25 Online Side Hustles in NL

More and more Dutch people are looking for online side hustles in the Netherlands to generate extra income alongside their regular job. Whether you're a student, work part-time, or just want more financial freedom - there are countless opportunities to earn money from home. In this article, we'll discuss 25 proven online side hustles you can start from the Netherlands in 2025, including realistic earnings, required investment, and startup time.

Why start an online side hustle in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is an ideal country for online side hustles. With one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world (98%), a strong logistics network, and platforms like bol.com, the Netherlands has a thriving e-commerce ecosystem. Additionally, Dutch legislation offers opportunities to start working as a freelancer or part-time entrepreneur with tax benefits like the startup deduction and the self-employed person's deduction.

According to figures from the CBS, in 2024, over 1.2 million Dutch people had a side job or secondary activity. The average extra income from online activities ranged between €200 and €2,000 per month, depending on the type of side hustle and the time invested.

Comparison table: Top 25 online side hustles in the Netherlands

Below, you'll find an overview of all online side hustles in the Netherlands covered in this article, with the key features at a glance:

E-commerce side hustles

1. Selling on bol.com

Selling products on bol.com is one of the most popular online side hustles in the Netherlands. With over 13 million active customers, the platform offers enormous reach. You can offer both new and used products. Use tools like the Zoloo Product Tracker to find profitable products and the Profit Calculator to calculate your margins before you buy. The startup costs are relatively low - you only need a KvK registration and can start small.

2. Dropshipping via bol.com or your own webshop

Dropshipping is a model where you sell products without holding them in stock. A supplier ships directly to the customer. This significantly reduces your risk and initial investment. Just keep an eye on commission costs and delivery times - customers expect fast shipping. Look for reliable European suppliers for shorter delivery times.

3. Print on demand

With print on demand, you sell products with your design - think t-shirts, mugs, posters, and phone cases. The product is only printed and shipped when a customer places an order. Platforms like Printful and Gelato integrate with Dutch webshops. You don't need to hold any stock, and startup costs are minimal.

4. Selling handmade products

Are you creative? Sell handmade products through Etsy, bol.com, or your own webshop. Think jewelry, candles, art, or personalized gifts. The Dutch market for handmade products is growing annually. Combine a unique product with good product photography and a strong brand story for the best results.

5. Starting your own webshop

With platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Lightspeed, you can relatively easily start your own webshop. The advantage over marketplaces is having full control over your brand, prices, and customer relationships. The downside is that you need to generate traffic yourself through SEO, ads, or social media. Having your own webshop works best as a supplement to platforms like bol.com.

6. Selling digital products

Digital products like templates, presets, spreadsheets, planners, and checklists are popular and have a high profit margin. You create the product once and can sell it infinitely without additional production costs. Platforms like Gumroad or Payhip make it easy to get started.

The importance of data in e-commerce side hustles

Whether you sell on bol.com, through dropshipping, or your own webshop - data-driven decisions make the difference between success and failure. With the right tools, you analyze market trends, competition, and profitability before investing. Zoloo's Product Database helps you identify promising products, while the Keyword Verkenner shows you what customers are looking for. This prevents you from spending time and money on products that don't sell.

Freelance & service side hustles

7. Freelance writing

Do you have a way with words? As a freelance writer, you can write articles, blogs, web content, and social media posts for companies. Dutch companies pay an average of €0.06-€0.15 per word. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Dutch alternatives like Freelance.nl help you get your first clients.

8. Virtual assistant

As a virtual assistant (VA), you help entrepreneurs with tasks like email management, calendar planning, customer service, and administration. The demand for VAs in the Netherlands is growing, especially among small entrepreneurs and freelancers who want to free up time for their core activities. You can start with an hourly rate of €15-€30.

9. Graphic design

Using tools like Canva (free) or Adobe Creative Suite, you can create logos, social media content, flyers, and web designs for clients. Many small Dutch companies are looking for affordable designers for their visual identity. Build a portfolio via platforms like Dribbble or Behance and offer your services on Fiverr or Upwork.

10. Social media management

Many small businesses want to be active on social media, but they don't have the time for it. As a social media manager, you plan, create, and analyze content for platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook. On average, a client pays €300-€600 per month for managing two to three channels.

11. SEO-consultancy

Knowledge of search engine optimization is in high demand. Companies pay €50-€150 per hour for SEO advice. You help websites rank higher in Google through technical improvements, content optimization, and link building. Start with a certification via Google or HubSpot and build experience with your own projects.

12. Online coaching or consultancy

Do you have expertise in a specific field? Offer online coaching sessions via Zoom or Google Meet. From business coaching and health coaching to financial advice - the possibilities are endless. Dutch coaches charge an average of €50-€150 per session.

13. Online tutoring

If you're good at a particular subject (math, languages, music), you can give online lessons. Platforms like Bijles.com, Superprof, and Apprentus connect you with Dutch students. Hourly rates range from €15 to €40, depending on the level and subject.

14. Translation work

If you speak fluent English, German, or French in addition to Dutch, translation work is a lucrative side hustle. Companies pay €0.08-€0.15 per word for professional translations. With the internationalization of Dutch companies, the demand for translators is growing steadily.

15. Voiceover work

With a good microphone and quiet recording space, you can do voiceovers for commercials, e-learnings, podcasts, and videos. The Dutch voiceover market is smaller than the English-speaking one, but that means there's less competition. Platforms like Voices.com and Fiverr are good starting points.

Content & media side hustles

16. Blogging

Starting a blog about a topic you're passionate about can generate a nice side income in the long run. Revenue models include affiliate marketing, sponsored content, advertising (AdSense), and selling your own products. It takes an average of 6-12 months for a blog to generate significant income.

17. YouTube channel

Video content is extremely popular. Dutch YouTubers earn an average of €1-€5 per 1,000 views through ads, supplemented with sponsor deals and merchandise. Popular niches in the Netherlands include tech reviews, personal finance, cooking, and lifestyle. Investing in a good camera and microphone pays off in the long run.

18. Starting a podcast

The Dutch podcast market is growing explosively. Through platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, you reach a wide audience. Income comes from sponsorships, ads, and premium content. Start with a good microphone (from €50) and free hosting via Anchor.

19. Writing e-books

Write an e-book about a topic you're knowledgeable about and sell it through Amazon KDP, bol.com, or your own website. Production costs are negligible, and you earn passive income with each sale. Dutch-language e-books on niche topics often perform well due to limited competition.

20. Stock photography

Do you have a good camera or smartphone? Upload your photos to stock platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock. You earn a royalty with each download. It's a typical passive income model - once uploaded, you earn money from it every month without extra work.

Technical side hustles

21. Web development

Web developers are in high demand. With knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or WordPress, you can build websites for clients. Dutch freelance developers charge between €40-€100 per hour. Start by building your own portfolio and offer your services on LinkedIn and freelance platforms.

22. App development

Developing apps requires more technical knowledge and a longer startup time, but the earning potential is huge. You can sell apps in the App Store or Google Play, or develop them custom for clients. With no-code platforms like Bubble and FlutterFlow, the barrier to entry is getting lower.

23. Creating online courses

Share your knowledge through online courses on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or your own platform. Dutch experts earn hundreds to thousands of euros per month with online courses. Popular topics include programming, marketing, photography, and personal development. Once created, courses generate passive income.

Low-barrier side hustles

24. Affiliate marketing

Promote products from other companies through your website, blog, or social media and earn a commission per sale. Popular Dutch affiliate networks include Daisycon, TradeTracker, and the bol.com Partnerprogramma. The startup time is relatively long (you need traffic), but the scalability potential is huge.

25. Online surveys and microtasks

The lowest-barrier online side hustle: fill out surveys or complete small tasks through platforms like Swagbucks, Toluna, and Clickworker. The earnings are modest (€20-€200 per month), but it's a good way to start without investment or experience.

Tips for successfully starting online side hustles in the Netherlands

1. Start small and scale up

Start with one side hustle and don't invest more than you can afford to lose. Test if it's a good fit before making large investments. Many successful entrepreneurs started their e-commerce business as a small side hustle.

2. Get your administration in order

In the Netherlands, you're required to report income from a side hustle to the tax authorities. Above a certain income level, you need a KvK registration. Keep track of your income and expenses - this prevents surprises during tax filing.

3. Use the right tools

Invest in tools that make your work more efficient. For e-commerce on bol.com, Zoloo offers a complete suite: from finding products and checking rankings to sales dashboards and automatic invoicing. The right tools save you hours per week.

4. Invest in knowledge

Take courses on selling on bol.com or other platforms. Knowledge increases your chances of success and prevents expensive mistakes in the beginning.

5. Be patient

Most online side hustles don't generate significant income right away. Expect 3-6 months before you see serious results. Consistency and perseverance are key to success.

Frequently asked questions about online side hustles in the Netherlands

How much can I earn with an online side hustle?

Earnings vary greatly: from €20 per month with surveys to €10,000+ per month with a successful webshop or app. On average, Dutch people earn €200-€1,500 per month with their online side hustle.

Do I need a KvK registration?

If you regularly offer products or services, yes. Occasional sales (for example, via Marktplaats) are not required. If in doubt, contact the KvK or an accountant. Also, read our article about selling without KvK.

What's the best side hustle for beginners?

Selling on bol.com, freelance writing, and virtual Assistant are the most accessible options with a low barrier to entry. Selling on bol.com offers the most scalability potential thanks to the platform's huge customer base.

Can I combine a side hustle with a job?

Yes, most online side hustles can be perfectly combined with a full-time job. Just check your employment contract for any non-compete clause or ban on side jobs. Many Dutch people spend 5-15 hours a week on their side hustle.