products at low prices during sales, bankruptcies, or via Alibaba and resell them for a profit on Marktplaats, Vinted, or bol.com. Experienced resellers earn €500-€3,000 per month by buying smart and choosing the right moment.

25. Pet sitting via Petbnb

Petbnb and Pawshake are Dutch platforms where you can offer pet sitting services. With rates of €15-€35 per day for dog sitting and €10-€20 per day for cat sitting, this is a low-threshold side hustle - especially popular during vacation periods.

How to choose the right Dutch side hustle?

When choosing a Dutch side hustle, five factors are important:

• Available time - How many hours per week can you dedicate? E-commerce requires more time than passive income sources
• Start-up capital - Some side hustles require an investment (stock), others can be started for free (freelancing)
• Skills - Build on existing knowledge and interests for the highest success rate
• Scalability - Do you want to build a business that can grow, or are you looking for a reliable side income?
• Legal requirements - Check if you need a KvK registration and what tax obligations apply

Taxes and tax obligations

Every Dutch side hustle comes with tax obligations. Here are the key things to consider:

• Chamber of Commerce registration - Mandatory for regular commercial activities (one-time €75,00)
• VAT return - Quarterly or monthly, depending on your turnover. If you earn less than €20,000/year, you can opt for the KOR
• Income tax - Report all income from your side hustle in box 1 (business profit) or as income from other activities
• Self-employed person's allowance - If you work at least 1,225 hours per year (hour criterion), you are entitled to tax benefits
• Administration - Keep all invoices and receipts for at least 7 years. Use accounting tools like Moneybird or e-Boekhouden

Tips to make your side hustle successful

Based on thousands of successful Dutch side hustlers, we've compiled the following tips:

1. Start small, scale up - Test your idea with minimal investment before going big
2. Use data - Analyze the market with tools like Zoloo's Product Tracker and Sales Dashboard before making decisions
3. Automate - Use tools for automatic invoicing, inventory management, and email campaigns to save time
4. Build a brand - Invest in a professional appearance and consistent communication
5. Network - Join communities of like-minded entrepreneurs for knowledge and inspiration
6. Be patient - Most side hustles take 3-6 months to generate consistent income
7. Keep learning - Take courses and stay up-to-date with trends and best practices

Frequently asked questions about Dutch side hustles

How much can you earn with a side hustle in the Netherlands?

Earnings vary greatly: from €100 per month for occasional activities to €5,000+ per month for an established e-commerce business on bol.com. The average Dutch side hustler earns between €300 and €1,500 per month alongside a regular job.

Do I need to inform my employer about my side hustle?

Yes, in most cases. Check your employment contract for a non-compete or secondary employment clause. Many employers allow side hustles as long as they don't compete with the company and don't affect your performance.

What's the easiest side hustle to start with?

Selling second-hand items via Marktplaats or Vinted is the easiest way to start. For a more structured Dutch side hustle, selling on bol.com is an excellent choice due to its large customer base and extensive support via tools like Zoloo.

Can I start a side hustle without money?

Absolutely. Freelance services (writing, VA, social media management), affiliate marketing, and second-hand sales require no initial capital. Only the Chamber of Commerce registration of €75,00 is a fixed cost if you want to earn money regularly.